Randy Travis

The peak of a career can only last so long. You go up and you try to maintain it. But, it can only last so long and then you're going to go down.

My dad wanted me to play when I was a kid, so I learned to play the guitar. I pursued a career in music because I love it so much and I enjoy what it does to those who hear it.

I think every once in a while country has lost its way, but found its way back. It's always going to drift away from the traditional side, but then find a way to return. There's room for all kinds of influences be it pop, blues, gospel or whatever. But I will always say that I think we need more traditional country music coming down the pike.

For me, having come to study and understand some of the Bible and finally getting saved made a huge difference in me, because my wife was a big influence on that. I saw in her, when I first met her, a person's soul at peace with everything and everybody around her.

I never thought of having platinum albums and winning awards. I just wanted to write songs and sing when I started out in the music business.

You know, I think you have to sound right singing whatever it is that you sing.

To me, country music tells a story about, and deals with, the way people live their lives and what they do.

I've learned the importance of loving what you do. I have also learned more patience due to the nature of the music business.

I wish at times I had finished school just to say I had.

I've been singing since I was 8 years old and working in clubs since I was 14. I've been working full time since I was 16.

I don't know whether schooling would have helped me get farther along in music at this time. I doubt it would have.