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

Travis, country music Hall of Fame inductee, candidly traces his ascent to the heights of country music fame, his alcohol abuse, and his brush with death after a stroke in this down-to-earth debut. After winning a talent show in his native North Carolina in 1975, Travis headed to Nashville with Lib Hatcher, a club owner who recognized his talent, took him under her wing, and later became his wife and manager. Travis played around Nahsville and was discovered by country star Little Jimmy Dickens, who invited him to sing with him at the Grand Ole Opry. After a few lean years, Travis broke through with the 1986 album Storms of Life, and he quickly became a country music superstar. Starting in 2010, Travis suffered a series of personal setbacks, including a high-profile, contentious divorce; the revelation of poor financial management under Lib’s watch; a DUI arrest in 2012; and a stroke that almost killed him. After his stroke, Travis could no longer perform, but he writes of how his love of music stayed strong, and how he emerged with a renewed faith in God and love for others: “More than ever, I know my life is a gift. My future plans are simple. I’m going to love God forever. I’m going to love my friends and family forever.” Humble and inspiring, Travis tells a powerful story of his struggles and successes in this entertaining memoir. (June)