Sometimes it's not enough to sing about the wild and crazy life so often glorified in raucous country songs. Every once in a while a songwriter has to live those moments. This week legendary country singer Randy Travis did just that.
After a night of partying and drinking, the 52-year-old star parked in front of the First Baptist Church in Sanger, Texas, in the wee morning hours last Monday. Part of the rowdy country lifestyle means contrition as well, it seems.
Local police noticed a suspicious car and found Travis inside with an open bottle of wine. Police stated he struggled to speak without a slur. He was arrested and taken to the Denton County Jail. The singer was released a few hours later.
The following day, Travis made public amends in a statment to The Wrap:
"I apologize for what resulted following an evening of celebrating the Super Bowl. I'm committed to being responsible and accountable, and apologize for my actions."
Travis is currently on his 25th Anniversary tour which will be here in Boise at the Morrison Center, Monday, February 13. Tickets are still available.
“It doesn’t seem possible that it has been 25 years,” Travis said wistfully of the career milestone. “Time flies."
With lifetime sales in excess of 20 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest country record sellers of all time. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors, “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2003).
To date, he has 18 number one singles, 29 top-10 hits and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit. Ten of his albums have gone gold, 8 are platinum, two are double platinum and Travis has earned one record each attaining triple and quintuple platinum status. In 2004, Randy was honored with his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and has been a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry since 1986.That's a pretty good pedigree for a humble, good ole boy from Marshville, North Carolina.
With an endless string of hit songs, Travis can always be counted on for an incredible live show full of great music, charm and warmth. His aw schucks grin remains just as ingratiating today as it did 25 years ago when his unforgettable twang hit the radio airwaves.
Music is the universal language, speak it loudly!
Rustyn Rose is a veteran music journalist who owns and operates Metalholic Magazine and Mojo Radio.
Comments