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Travis Meadows
Travis Meadows
Travis Meadows
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Key Information

Travis Meadows (born 1965) is an American country music singer and songwriter. He has released four albums and written a number of songs for other country artists.

Early life

[edit]

Meadows was born in 1965 in Mississippi, growing up in Jackson.[1][2] He began using drugs at an early age,[1] and at 14 was diagnosed with bone cancer, which led to the loss of most of his right leg.[1]

Career

[edit]

At the age of 16, he began playing in local bands, starting his musical career as a drummer before beginning to play the harmonica and guitar by the time he was 21.[2] During his early 20s, he performed with blues musicians such as Sam Myers, and moved to Gatlinburg, where he began writing songs.[2] In his mid-20s, Meadows became a Christian missionary and later a preacher, traveling around the United States and overseas, as well as writing and performing Christian music.[2] By his late 30s, however, he had become disenchanted with the church, and moved to Nashville to pursue a songwriting career.[2] He signed a contract with Universal Music Publishing, releasing his debut album My life 101 I'm 2007, but at the same time his life-long drinking and drug habits led to a multi-year descent into alcoholism and abuse.[1] After four trips to rehab, he succeeded in regaining sobriety in 2010.[1]

In 2011, Meadows released a studio album, titled Killin' Uncle Buzzy, written in 2010 while he was recovering from his alcohol addiction during his fourth period in rehab.[1] According to Meadows, a counselor had suggested keeping a journal, which led to him writing songs instead.[1] In 2013, after his songwriting contract with Universal expired, he began writing independently before signing with independent record label Kobalt Music and releasing a third album, Old Ghosts & Unfinished Business.[2]

In 2016, Meadows was featured in an episode of the television show American Elements.[3]

In 2017, Meadows released his fourth album, First Cigarette. The album was produced by Jeremy Spillman and assisted by Jay Joyce, and is the first album by Meadows to receive label support.[4] It is also his first album to appear on Billboard charts, reaching No. 21 on Heatseekers Albums and No. 48 on Independent Albums. It sold 1,100 copies in its debut week,[5] reaching No. 17 on Americana/Folk Album Sales and No. 34 on Country Album Sales.[6]

In April 2021, Earache Records reissued Killin' Uncle Buzzy for the record's 10th Anniversary, including a limited edition clear vinyl. This was the first time the album had been available on vinyl and released by a label.[7][8]

Discography

[edit]

Albums/EPs

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions Sales
US
Heat
[9] 		US
Indie
[9]
My Life 101[10]
  • Release date: February 6, 2007
  • Label: Travis Meadows
 — —
Killing Uncle Buzzy[11]
  • Release date: July 19, 2011
  • Label: Travis Meadows
  • Reissued: April 30, 2021
  • Label: Earache Records
 — —
Old Ghosts & Unfinished Business (EP)[12]
  • Release date: May 7, 2013
  • Label: Travis Meadows
 — —
First Cigarette
  • Release date: October 13, 2017
  • Label: Blaster Records
 21 48
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Songs recorded by other artists

[edit]

In addition to his solo work, Meadows has written songs for other country musicians.

Artist Song Album Year
Dallas Smith CRZY Dallas Smith 2023
Cody Johnson Human Human: The Double Album 2021
Kenny Chesney Better Boat Songs for the Saints 2018
Blackberry Smoke Medicate My Mind Find A Light 2018
Blackberry Smoke Seems So Far Find A Light 2018
Brothers Osborne While You Still Can Port Saint Joe 2018
Lindsay Ell Worth the Wait The Project 2017
Randy Houser Hot Beer and Cold Women Fired Up 2016
Wynonna Judd Things That I Lean On Wynonna Judd & The Big Noise* 2016
Hank Williams Jr. God And Guns It's About Time 2016
Eric Church Knives Of New Orleans Mr. Misunderstood 2015
Levi Lowrey My Crazy Head My Crazy Head 2015
Dierks Bentley Riser Riser 2014
Levi Lowrey Long Way Home Levi Lowrey 2014
Frankie Ballard Don't You Wanna Fail Sunshine & Whiskey 2014
Eric Church Dark Side The Outsiders 2014
Jake Owen What We Ain't Got Days Of Gold 2013
Robby Armstrong Better Me Robby Armstrong 2013
Jimmie Van Zant Chasing Shadows Feels Like Freedom 2012
High Valley Trying To Believe Love Is a Long Road 2012
Blackberry Smoke Pretty Little Lie The Whippoorwill* 2012
Adam Brand It's Gonna Be OK It's Gonna Be OK* 2010
Flynnville Train Friend Of Sinners Redemption 2010
Jake Owen Cherry On Top Easy Does It 2009
Lynyrd Skynyrd Gods & Guns Gods & Guns 2009
Mary Gauthier I Ain't Leaving Between Daylight & Dark 2007

