25 Years of Country Club

In 1989 Travis Tritt had his first big hit, the title song from his album Country Club. Over the past 25 years he has released many albums, sold millions of copies, and established himself as a force in the music industry. His success can be attributed to many factors in my opinion. He has a wide appeal since he mixes country with Southern Rock, and he throws in blues and gospel influences. His sound borrows from Lynyrd Skynyrd and Allman Brothers of course, but he also has been influenced by Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and Stevie Ray Vaughan. He has appealed to men and women with a mix of high energy fast songs as well as emotional ballads. His big hit poked fun at the white collar types who spend their free time playing golf and tennis. His lyrics can be thought provoking, emotional, motivational and even funny, in the case of Country Club. Here are some of the lyrics. "I'm a member of a country club/ Country music is what I love/ I drive an old Ford pickup truck/ I do my drinkin' from a Dixie cup/ I'm a bona fide dancin' fool/ I shoot a mighty mean game of pool/ At any honky tonk roadside pub/ I'm a member of a country club" Yes, the video looks kind of funny and dated when it is watched now, but the music is still outstanding. Watch it here.

A&E Travis Tritt Biography

Fans of Travis need to check this out. It tells the story of Travis' early years and his struggle to make it to the top of the country charts. In 1989 he got his big break with Warner Brothers records. His single "Country Club" took the country by storm. This program tells about his early partnership with Charlie Daniels, who believed in Travis' abilities. Travis had bonded with his father over love of country music and they would listen to the legendary Grand Ole Opry radio show. In 1992 he was welcomed as a member of the Opry. This was a sign he had made it big. His career was on fire but his personal life was in a shambles, with 2 marriages ending at a young age. In 1992, he criticized Billy Ray Cyrus. He has always said what is on his mind. His comments solidified his reputation as an outlaw who does not play by the rules. But, in a conservative town like Nashville, his attitude turned off some of the country music big wigs. In 1995, Travis married his third wife Teresa and their marriage has lasted almost 20 years. He has had ups and downs, but no one can deny that he has made his mark on country music. View the video here.