Wrote "Sixteen Tons" and "Smoke, Smoke, Smoke (That Cigarette)."
Famous for his "Travis Picking" style of guitar playing, which is a
great accompanimental style for country, folk and ragtime music amongst
other styles.
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1977.
Biggest country hits were "Divorce Me C.O.D." (1946) and "So Round, So
Firm, So Fully Packed" (1947) -- both Billboard magazine 14-week No. 1
hits.
Served in the United States Marines during World War II.