Travis Greene is a relative newcomer to gospel music, but in the three short years since he signed a recording deal with RCA Inspiration, he has become a beloved breakout artist who many believe embodies what the future of gospel music looks, sounds and feels like.
Since his debut album The Hill was released on RCA Inspiration, Greene has had two No. 1 songs, “Intentional” and “Made a Way.” He is nominated for nine Stellar Gospel Music Awards (tied with Tamela Mann for the most nominations), and later he was up for a Grammy Award in the Best Gospel Performance/Song category. Additionally, Greene is in the top 10 in 12 categories of Billboard magazine’s illustrious 2016 Year-End charts, including the No. 1 Gospel Airplay Artist of the Year. Greene’s success is a testimony to the perfection of God’s timing and positioning. “A lot of people think that I came out of nowhere, but those who know me know that I have been behind the scenes for years, kind of like David in the pasture. I have been working and worshipping in silence … while God did the rest,” he says.
Rolling out had an enriching conversation with Travis Greene about his extraordinary life experiences, his exciting music career, and his evolving ministry. Here is a glimpse:
You were raised in a military family. How has that influenced your outlook on the world? How has it influenced your ministry?
It gave me a diverse look at people in general. I had as many White friends as Black friends, quite honestly. I dealt with my share of racism, but I have a fresher interpretation of different cultures. It made me a lot more adaptable — which helps me in ministry. Growing up around a diverse group of people helped me learn that I don’t have to change the things that are relatable for me personally. Being authentic is what matters most, and it is what I think people appreciate. I have worked at all white churches and I have worked at all black churches, without skipping a beat.
You had a nearly tragic fall when you were younger — do you remember that at all?
I was 4 when that happened. We were living in Germany and I fell four floors out of a window. The paramedics put a white sheet over me and pronounced me dead at the scene. My mother picked me up, started praying and called on the name of Jesus. He performed a miracle and gave me back my life. My mother tells this story to this day, and it is something that I will never forget.
This past September you and your wife started Forward City Church, in Columbia, South Carolina. How is it going? Did you always know you would lead a church?
Things are going great and, no, it was not on my radar at all. People would tell me they thought I was going to do it but it was nothing that I wanted to do in any way shape or form. … I have seen so much that had put a bad taste in my mouth about that vocation. I didn’t want to have anything to do with it. My wife knew all along that this was destined for us. When I said to her, “babe, do you think we are supposed to start a church,” she replied: “yes, I have known for a while, I was just waiting on God to tell you …” It has been a faith walk. Hundreds have come to worship and gather … and many have gotten saved already. It is a very cool and fulfilling aspect of our lives.
You are nominated for a Grammy, and nine Stellar Awards. You also had a huge presence on Billboard’s Year-End 2016 charts. How would you describe this season of accolades?
It happened so quickly. It was almost like a bow and arrow: God pulled me back and launched me high, fast and far. I was always in a very prophetic environment growing up, so I had an inclination of what God was going to do. People would tell me to “expect this” and “expect that,” so it was always deep within my heart. Still, it is amazing being in the middle of what you dreamed of for so many years. I always felt pregnant with purpose, but I also trusted his timing.
1. Intentional (The Hill, 2015)
2. Made a Way (The Hill, 2015)
3. Just Want You (The Hill, 2015)
4. You Got Up (The Hill, 2015)
5. You Waited (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
6. Be Still (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
7. Taste and See (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
8. Fell in Love (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
9. Worship Rise (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
10. Crossover (Crossover: Live from Music City, 2017)
DISCOGRAPHY
ALBUMS
*2007 : The More
*2010 : Stretching Out
*2015 : The Hill
*2017 : Crossover : Live from Music City
ACHIEVEMENT
Stellar Awards
1. Made a Way - Song of the year (won)
2. Travis Greene - Male vocalist of the year (won)
3. The Hill - CD of the year (won)
4. Travis Greene - Contemporary Male vocalist of the year (won)
5. The Hill - Contemporary CD of the year (won)
6. The Hill - Recorded Music Packaging of the year (won)
7. The Hill - Praise and worship CD of the year (won)
BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
1. travis Greene - top gospel artist (nominated)
2. The Hill - top gospel album (nominated)
3. Made a Way - top gospel song (won)
No comments:
Post a Comment