The Inspirational Journey

Alumnus Finds His Voice in Music and Ministry

Adventurous. Risky. Exciting. That is how Travis Greene (’06) describes his early years as a singer in the gospel music industry.

“Being able to do what I love for a living is a dream come true,” he said. “I’m still not used to it, and I’ll never take it for granted. There was no backup plan for me. This is all I wanted to do.”

Following the path that led to his success took a little prodding. As a Georgia Southern student, Greene studied music but majored in business management. Instead of pursuing his dream, he focused on a more practical career. He planned to get an MBA, then join the corporate world. But he changed his mind after a conversation with his Georgia Southern piano teacher.

“Professor Natalia Da Roza really inspired me,” Greene said about the professor who taught him to read music. “There was a turning point as I approached graduation when she asked me about my future plans. When she heard the path I planned to pursue, she challenged me to follow my passion – which was music and ministry.”

Finding His Love for Music

Like many other successful singers, Greene grew up surrounded by music. His father played the guitar, and his mother was a minister and choir director. Being a part of the military community, his family lived in a few places until they settled in Warner Robins, Georgia. When he was five years old, his father died unexpectedly of an aneurysm. The alumnus found comfort in music, saying it was God’s way of giving him an escape from grief and adversity.

“I turned to the keyboard instead of drugs and life on the streets,” he said in published interviews. “Any instrument I put my hands on, I was able to play.”

He followed his professor’s advice and started a career in music. His decision to sing gospel instead of secular music he said was “based on a prayer when I was 12 years old. I prayed to God that if He allowed me to do music, I would only do it for Him.”

In 2006, Greene graduated from Georgia Southern. The following year, the singer released the first full-length recording of his career. He called his debut independent album “The More.” It landed on the Billboard chart and gained significant airplay. Two more albums followed that one, then he struck it big with his third one. “The Hill” released in 2015, reached the top of the Billboard gospel chart. It also produced two No. 1 hits on gospel airplay charts. Those two singles, “Made a Way,” and “Intentional,” received Grammy nominations. His 2017 album, “Crossover: Live from Music City,” also topped the gospel chart and climbed to number 61 on Billboard 200. In all, the performer has released five albums, the most recent onelast year.

Collaboration with Legendary Stars

Greene not only sings, but he is also a producer and songwriter. He has collaborated with some of gospel music’s biggest stars. The legendary Kirk Franklin, John P. Kee, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Mali Music, and Kierra Sheard are just a few of them. He met Franklin for the first time in 2011 and it remains one of his most cherished experiences.

“He was a major inspiration growing up, so getting the chance to meet him was a dream come true,” said the award-winning singer. “He instantly knew who I was and gave me great advice.”

Greene’s songs and recordings have scored numerous industry honors. They include five Grammy nominations, 13 Stellar Awards, three Dove Awards, two Billboard Music Awards, one Soul Train Award and a BET award. Despite the accolades, Greene remains humble about his critically acclaimed success.

“It’s always humbling for a work of art to be noticed and recognized by music lovers,” noted the award-winning singer. “My goal is always to inspire, and many times the awards show that my goal of inspiration has been appreciated.”

While winning praise as a voice for his generation, Greene has earned a reputation for his songwriting talent as well. He estimates he has written at least 100 songs. Some of gospel music’s biggest names have recorded his works.

“I prefer songwriting,” admitted the five-time Grammy-nominated musician. “Songwriting is more of a challenge. I approach songwriting like a puzzle, so, completing a song is more fulfilling than exuding energy on stage.”

When Greene hits the stage to share his music, he still finds joy in performing before an audience. He told the website praise.com that performing live is a more honest demonstration of what he does musically. “In the studio,” he noted, “I can mimic what I do live. But there’s nothing like the way an excited audience can help me take my gifts to another level. When I’m able to see those tears streaming, hands lifted high and people jumping around with joy, I know that God’s message is getting across through me.”

Music is not the only way Greene reaches people’s hearts with inspirational messages. He embraced the culture that he experienced growing up and answered the call to the ministry. Now, he co-pastors Forward City Church in Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife, Dr. Jackie Greene (’10). The singer and his wife, who has a dental practice, are also the founders of the church. They have three young sons, Judah, Travis and David.

“God placed a desire in my heart to create a place that I would want to attend every Sunday,” he said. “Forward City Church is that place. I grew up spending a lot of time in church. Ministry was part of my DNA. It was a natural transition in my life to aspire toward full-time ministry. “

Greene’s flourishing career clearly keeps him a very busy husband and father. He estimates that at one point, he flew to different destinations more than 150 times a year. But he has learned to pace himself while handling his many responsibilities.

“I don’t believe in finding balance,” he explained. “I believe in finding a rhythm that is sustainable and healthy for you and for those you love. That rhythm for me is proper prioritization and being present in whatever place I’m in.”

The artist is a member of the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association’s “40 Under 40” Class of 2021. He was also the featured speaker for the University’s Spring 2022 Commencement for Parker College of Business graduates.

Greene has simple advice for people who are unsure about their path in life.

“Truth is,” he said, “it’s often the thing that frustrates you the most that is a sign of your passion and calling. Once you discover that passion, use your energy to not complain or conform. Confront whatever it is that frustrates you the most because we are all created to be an answer to a problem.”

With all that he has accomplished, Greene has fond memories of the time he spent at Georgia Southern.

“My years at Georgia Southern University were some of the best years of my life. Go Eagles!” 

— Sandra Bennett