International singer/song writer Randy Travis is to appear at the Royal Theatre, Castlebar this summer as part of the World Fleadh Festival taking place from July 31 to August 8. Randy Travis, an international country music icon, has sold more than 25 million records , had 22 number one hits, six number one albums, and numerous awards including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
At age 16 Randy Travis entered a talent show hosted by country city USA as a soloist. In the late seventies Randy recorded two singles for Paula Records, “Dreamin’” and “She’s My Woman”, with Joe Stampley producing. In 1981 Randy made the move to Nashville, commuting regularly to Charlotte to perform at Country City, USA. He spent most of his time writing songs and getting acquainted with the Nashville scene.
His Nashville popularity grew by word of mouth as people touted him as an outstanding newcomer. In 1983 while performing at the club, Randy recorded his first album independently and called it Randy Ray — Live at the Nashville Palace. The album was mostly sold at the club between shows and is now a collector’s item and out of circulation.
Randy was finally signed to Warner Brothers Records in 1985. Record company executives changed his name from Ray to Travis, and Randy’s first recorded effort for his new label was “Prairie Rose”, on the soundtrack to the film, Rustler’s Rhapsody. It was followed by the release of the album Storms of Life in 1986, and the rest is country music history. The first single, “On the Other Hand”, was a perfect slice of Randy’s authentic country talent. 1982 followed, and with that hit, Randy established himself as a singer and performer in the grand tradition of George Jones, Lefty Frizell, Merle Haggard, and a handful of others. The success of both singles led to wide-spread demand for live shows, and Randy next set out on an extensive and ongoing tour, taking him across the United States and Canada before record-setting crowds. By the end of the 1980s, Randy’s record sales topped 13 million copies and have continued to enjoy huge success since.
Tickets are on sale now from €65 on www.ticketmaster.ie as well as from The Royal Box Office on 0818 300 000. For further information check The Royal Theatre and Event Centre website on www.theroyal.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie
