♫'New Traditionalist' Country Artist♫

During his career, Randy Travis unintentionally opened the door for many young artists who sought to return to the traditional sound of country music. Known as a "New Traditionalist," Travis was credited with influencing the future country stars Garth Brooks, Clint Black, and Travis Tritt.

Today in Country Music History - March 17, 1990

Welcome into the Spotlight...

Randy Travis in 2013

Randy Travis American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and actor

Randy Travis reckless teenage years found him on the verge of being sent to prison at 18 years old but resulted in a lifelong change attributable to Elizabeth Hatcher. As manager of a nightclub where he frequently performed, Hatcher saw promise in this troubling musician. That promise definitely came to life not only as a musician but also an actor. Awards and accolades quickly accompanied Travis's claim to fame. Randy Travis has sold over 25 million records, and has earned 22 number-one hits, six number-one albums, six Grammy Awards, six CMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, 10 AMA Awards, eight Dove Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. [Source: wikipedia.org]

Born in North Carolina in 1959, Randy Travis is best known for opening the door to young artists who sought to return to the traditional sound of country music. He was discovered by Elizabeth Hatcher when he was 18 and fought hard to make a name for himself. He found his stride in 1986 with a No. 1 album, Storms of Life. He went on to win a Grammy Award and sell millions of copies of subsequent albums. [Source: Biography.com]

1990 Randy Travis begins a four-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country chart with "Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart".

Also on this day, March 17...

1969 Capitol releases Glen Campbell's  "Galveston"--the single and the album

 

 1956 Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel" reaches #1 on the Billboard country singles chart

And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...