I was born in 1982 in Chilhowie VA where I have lived all my life. I grew up listening to my dad playing the guitar and finally let him talk me into learning to play bass when I was 12. Before long my family started playing gospel in churches throughout Virginia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. My mother Donna, father Kenny, sister Shannon, brother Mack, and sister-in-law Amy all played and sang. The Lord blessed us greatly and I am very thankful for the opportunities he provided us with.
I began playing Dobro around the age of 16 and quickly fell in love with the instrument. I started taking lessons from Randy Paisley whom I greatly admire as a virtuoso of the resonator to this day. In 2004 I applied and was accepted to the Bluegrass Music Program at East Tennessee State University. While there I was fortunate enough to travel with The ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band under the direction of Raymond McLain.
In 2006 God presented me with a life changing experience. Being raised in church, I knew better than to tell God no. With the help of several local churches and friends I was able to travel to Kenya and spend several weeks working in some very remote parts of the country. Our team provided the supplies and built water storage tanks for a community of people who have a journey of several days to reach the nearest town. Every drop of water they were using was hand dipped with a cup from the river bed, and trust me I wouldn't call it water. I thought I went to Kenya to help others less fortunate than I am, instead I found myself realizing that I was there so that they could help me. After seeing that these people have nothing and are the happiest, most incredible, loving humans in the world simply because what they do have is God, and that's all that matters to them.
During this experience I realized that I just wanted to let God control the pathway of my life and use me however he would like. I have seen firsthand that Barry, Matt, Jason, and Zane are outstanding Christians and I feel it is a great honor and privilege to share the stage with them and I thank them and God for this opportunity. May God Bless you in all you do!
Contact Travis by writing: Travis@barryscottonline.com