Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life

by Randy Travis, Ken Abraham (With)

Overview

The long-awaited, deeply personal story of one of American music's greatest icons, a remarkable tale of the utmost heights of fame and success, the deepest lows of life's sorrows, and a miraculous return from the brink of death—told as only Randy Travis can.

Beloved around the world, Randy Travis has sold more than 25 million albums in both country and gospel and is considered one of the finest performers of his generation, admired by superstars across the musical landscape, from Garth Brooks to Mick Jagger.

From a working-class background in North Carolina to a job as a cook and club singer in Nashville to his "overnight success" with his smash 1986 album Storms of Life—which launched the neotraditional movement in country music—Randy’s first three decades are a true rags-to-riches story.

But in 2009, this seemingly charmed life began a downward spiral. His marriage dissolved, he discovered that his finances had unraveled, and his struggles with anger led to alcohol abuse, public embarrassment, and even police arrest in 2012.

Then, just as he was putting his life back together, Randy suffered a devastating viral cardiomyopathy that led to a massive stroke which he was not expected to survive. Yet he not only survived but also learned to walk again and in 2016 accepted his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame by singing the hymn that explains his life today: "Amazing Grace."

Filled with never-before-told stories, Forever and Ever, Amen is a riveting tale of unfathomable success, great joy, deep pain, and redemption that can come only from above.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781400214839
Publisher:	Nelson, Thomas, Inc.
Publication date:	06/02/2020
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	316,285
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.40(h) x 1.50(d)

About the Author

Randy Travis is a country music singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor. Since 1985, he has recorded twenty studio albums and charted more than fifty singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and had twenty-two #1 hits. His debut album, Storms of Life, sold more than 4 million copies and established him as a major force in the neotraditional country movement. Travis followed up his successful debut with a string of platinum and multi-platinum albums. A member of the Grand Ole Opry, he has sold more than 25 million records, and has earned six #1 albums, seven Grammy Awards, five CMA Awards, eleven ACM Awards, 10 AMA Awards, eight Dove Awards, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2016, Travis was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Ken Abraham is a New York Times best-selling author known around the world for his collaborations with high-profile public figures. A former professional musician and pastor, he is a popular guest with both secular and religious media. His books include One Soldier's Story with Bob Dole, Payne Stewart with Tracey Stewart, Falling in Love for All the Right Reasons with Dr. Neil Clark Warren, and Let's Roll! with Lisa Beamer.

Table of Contents

1 Pull the Plug 1

2 A Troubled Youth 3

3 An Unexpected Rescue 13

4 Too Country 19

5 From Catfish Cook to Recording Artist 25

6 On the Other Hand 33

7 Renewed Hope 45

8 Hitting the Road 51

9 Living the Dream 57

10 Always & Forever 65

11 The Show 83

12 Deeper than the Holler 91

13 Heroes and Friends 97

14 All-American Heroes 105

15 Consider the Source 113

16 Stirrings Within 119

17 Transition Time-This Is Me 125

18 Fans, Flowers, and Food 135

19 Closed Doors, Open Doors 141

20 Born-Again Music 149

21 I Told You So 163

22 The Irish Gig 167

23 Are We in Trouble Now? 173

24 Happy Anniversary 181

25 A Dark and Lonely Road 193

26 Ambushed 201

27 The Man I Am 205

28 Feelin' Mighty Fine 213

29 Flatline 225

30 The Tear That Changed Everything 239

31 Home at Last! 247

32 Bittersweet Reunions 263

33 Old Friends and New 271

34 Mutual Love and Gratitude 277

35 Free Indeed! 283

Acknowledgments 289

About the Author 293

Editorial Reviews

Randy Travis may have lost his ability to sing (he suffered a life-threatening stroke in 2013), but his voice as a writer comes through loud and clear in this deeply engaging autobiography on audio. Fellow country singer Rory Feek echoes Travis’s twang as he confidently narrates the story of a talented and resilient man who overcame a difficult upbringing to achieve remarkable success. Adding to the authenticity of the performance, Feek shares unscripted reflections about what Travis’s music has meant to his own life and career. Feek’s gentle and charming style is perfectly suited to the humility and vulnerability that come through as Travis opens up about his struggles with alcoholism. This is a beautifully told story of a remarkable life in music. D.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2019 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

JULY 2019 - AudioFile

Randy Travis may have lost his ability to sing (he suffered a life-threatening stroke in 2013), but his voice as a writer comes through loud and clear in this deeply engaging autobiography on audio. Fellow country singer Rory Feek echoes Travis’s twang as he confidently narrates the story of a talented and resilient man who overcame a difficult upbringing to achieve remarkable success. Adding to the authenticity of the performance, Feek shares unscripted reflections about what Travis’s music has meant to his own life and career. Feek’s gentle and charming style is perfectly suited to the humility and vulnerability that come through as Travis opens up about his struggles with alcoholism. This is a beautifully told story of a remarkable life in music. D.B. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award, 2019 Best Audiobook © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine

JULY 2019 - AudioFile