In the 1980s, when mainstream country radio was virtually indistinguishable from middle-of-the-road pop, Randy Travis helped reground country in its stripped-down, three-chord roots. With a sweet, deep voice reminiscent of both Lefty Frizzell and Merle Haggard, Travis can be as great as his material allows, and has remained one of the most respected and successful singers in country music for decades. He's also turned into a hard-working actor, appearing in numerous film roles.

This Train
by Randy Travis