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Travis Meadows

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Travis Meadows (born 1965) is an American from , renowned for his introspective and resilient songwriting that chronicles personal hardships including , cancer, and . Raised by his grandparents after his brother's drowning at age two and born to teenage parents, Meadows faced early adversity, including a bone cancer diagnosis at age 14 that resulted in the amputation of his right leg below the knee and partial hearing loss from aggressive treatments at . His life story, marked by an absent alcoholic father and his own struggles with , informed a career shift from to , where he emerged as a Nashville underdog celebrated for authentic, poetic narratives. Meadows spent 17 years as a and Christian musician before questioning his faith and moving to Nashville at age 38 to pursue songwriting full-time. Achieving sobriety in 2010 after multiple rehab attempts and support from MusiCares—which funded his treatment, a , and prosthetic leg components—he channeled his recovery into music that emphasizes perseverance and human vulnerability. As a songwriter, he has co-penned notable tracks such as Dierks Bentley's Grammy-nominated Riser (2014), Jake Owen's What We Ain't Got (2014), and Eric Church's Dark Side (2014), earning acclaim for capturing emotional depth in country and Americana genres. His own releases, including the raw debut album Killin' Uncle Buzzy (2011) and the reflective First Cigarette (2017), showcase a transition from dark introspection to hopeful resilience, produced by collaborators like . Beyond recordings, Meadows' influence extends through live performances and mentorship in Nashville's music community, where his story of survival has inspired peers and fans alike. In 2024, he signed a global creative deal with Sheltered Music. He continues to tour selectively, often with acoustic sets highlighting songs like and , while advocating for and sobriety in the industry.

Early years

Childhood and family

Travis Meadows was born in 1965 in Mississippi, raised in Jackson to two teenage parents described as being "too young to be having kids," which left them ill-equipped to raise a family effectively. His early life was marked by significant instability. A defining traumatic event occurred at age two, when Meadows witnessed his baby brother drown in a lake, an incident that profoundly shaped his worldview and exposed him early to themes of loss and survival. Following this tragedy, his parents divorced, leading him to be raised primarily by his grandparents in a modest household. This environment, characterized by poverty and limited parental involvement, instilled in him a sense of being an "unwanted child," though he later reflected that he was "spoiled a lot" by his grandparents despite the hardships. The lack of consistent guidance from his biological parents contributed to an atmosphere of emotional turbulence, influencing the resilience that would later permeate his songwriting. Meadows' introduction to music began in childhood without formal training, sparked by everyday Southern influences such as church hymns and country radio stations prevalent in . At age 10, he received a drum set, which ignited his passion for playing and listening to artists like , , , and , laying the groundwork for his future as a performer. These early experiences in a musically rich but economically strained setting fostered his innate connection to storytelling through song.

Missionary work and early adulthood

In his early twenties, Travis Meadows experienced a profound that led him to dedicate himself to . He began a career as a and that lasted approximately 17 years, traveling extensively across the American South and to more than 20 countries to share his faith. Driven by a deep search for spiritual fulfillment following a turbulent marked by loss—including the drowning of his brother when Meadows was two—this period represented a deliberate pursuit of purpose through . During his missionary years, Meadows lived modestly, prioritizing community outreach and service over material comforts, often performing as part of his preaching efforts. He embraced a rigid, "black and white" , aiming to bring to others with an fervor he described as wanting "everybody to have ." However, internal conflicts emerged over time, as he grappled with doubts about his faith's ability to provide lasting answers to life's complexities, experiences that would later profoundly shape his introspective songwriting. Prior to and during his early adulthood, Meadows navigated significant challenges, including unstable employment in music-related roles such as playing bluegrass in , at age 21, alongside struggles with substance use and personal relationships. He entered a during this phase, which provided some stability amid his itinerant lifestyle but ultimately faced strains from his evolving personal crises. In his late thirties (around age 38), disillusioned with unresolved questions of , Meadows decided to leave work, marking a pivotal shift toward reinvention through pursuits.

