Merle Travis was a pioneering country and folk guitarist, singer, and songwriter, best known for his distinctive fingerpicking style—now known as "Travis picking"—that influenced generations of musicians. Born in 1917 in Kentucky, Travis wrote some of country music's most enduring songs, including "Sixteen Tons," a coal miner’s lament that became a massive hit for Tennessee Ernie Ford. His intricate guitar work and smooth vocals made him a standout performer in the 1940s and beyond, and his blend of blues, ragtime, and country helped shape the sound of American roots music. Whether playing solo, on radio shows, or collaborating with legends like Joe Maphis, Travis' impact on country guitar remains undeniable.
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