Born in Marshville, North Carolina, USA

Changed last name from Traywick to Travis in honor of his musical idol, Merle Travis.

His father Harold Traywick was banned from the Country City USA nightclub due to his objections to Randy`s relationship with Elizabeth Hatcher who later became Randy`s wife

When he first started his music career, he used his birth name Randy Traywick before changing his stage name to Randy Ray and then later became Randy Travis.

He dropped out of school in the ninth grade, and after that fast cars, drinking and drugs led to a series of scrapes with the law.

He was turned down by nearly every record label in Nashville, often more than once, but was finally signed to Warner Brothers Records in 1985 at the encouragement of Elizabeth Hatcher, his manager.

From 1986 to 1994 he racked up 15 #1 singles.

Spouse: Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis (31 May 1991 - present)