Is Merle Travis related to Randy Travis?

He used his real name for a while, even recording an album under it, before adopting the stage name “Randy Ray.” Eventually he changed his stage name to Randy Travis in honor of Merle Travis, one of his musical heroes. Merle Travis passed away in 1983, two years before Randy achieved success with the new moniker.

Who did Merle Travis learn from?

To learn their style, Merle followed coal miners Ike Everly and Mose Rager as the two played local parties and dances. After graduating from high school and serving in the federally sponsored Civilian Conservation Corps program in 1936, Travis moved to Evansville, Indiana, where he worked with two local bands.

Why is it called Travis picking?

As you progress on the path of guitar enlightenment, you’re bound to encounter the term Travis picking. Named after country-and-western pioneer Merle Travis, it’s a style of fingerpicking characterized by the steady thump of an alternating bass that underscores rhythmic patterns and melodies on the treble strings.

Who is Merle Travis son?

Thom Bresh
Merle Travis/Sons
Biography. Bresh was born on February 23, 1948 in Hollywood, California as the son of country singer Merle Travis. As a child, Bresh began acting in films and recording his own music.

Who did Merle Travis marry?

Judy Hayden
Travis was a popular radio performer throughout the 1940s and 1950s. He appeared on many country music television shows, co-hosting a show “Merle Travis and Company” with his wife Judy Hayden around 1953.

What was Merle Travis famous for?

29, 1917, Rosewood, Ky., U.S.—died Oct. 20, 1983, Tahlequah, Okla.), American country singer, songwriter, and guitarist who popularized the complex guitar-picking technique now known as the Travis style, or Travis picking, whereby the index finger plays the melody while the thumb plays rhythmic accompaniment.

Is fingerstyle harder than strumming?

Fingerstyle is harder than strumming because you are picking individual notes and this requires greater finger dexterity. Learning to fingerpick or play fingerstyle can also open up a new world of musically creative possibilities.

Who influenced Merle Travis?

Throughout the rest of the 1950s and early 1960s, fellow musicians such as Chet Atkins, Scotty Moore, The Everly Brothers all referred to Travis as a major influence, but few of the general public had ever heard of him.

Who is the most successful country singer of all time?

GARTH BROOKS
1. GARTH BROOKS. Garth Brooks’ certified sales of 156.1 million put him right up there with the biggest-selling artists of any genre, ahead of rock titans like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones.

How old was Merle Travis when he died?

65 years (1917–1983)
Merle Travis/Age at death

Merle Travis, a member of the Country Music Association’s Hall of Fame and the composer of the song ”16 Tons,” died of heart disease Thursday at a Tahlequah Hospital. He was 65 years old. Mr. Travis, whose hits also included ”Smoke!