Merle Travis date of birth:
November 29, 1917
How old was Merle Travis when died?
65
Where was Merle Travis born?
Rosewood, Kentucky USA
When did Merle Travis die?
October 20, 1983
What is Merle Travis's occupation?
Musician, songwriter
What genre is Merle Travis's work?
Country, Western swing, blues, folk, gospel, Americana
What instruments does Merle Travis play?
guitar
Short Biography
Merle Robert Travis (November 29, 1917 – October 20, 1983) was an American country and western singer, songwriter and musician born in Rosewood, Kentucky. His lyrics often discussed the life and exploitation of coal miners. Among his many well-known songs are "Sixteen Tons", "Re-Enlistment Blues" and "Dark as a Dungeon". However, it is his masterly guitar playing and his interpretations of the rich musical traditions of his native Muhlenberg County, Kentucky for which he is best known today. "Travis picking", a syncopated style of fingerpicking, is named after him. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970 and elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1977.