The Gospel Music of Country Superstar Randy Travis is Changing Lives

He is one of the most popular singers in country music history. Few country singers ever have 22 number one singles, and the music of Randy Travis has been loved by millions of fans for years. Today Randy Travis spends a lot of time singing gospel music, and his music is having a bigger impact on lives than his country hits ever did. After listening to his music, some are giving up drugs and alcohol, and many are turning to a faith in Jesus Christ.

Before he became a superstar, Randy Travis had his share of problems-both as far as his dreams of being a country singer and with the law. His father, Harold Traywick, (His record studio asked Travis to change his name from Traywick) forced Randy to take guitar lessons. He did go to church some as a child, but Randy Travis was not a believer.

Randy dropped out of high school. He was arrested for various offenses, including car theft and burglary. He had problems with alcohol and drugs. He only avoided going to prison for a long time by promising he was not keeping company with the same crowd, a promise he was not drinking or taking drugs-and by moving in with his manager, Liv, who later became his wife. Her marriage to another man was already falling apart, and later ended in divorce.

At the time, Randy Travis did not have a personal faith, but he did begin to have a successful career. Starting in 1985 he began to have a string of hits, including 22 number one hits. While most of his number one hits were in the 1980's, he did have five in the 1990's and one in 2002, with a gospel song, Three Wooden Crosses. Some of his other number one songs have included On the Other Hand, Diggin' Up Bones, Forever and Ever Amen, Deeper than the Holler, Hard Rock Bottom of Your Heart, Look Heart, No Hands; and Whisper My Name.