Randy Travis Turns 57; Here's a Listen to 10 of His Most Inspirational Songs

By Timothy Yap May 04, 2016 06:43 PM EDT

Randy Travis turns 57 today! Since 1985, Travis has recorded 20 studio albums and charted more than 50 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, and 16 of these were number-one hits. His first six studio releases have all been certified platinum or higher. The country music veteran has recorded 21 studio albums, including two holiday albums, 17 compilation albums, and two live albums.

More than that, Travis has also been known for his Inspirational and Christian songs. After the 1999 release of A Man Ain't Made of Stone, Travis shifted away from mainstream country and focused on gospel. During this time, he recorded the albums Inspirational Journey (2000), Rise and Shine (2002), and Worship & Faith (2003).

The single "Three Wooden Crosses" from the Rise and Shine album reached No. 1 and won the CMA song of the year in 2003. That same year, Travis ranked No. 13 on CMT's 40 Greatest Men of Country Music. Additionally, he continued to act in film and television; he appeared in several episodes and in the series finale of Touched by an Angel.

His album, Passing Through was released in November 2004 and included his song about mothers titled "Angels." It combined the country music of his earlier years with the gospel influences from his latest albums. After the release of Glory Train: Songs of Faith, Worship, and Praisein 2005 and the Christmas album Songs of the Season in 2007, Travis released his brand new single "Faith in You" as a free download from his official website. It heralded the July 2008 release of his album, Around the Bend, his first collection of mainly secular recordings in nearly a decade.

He is known for his distinctive baritone vocals, delivered in a traditional style that has made him a country music star since the 1980s.

Here's a listen to some of his most influential inspirational songs:

1. Three Wooden Crosses

2. Baptism

3. Shout to the Lord

4. Angels

5. Faith in You

6. He Walked on Water

7. Dig Two Graves

8. Point of Light

9. The Box

10. Above All