Merle Travis
November 19, 1917 – October 20, 1983
Merle Travis was a country singer, songwriter and guitarist who was just as renowned for his picking as he was for his songwriting. Born in the coal country of Kentucky, Travis struck a chord with his lyrics about the horrible conditions that coal miners worked and lived in. Travis moved to Hollywood in the mid ’40s and found work as a studio musician. Within a few years, he was signed to Capitol Records where he began to release a string of country albums that are considered some of the best of the genre. His songs were recorded by the likes of Johnny Cash, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Dolly Parton, Doc Watson and Tennessee Ernie Ford who made a huge hit out of his “Sixteen Tons.” In 1953, he appeared in the blockbuster film, From Here To Eternity, performing “Reenlistment Blues.” In later years, his music found favor with folk fans, bringing new life to his career during the folk revival of the ’60s. Merle Travis died of a heart attack at the age of 65.
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