Covering a time frame from 1946 to 1953, here's a nice collection of Travis' biggest hits. As revered as Merle is as an innovative and influential guitarist, this set principally highlights his best-known tunes as a singer/songwriter, including the original "Sixteen Tons," "So Round, So Firm, So Fully Packed," "Divorce Me C.O.D.," "Kentucky Means Paradise," and the title track. But the picking side of Travis' talent is nicely highlighted on "Cannon Ball Rag," "Guitar Rag," and...   [ read more ]

CD $17.08

Although The Merle Travis Story -- 24 Greatest Hits consists of re-recordings from the late '70s, it gives a better sense of why Travis was important than Rhino's The Best of Merle Travis. Unlike Rhino's set, CMH concentrates on Travis' guitar playing, which is why he was an important musician. Therefore, it gives a far better sense of why the guitarist was a revered, influential artist than the vocal hits of Rhino's collection, even if the music was recorded late in his career. ~ Thom Owens, All ...   [ read more ]

CD $15.18

Merle Travis recorded his portion of this album in association with veteran flat-picker Joe Maphis (maybe the fastest guitarist that ever lived) during 1977 and 1981 in Nashville, Tennessee, Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Charlotte, North Carolina. It's an all-instrumental album made up of duets and Maphis solo-featured numbers, and material ranging from traditional pieces like "Irish Washerwoman," "L'il Liza Jane," and "John Henry" to movie and television theme music ("Ballad of Thunder Road," "Bon...   [ read more ]

CD $8.53