After watching Randy Travis tear up at Opry 100 during Carrie Underwood’s heartfelt tribute, it’s impossible not to reflect on his journey. In the ’80s, Travis rose to fame with timeless hits like Forever and Ever, Amen, Too Gone Too Long, and Deeper Than the Holler. But his start was slow—his 1985 debut single, On the Other Hand, almost got lost in a sea of cheating songs. Yet, its emotional twist, where a wedding ring stops the narrator from straying, stood out. Travis’ heartfelt delivery launched his career, proving he was a keeper of country’s rich traditions. Watch his first No. 1 hit below.

Randy Travis made a name for himself in the ’80s with a series of classic albums and songs. He topped the charts with hits like “Forever and Ever, Amen,” “Too Gone Too Long,” “Deeper Than the Holler,” and more. Before he dominated the charts, he got a slow start with his debut single “On the Other Hand” in 1985.

For a time, country music was full of songs about cheating. “On the Other Hand” almost lands in that category. However, just before the narrator decides to be unfaithful to his wife, his ring reminds him of his vows and he walks away. The emotional complexity of the lyrics and Travis’ heartfelt delivery helped launch his career and mark him as an artist who kept the traditions of country music in mind when recording. Watch him perform what would be his first No. 1 song below.

Randy Travis Released “On the Other Hand” Twice

“On the Other Hand” has an interesting history. Written by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, Randy Travis released it as the lead single from his debut album Storms of Life in 1985. It peaked at No. 67 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart upon its initial release.

Travis found his first top 10 hit with his second single “1982.” The song peaked at No. 6 on the country charts. It was the springboard for a long line of hits. However, Warner executives didn’t believe that Travis had another song that would do well on the radio at the time. As a result, they re-released “On the Other Hand,” making it the first and third single from his debut album.

Upon its second release, “On the Other Hand” caught on. It went to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, giving Travis the first of many chart-toppers. It also brought him Single of the Year at the 1986 ACM Awards. That night also brought him trophies for Album of the Year and Top Male Vocalist. More importantly, the early hit became one of Travis’ signature songs and remains a favorite among his fans today.