Abraham Ken - Forever and ever, amen: a memoir of music, faith, and braving the storms of life

PRAISE FOR FOREVER AND EVER, AMEN

Randy Travis writes his story with humor and candor. As a fellow stroke survivor, I know firsthand that his road to recovery has not been easy, and I applaud his courage in sharing the triumphs and the heartache.

KIRK DOUGLAS

Randy Travis saved country music. I wouldnt have had a career if it werent for him and his music. This is his amazing story.

GARTH BROOKS

I have long admired Randy Travis. I admire him for washing dishes and whatever else he had to do to help sustain his dream in the early days. I admire him for sticking to his guns, when the powers that be in Music City told him he was too country to sell records and concert tickets. I admire him for remaining humble after he had proved them all wrong, going platinum, and selling out huge arenas. But I admire Randy Travis most of all for how he has knocked out of the park the curve balls life has thrown him. The physical challenges he has faced would have destroyed every vestige of hope and will to carry on for a lesser man, but this unique and brave individual smiles his way through it all, sense of humor intact, wearing his humility on his sleeve. Forever and Ever, Amen tells all about Randys journey, the slips and falls, the massive triumphs, his bouts with his demons, his Christian conversion, and his indomitable will to survive and live life to its fullest, and he takes us along for the ride. And what a ride it is.

CHARLIE DANIELS

Randy and I have been friends for a long time. The first time I heard him sing, I said, Hes got it! Randy is one of the greatest singers in the world. I love you, Randy, and people are going to love your book!

LORETTA LYNN

At twelve years old I worked overtime hours on a hog farm and mowed extra lawns to get the money it took to buy a ticket to see my very first country music concert in Amarillo, Texas. My favorite singer, Randy Travis, was coming to town and there was no way I was going to miss it! My Dad dropped me off at the Civic Center and I walked in alone with my Solo paper ticket. I was in the nosebleed section, but I sang along as loud as I could to every word as Randy rattled off hit after hit. I remember thinking, I wish I could do that someday! Randy Travis is a genuine inspiration and one of the true great country voices of all time.

JOHN RICH OF BIG AND RICH

I have worked with artists for years and when it comes to authenticity, I always look for one thingthe heart. At the core of Randy Travis is a heart for God. I have observed Randys faith firsthand, expressed unobtrusively by his kindness, humility, and the way he treats other people. Randys honesty in dealing with both his triumphs and his failures reveals the truth about Gods grace in a way to which we can all relate.

BILL GAITHER

Randy Travis, as many of you know, has always been a hero to me. I grew up loving his music and his persona. When I first met him, he was exactly who I expected him to be. Since then, he and I have become close friends; thats something I treasure. I know firsthand how difficult it is to be a traveling singer and everything that comes with it. So, when you read this book, understand that Randy has gone from being someone I just admire for his music and persona to someone I admire for his strength, determination, endurance, conviction, and passion. Hes a stylistic singer, a writer, an actor, an artist, a warrior, a patriot, and a great Christian man. Im proud to not only call him a hero, but a true friend.

JOSH TURNER

I remember the first time I heard Randy. Country music, in some sense, had forgotten its roots and changed direction. Then came Randy Travis. The authenticity in his voice was undeniable. He reminded an entire industry of who they are and where they came from. Randy helped shape country music. Hes the real deal.

MICHAEL W. SMITH

My husband, George Jones, came in the house and said, I just heard some kid named Randy Travis on the radio, and he was singing real country music! We have to go buy his album. We did and before long we became friends with Randy and remained so for the rest of Georges life. Every time I see Randy, I can still see George telling me about him and smiling. He still is.

NANCY JONES

Randy was on several episodes of Touched by an Angel with us and we loved having him on set. He was so kind and gracious and lovely to be around, and his voice was so recognizable. Even his speaking voice, so deep and resonant. I have only the fondest memories of working with him.

ROMA DOWNEY

Randy Travis is not a typical fellow. His life has not been a typical life. His story is not your average story. There is sadness, tears, laughter, joy, struggle, failure, victory, and hope in his sojourn. Everyone will amen at some point. Im honored to know him.

TOMMY NELSON,

Pastor, Denton Bible Church

Randy Travis changed the landscape of country music when he arrived on the scene. We are incredibly proud that Warner Bros. Records has been his home since the beginning of his career.

JOHN ESPOSITO,

Chairman / CEO Warner

Music Group Nashville

2019 Randy Travis

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Scripture quotation marked KJV is from the King James Version, public domain.

Permissions for use of song lyrics:

On the Other Hand: Writers: Paul Overstreet / Don Schlitz. Publishers: Scarlet Moon Music, Inc., Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc., Universal MCA Music Publishing, Don Schlitz Music.

Forever and Ever, Amen: Writers: Paul Overstreet / Don Schlitz. Publishers: Scarlet Moon Music, Inc., Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc., Universal MCA Music Publishing, Don Schlitz Music.

Heroes and Friends: Writers: Randy Travis / Don Schlitz. Publishers: Sometimes You Win Music Co., Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc., Universal MCA Music Publishing, Don Schlitz Music.

ISBN 978-1-4002-0799-2 (eBook)

Epub Edition March 2019 9781400207992

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Travis, Randy, author. | Abraham, Ken.

Title: Forever and ever, amen : a memoir of music, faith, and braving the storms of life / Randy Travis with Ken Abraham.

Description: Nashville, Tennessee : Nelson Books, [2019] | Includes bibliographical references. |

Identifiers: LCCN 2018046406 (print) | LCCN 2018046878 (ebook) | ISBN 9781400207992 (e-book) | ISBN 9781400207985 (hardcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Travis, Randy. | Country musicians--United States--Biography.

Classification: LCC ML420.T76 (ebook) | LCC ML420.T76 A3 2019 (print) | DDC 782.421642092 [B] --dc23