It’s not enough to say that RANDY TRAVIS is one of the most popular artists in the history of country music. Twenty years ago, album sales of 100,000 were considered high for a country artist, and the whole genre seemed to be desperately trying to reinvent itself in the pop-music mold. That was when Randy Travis released his first album—a pure and unapologetic expression of country that went multi-platinum. The artist had found his calling.

“With this voice, what else was I supposed to do?” Randy asks with a laugh. Six Grammy Awards, five CMA Awards, nine Academy of Country Music Awards, 10 American Music Awards and 20 albums later, it’s no exaggeration to say that Randy Travis altered the artistic course of the whole industry, steering it back to a place of credibility and authenticity that had seemed in danger of slipping away altogether.

There’s no question that Travis is a prime mover behind the traditionalist movement in country music. Overall, he’s sold more than 24 million albums since bringing back a classic sound to country music with his 1986 debut album, Storms of Life.

But for Travis, success is never measured in terms of fame, fortune and awards. “To me, true success in life has come to mean peace and contentment,” he says. “I’d take contentment over a million dollars any day of the week.” And he means it!