Keith Whitley Also Recorded What Became One of Randy Travis’ Biggest Hits
Randy Travis turned “On The Other Hand” into his first chart-topping single after its initial release failed to gain traction, helping establish his career. The song also appeared on a Keith Whitley album, though Whitley did not release it as a single.
Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz wrote the song to affirm commitment in relationships, with its central image contrasting temptation with a wedding band. They first offered it to Dan Seals, who declined; Overstreet initially wanted to keep it, but agreed to let producer Kyle Lehning give it to the then little-known Travis after recalling a Bible verse about giving.
- Travis’s re-release became his first chart-topper.
- Keith Whitley recorded the song for an album.
- Dan Seals passed on the song before Travis recorded it.
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Randy Travis and Keith Whitley were American country singers whose careers rose in the 1980s. “On The Other Hand” was written by songwriters Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, and its lyrics centre on choosing commitment over temptation.
The song became a defining early success for Travis and helped establish him as a major country artist. Whitley also recorded it for an album, though it was not released as a single from his version.