Career

Songwriting achievements

Meadows relocated to Nashville in 2002 with the explicit goal of establishing himself as a professional songwriter. Soon after arriving, he signed a publishing deal with , which provided a platform for his early work in the industry. This move marked a pivotal shift from his previous life, allowing him to channel personal experiences into compositions. A major breakthrough arrived in 2014 when Meadows co-wrote "Riser" with Steve Moakler for ; the track topped the chart, earned platinum certification, and resonated as a personal anthem mirroring Meadows' own path of overcoming adversity. His raw, autobiographical style shone through in subsequent collaborations, including "What We Ain't Got" for , another No. 1 hit that same year; "Dark Side" for on the 2015 album ; and "Better Boat," co-written with and recorded by featuring in 2016. These songs exemplify Meadows' ability to craft emotionally charged narratives that connect deeply with listeners and artists alike. Meadows' lyrics frequently explore themes of redemption and human frailty, influenced by his early years as a missionary, lending a profound spiritual and introspective layer to his output. Industry accolades include the 2023 Nashville Songwriter Awards' Song of the Year for "," co-written with Tony Lane and performed by , which also reached No. 1 on the chart. In September 2024, Meadows signed a global creative publishing deal with Sheltered Music. In 2025, he co-wrote a for Church's new album.

Solo recording and performing

Travis Meadows began his solo recording career with the release of his debut , My Life 101, in 2007, self-produced and distributed independently to showcase his songwriting beyond collaborations with other artists. The record featured raw, personal narratives drawn from his life experiences, earning praise for its honest ballads that transcended strict genre boundaries while fitting within country's framework. In 2011, Meadows followed with Killin' Uncle Buzzy, a self-released written during his recovery from , which delved into themes of struggle and redemption through stark, therapeutic songcraft. The project cultivated a dedicated for its emotional depth and unfiltered storytelling, positioning Meadows as a compelling solo voice. This momentum carried into 2013 with the EP Old Ghosts & Unfinished Business, a seven-track collection that continued his introspective exploration of past regrets and unresolved emotions. Meadows achieved a significant milestone in 2017 with his major-label debut First Cigarette on Blaster Records, an album lauded for its weathered vocal delivery and lyrical vulnerability that captured his life's hardships without embellishment. Critics highlighted its sparse, mournful arrangements and authentic introspection, awarding it a 4-out-of-5 star rating and recognizing it as a vital contribution to Nashville's songwriting tradition. Leveraging visibility from his songwriting hits, Meadows evolved into a performer known for intimate, narrative-driven shows that blend roots with folk influences, prioritizing emotional connection over commercial polish. His touring history includes headline appearances at Nashville staples like 3rd and Lindsley and opening slots for prominent acts at events such as the 2019 festival alongside and . Live reviews commend his soulful, unpretentious style—marked by heartfelt delivery and audience engagement—for creating unforgettable experiences that reveal his resilient spirit. Despite eschewing mainstream pursuits, this approach has earned critical acclaim for his genuine authenticity, establishing him as a revered figure in Nashville's indie scene.

Personal life

Addiction and recovery

Travis Meadows' struggle with began in his early adulthood, rooted in addictive tendencies that may trace back to such as his with bone cancer at age 14, which resulted in the of his right leg below the knee. These tendencies intensified during his time as a Christian in his mid-20s, where stresses from years of preaching and personal doubts led to heavy alcohol use as a form of . The breakdown of his first marriage in his 30s, compounded by crises in faith and career, further exacerbated the spiral into and , marking a period of profound personal turmoil. Meadows attempted recovery multiple times, entering rehab facilities on four occasions before achieving lasting sobriety. His rock bottom came in 2010, a year defined by jail time stemming from addiction-related incidents and a final, desperate push for change amid the loss of nearly everything in his life. This turning point prompted his successful completion of rehab, where he began journaling his experiences—entries that later formed the basis of his raw, confessional debut album Killin' Uncle Buzzy. Support from organizations like MusiCares proved instrumental; in aiding his 2010 rehab stay and providing ongoing financial assistance for treatment and recovery-related needs, it helped prevent potential and solidified his path to . Since attaining sobriety in 2010, Meadows has maintained it through regular attendance at meetings and reliance on a supportive network, including his second wife, who shares in recovery efforts. This transformation extended beyond ; he quit twice during his journey, embracing a that permeates his songwriting and performances. His lyrics now often explore themes of and redemption, channeling past pain into that resonates deeply, as seen in works like the album First Cigarette, which reflects on the fragility of recovery and personal rebirth.

