Merle Travis

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.

Related Artists Spotify Logo
Chet Atkins
Doc Watson
Johnny Cash
Jerry Reed
Marty Stuart
Chris Stapleton
Latest Release
undefined album image
The Clayton McMichen Story
Album - 26 Tracks - Released February 21, 2025
Collage of Genre Images

RecentMusic users are tracking Merle Travis and over 266,700 other artists to know when they release the new music.

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!

Get Started