The Tragic Life Story of Randy Travis

Life for Randy Travis hasn't been easy. Many love him for his film and music contributions, but his life has been a rough ride. From his crime spree to the tragic story of his failing health, divorce, and longing for children without having any. Randy still made the most of his life despite the trouble he found himself in. Read on to find out more about the tragic life of Randy Travis and just how he made it through.

Starting Life

Travis, also known as Randy Traywick, was born on May 4, 1959, in Marshville, North Carolina. He was one of five children. Travis was raised by parents who worked full-time; his father was in the construction business, and a textile company employed his mother. They had a farm, and Randy raised cattle and turkeys. Despite this, Harold Traywick developed other expectations for his son.

Starting Life
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Old-time country music was a favorite of his father's. Randy listened to recordings from earlier times when he was young, and despite the appeal of rock and roll, he was drawn to the sound of country music. All his family and friends that he attended school with were into rock and roll. He was often exposed to rock and roll, especially in the car with his friends. He listened to it often, but it didn't appeal to him.

His Dad Inspired His Country Singing

The father of Randy Travis, Harold Traywick, composed some country songs and even sold them to radio stations in Monroe, just outside Marshville, North Carolina. His father paid for the music lessons of all three of his sons and created a music room in the family home.

His Dad Inspired His Country Singing
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As early as nine years old, Randy and his brother participated in contests and performed regularly. As explained by Randy Travis, Harold collected newspaper articles about the boys and compiled scrapbooks of them as keepsakes for later on in life.

The Darker Side

One darker aspect of the story claims that Harold made the boys play against their wishes. There was a bad reputation for Harold when it came to drinking and a bad temper. It was common for him to scream at the kids and those responsible for contests.

The Darker Side
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As the sons grew up, their behavior changed. They became troublemakers full of high spirits. As a result of their upbringing, many were not surprised. Music from the late 1960s and early 1970s appealed to Travis. As a 10-year-old, he received a Gibson guitar from his father for Christmas. His brother Ricky was given a set of drums.

Falling in Love With Country Music

The Traywick brothers began performing at local functions after their parents approved. At that time, Randy was still a student in grade school. It was clear that his parents had forced him to do it. It was something his dad wanted him to do. Travis liked nothing about school, so he dropped out before completing the ninth grade.

Falling in Love With Country Music
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The musician continued to perform - this time as a solo act. Travis was using illegal substances and drinking excessively. During his troubled teen years, he's been brutally honest about his drinking and substance use, claiming he began drinking at age 12 and using substances at age 14.