Health issues and faith

At the age of 14, Meadows was diagnosed with bone cancer, which required immediate and intensive treatment including at in , . The aggressive therapy led to the of his right leg below the knee, significant in one ear, and hair loss, with doctors initially predicting a high likelihood of mortality. Despite these challenges, Meadows survived what his family termed a "miracle," crediting both medical intervention and his personal resilience for his recovery. Years later, the Recording Academy's MusiCares program provided crucial support during Meadows' ongoing health management, funding a new prosthetic leg component and to address complications from his . This assistance was particularly vital as Meadows navigated the physical and emotional aftermath of his illness, allowing him to maintain his career in music without financial strain from medical needs. He has publicly expressed gratitude for such "guardian angels," highlighting how this aid reinforced his ability to persevere. In 2021, Meadows suffered a debilitating to his , , and as a complication from back , leading to weeks of hospitalization, impaired speech and , and fears for his career. A Nashville raised nearly $20,000 to support his recovery, from which he has since rebounded to continue performing and songwriting. Meadows' early experience with cancer intersected deeply with his spiritual journey; after becoming a Christian in his mid-20s and preaching for 17 years, he underwent a period of lapsed faith amid personal struggles, including . Following his in 2010, he reconciled with a renewed sense of , describing himself as connected to "something bigger" rather than adhering to . This evolution, drawing from his background, emphasizes themes of , vulnerability, and redemption in his songwriting, such as explorations of grace and second chances. Central to Meadows' philosophy is the idea of being a "riser"—someone who repeatedly gets back up after adversity, a shaped by his cancer survival and reflections without returning to formal religious structures. He views this resilience as foundational to facing life's battles, including health challenges, fostering a broader outlook on humanity's shared struggles and triumphs.

Discography

Albums and EPs

Travis Meadows began his recording career as a solo artist with the independent release of his debut , My Life 101, in 2007. The consists of 11 tracks that draw from his personal experiences and early songwriting style. His second , Killin' Uncle Buzzy, followed in 2011 as a self-released project recorded in Nashville. Featuring 10 tracks, it showcases a raw country sound rooted in Meadows' struggles with and recovery. In 2013, Meadows issued the EP Old Ghosts & Unfinished Business, a self-released four-track collection (expanded to seven in some editions) that explores themes of past regrets and personal growth. Meadows achieved a major breakthrough with his 2017 album First Cigarette, released on Blaster Records and featuring 11 songs, including the single "Sideways." The record earned critical praise for its emotional depth and honest storytelling, solidifying his reputation as a compelling artist. In 2020, Meadows released the single "Over the Wire" via Operation Song, a track co-written with Mike Byer and Marc Beeson addressing transitions.

Songs recorded by other artists

Travis Meadows has established himself as a prolific Nashville songwriter, with numerous compositions recorded by prominent artists, contributing to his reputation for crafting introspective and emotionally resonant lyrics. His songs often explore themes of resilience, loss, and redemption, drawing from his personal experiences. Many of these tracks have achieved significant chart success and awards recognition, amplifying Meadows' influence in the genre. One of Meadows' most notable cuts is "Riser," co-written with Steve Moakler, which served as the title track for Dierks Bentley's 2014 album Riser. The topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country in 2016, praised for its uplifting narrative of overcoming adversity. "What We Ain't Got," co-written with Travis Jerome Goff, appeared on Jake Owen's 2013 album Days of Gold and peaked at No. 1 on the chart in 2015. The , reflecting on appreciating what one has, marked breakthrough for Meadows and showcased his ability to blend vulnerability with broad appeal. Eric Church has recorded multiple Meadows compositions, including "Dark Side" from Church's 2014 album The Outsiders and "Knives of New Orleans" from the 2015 deluxe edition. "Dark Side" explores the complexities of love and inner turmoil, while "Knives of New Orleans" delivers a noir-infused story of escape and consequence, both highlighting Meadows' storytelling prowess. Other significant recordings include "Better Boat," co-written with and recorded by featuring on Chesney's 2018 album , which addresses finding solace amid grief. Cody Johnson's 2023 hit "," co-written with Tony Lane, topped the Country Airplay chart and resonated widely for its message of perseverance. Earlier cuts feature "Cherry on Top" by on his 2009 album Easy Does It, demonstrating Meadows' early impact in the industry.

