Randy Travis faced a long struggle before achieving success in the country music industry. Prior to signing with Warner Bros. Records Nashville, he spent a decade searching for a recording contract, often experiencing rejection along the way. In 1985, while working as a catfish cook at the Nashville Palace, he performed short sets during breaks, catching the attention of engineer and producer Kyle Lehning. At that time, he was still using the stage name “Randy Ray.”
Lehning recalls being impressed by Travis’ strong, emotionally resonant voice, especially as hardcore country music was not mainstream during the crossover era dominated by artists like Kenny Rogers and Anne Murray. “What attracted me to him was his amazing voice and amazing talent,” Lehning expressed, emphasizing that it was the honesty and emotion in Travis’ performance that drew him in, rather than purely the genre.
Lehning produced Travis’ debut album, “Storms of Life,” which catapulted Travis to fame, allowing him to transition from a struggling performer in a bread truck to selling out shows in major cities. By the time they began working on the follow-up album, “Always & Forever,” in 1987, Travis was fatigued from touring, but his performance did not suffer. The duo had a distinct advantage as fewer country artists were competing for the best songs, making it easier to select high-quality material.
“Always & Forever,” released in April 1987, achieved significant success, yielding four Number One singles, including the iconic “Forever and Ever, Amen.” This particular track, penned by Paul Overstreet and Don Schlitz, became an instant hit, attributed to Travis’ stunning vocal delivery paired with its simple yet profound message. Recording sessions were notable for being smooth and enjoyable, according to Lehning.
The song was recorded at Stargem Studios in Nashville with a team of top Nashville session musicians, including Jack Williams on bass and Terry McMillan on harmonica. Unique to the recording was the inclusion of a Pedabro—a pedal steel guitar hybrid—played by Paul Franklin, which provided a novel sound that enhanced the track’s appeal.
Travis recorded his vocals at Lehning’s Morningstar studio, where he used an AKG C24 microphone that had been effective throughout their long-standing collaboration. The mixing process was handled manually, without automation, emphasizing a meticulous attention to detail that contributed to the polished final product.
“Forever and Ever, Amen” was celebrated for its success and won a Grammy for Best Country Song, along with two Academy of Country Music awards. Lehning believes the song’s triumph was the result of a unique blend of timing and talent. “It was just the right guy, right time, right songs,” he noted, reflecting on the fortunate circumstances that surrounded the project.
Through dedication and a remarkable voice, Randy Travis transformed his initial struggles into a lasting legacy in country music, illustrating the power of perseverance and artistry in an ever-evolving industry.