Randy Travis is by now known as one of the most influential voices in country music, but his career almost stalled before it began. The Country Music Hall of Fame member struggled to find success in the beginning. Travis might not have become a household name, if not for one influential person: Libby Hatcher.
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Hatcher was at the time managing Nashville Palace, where Travis worked as a dishwasher. Hatcher recorded Travis' album, Randy Ray: Live at the Nashville Palace, and convinced Warner Brothers to listen to his music. The label ultimately signed Travis, and his debut Storms of Life album came out in 1986, kicking off a career that has spanned almost 40 years.
Hatcher was more than just influential in Travis' career. The two also got married in 1991, after living together for several years, although they kept their relationship quiet at first, likely in part to their 16-year age difference. Travis and Hatcher divorced in 2010.
Randy Travis Is Still Making Music
Travis had a stroke in 2013, which resulted in aphasia, taking away his ability to sing. Fortunately, that wasn't enough to deter Travis from making music that his fans still are longing to hear. Last year, Travis released "Where That Came From," his first single of new material since his stroke. He followed that with his current single, "Horses in Heaven."
"When I began my recovery almost 12 years ago many things changed, but one thing stayed the same - my desire to share new music and create new memories," Travis says. I"'m grateful to have the opportunity to continue doing that thanks to family, friends, fans, and God's grace.
"After my last release I told you there would be more where that came from, and I'm excited to jump back in the saddle and release a brand-new recording, 'Horses In Heaven,'" he continues. "I still remember the first time I stepped into those stirrups as a little boy, and my horses have been family to me ever since."
" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background:#FFF;border:0;border-radius:3px;margin: 1px;max-width:540px;min-width:326px;padding:0;width:99.375%;width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px);width:calc(100% - 2px)">Travis recently announced his life is the subject of a new biopic, Forever and Ever, Amen, with Clay Walker portraying Travis. In addition to his career, Travis has also found love again. In 2015, he married his wife, Mary Travis, who is co-producing Forever and Ever, Amen.