References

  1. https://people.com/country/travis-meadows-musicares-saved-life-after-cancer-addiction/
  2. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/why-songwriter-travis-meadows-is-nashvilles-favorite-underdog-115356/
  3. https://www.npr.org/2017/10/14/557350612/i-take-the-long-way-going-everywhere-travis-meadows-on-learning-to-be-human-agai
  4. https://travismeadows.com/about
  5. https://americansongwriter.com/keep-breathing-qa-travis-meadows/
  6. https://musicrow.com/2024/09/travis-meadows-signs-with-sheltered-music/
  7. https://travismeadows.com/bio
  8. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/travis-meadows-mn0001555460
  9. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/travis-meadows
  10. https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-music-philanthropy-ca976c37b5604e798b1aec30d6e37fec
  11. https://musicrow.com/2017/08/songwriter-travis-meadows-preps-october-album-with-jeremy-spillman-jay-joyce/
  12. https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/travis_meadows_joins_bmi
  13. https://theboot.com/dierks-bentley-riser-lyrics/
  14. https://www.billboard.com/music/country/dierks-bentley-riser-new-single-6598030/
  15. https://theboot.com/eric-church-dark-side-lyrics/
  16. https://secondhandsongs.com/artist/153757/all
  17. https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/nashvillesongwriterawards
  18. https://musicrow.com/2023/09/2023-nashville-songwriter-award-winners-complete-list/
  19. https://www.allmusic.com/album/my-life-101-mw0001131394
  20. https://americansongwriter.com/travis-meadows-my-life-101/
  21. https://coachellavalleyweekly.com/travis-meadows-heating-up-the-heart-of-music-city-one-hot-song-at-a-time/
  22. https://music.apple.com/us/album/old-ghosts-unfinished-business-ep/636851748
  23. https://americansongwriter.com/travis-meadows-first-cigarette/
  24. https://chorus.fm/reviews/travis-meadows-first-cigarette/
  25. https://texaslifestylemag.com/entertainment/6-reasons-you-must-see-travis-meadows-live/
  26. https://vocalsontop.com/2018/01/27/concert-review-travis-meadows-at-knuckleheads-saloon-in-kansas-city-mo-1-25-18/
  27. https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/nashvilles-most-badass-songwriter-travis-meadows-shares-tragic-life-stories-86209/
  28. https://www.clarionledger.com/story/magnolia/entertainment/2018/02/22/mississippi-concerts-live-music-mississippi-singer-songwriter-travis-meadows-finds-happiness/360778002/
  29. https://www.tennessean.com/story/life/2015/09/12/three-legged-dog-sparks-travis-meadows-big-revelation/72002262/
  30. https://americansongwriter.com/travis-meadows-recovers-from-debilitating-injury-affecting-his-vocals-nashville-benefit-concert-gofundme-set-up/
  31. https://open.spotify.com/album/1y9D1I9gKrkc4HkhNdw0a7
  32. https://travismeadows.bandcamp.com/album/killin-uncle-buzzy
  33. https://music.apple.com/us/album/over-the-wire-single/1532000000
  34. https://musicrow.com/2021/04/in-pictures-benefit-for-songwriter-travis-meadows-raises-nearly-20000/
  35. https://countryexclusive.com/album-review-travis-meadows-first-cigarette/
  36. https://musicrow.com/2023/05/human-co-writers-enter-top-10-on-musicrow-top-songwriter-chart/
  37. https://music.apple.com/au/artist/travis-meadows/208038577
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