Introduction
Often grouped with the “Class of ’89,” a legendary cohort of country artists that includes Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, and Vince Gill, Travis Tritt has always forged his own path. While his contemporaries often sported clean-cut looks and cowboy hats, Tritt stood out with his long hair and leather attire, embracing a more rebellious, Southern-rock-infused sound.
This unique style didn’t hinder his success; his debut single, “Country Club,” became a smash hit, and he quickly built a devoted following. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he has earned seven platinum albums, two Grammy Awards, and four CMA Awards. In 1992, he was formally inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a testament to his lasting impact on country music.
While his music and career milestones are well-known, there’s more to Travis Tritt than meets the eye. Here are a few lesser-known facts about the iconic artist.
A Surprising Collaboration During a recording session for a duet with legendary R&B singer Sam Moore, Tritt had a memorable encounter with producer Randy Jackson. After Tritt finished his take, he noticed a look of surprise on Jackson’s face, thinking he had made a mistake. Instead, Jackson was blown away by Tritt’s soulful delivery, telling him, “I never had any idea you had that blue-eyed soul in you.” This moment led to a future collaboration, with Jackson producing Tritt’s 2013 album, The Calm After…
Connecting Across Generations With a career spanning over 30 years, Tritt’s fanbase is a multigenerational affair, with audiences ranging from “8 to 80.” He attributes this broad appeal to his early music, which blended traditional country with a Southern rock influence. This crossover sound helped bridge the gap, attracting younger listeners who might have found more traditional country music “too twangy.”
Lessons from Legends Early in his career, Tritt was mentored by two giants of country music: George Jones and Johnny Cash. He found a kindred spirit in Jones, who was full of jokes and infectious energy. His connection with Johnny Cash was even deeper. Introduced by Marty Stuart, Cash took Tritt “under his wing,” imparting invaluable wisdom about the music industry. After Cash’s passing, Tritt found a stack of handwritten letters from the Man in Black, a tangible reminder of the wisdom he had gained from their friendship.
A Family Legacy The musical talent in the Tritt family runs deep. His only daughter, now an adult, is a gifted singer and musician who has expressed interest in following in her father’s footsteps. When she was just 15, she joined him for a powerful duet on “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” According to Tritt, she consistently “floors people” with the power and maturity of her voice.
The Eagles’ Reunion In a move that surprised the music world, Tritt played a pivotal role in the legendary Eagles’ reunion. In 1993, 13 years after the band’s famous split, Tritt recorded a cover of their hit “Take It Easy.” He persuaded the members of the Eagles to appear in the music video as his backing band. The collaboration was a success, and just a year later, the Eagles officially reunited, much to the delight of their fans.