Merle Travis: Rare Performances 1946-1981

“Merle Travis could write you a hit song and sing it; he could draw you a cartoon; he could play you a great guitar solo; or he could fix your watch. . . . I’d probably be looking at the rear end of a mule if it weren’t for Merle Travis. . . . If you can say there is a certain style to my way of playing, then you have to recognize it as the influence of the guitar pickin’ of Merle Travis.- Chet Atkins

Merle Travis (1917-1983) was the fountainhead of a blues/jazz tinged country guitar fingerstyle since dubbed “Travis picking.” Its impact has permeated not only country but folk and “roots rock” guitar idioms. Travis’s seminal role in American guitar styles overshadows the fact that he was also a formidable talent as a songwriter and performer. The many facets of his career are all present in these two videos spanning his west coast post-war prime to his last days as a rediscovered legend.

This video captures thirty-five years of rare film and television performances. A 36 page booklet is included which presents an interview and biographical essay, as well as many rare photographs of Merle Travis.