The LGBTQ+ community has gained mainstream acceptance in the last ten to fifteen years. However, there are a few social groups who are still resistant to fully accept the LGBTQ+ community with all of its ideals. In music, the country genre has been largely unaffected by the movement. This lack of representation in country music makes Ty Herndon and his coming out story especially courageous and encouraging.
We interviewed Ty recently and learned a lot about what it felt like to be the first openly gay country artist and his continued love for his genre.
The Interview
Q: What was it like coming out to the country community?
Ty Herndon: It was one of the hardest decisions of my life. I was shaking in my boots. I was prepared to completely walk away from music. It was better for me to live authentically than to continue living a lie. But then, the fans and industry have been so excepting and amazing. I’m so glad I got to continue in a business I love so much.
Q: What advice would you give to aspiring country artists?
Ty Herndon: I have the honor of speaking to so many LGBTQ kids that want to come to Nashville and be in music. And, I simply tell them to work hard. Work hard at being the best singer you can be. Work hard at being a great business person. Work hard at being the best artist. Work hard at your craft. Just simply be the best you can towards making your dreams come true. Then, everything else will fall in place. Also, you have to create your own music family, a family of love and support.
“Work Hard”
Q: What’s your craziest story from touring?
Ty Herndon: Well the funny ones always consist of me falling down on stage. My band usually can’t stop laughing. One time, I actually walked right off the end of the stage. It was about a 25 foot drop. Fortunately, I landed in the shrubs. My band laughed so hard they stopped playing. I however continued singing the damn song without the band.
Q: What’s your favorite song that you’ve ever released? Why?
Ty Herndon: My first number one single is still my favorite. I had the honor of reimagining it last month. It was great to change the pronouns to how I would sing it today. “What Mattered Most” will always be my favorite song to sing, both versions.
Ty’s Inspiration
Q: If you could work with anyone in the music industry, who would it be?
Ty Herndon: That’s an easy one. I just recorded one of Bonnie Raitt classic hits. And, I love her so much. I guess I probably have every album she ever made. One day she’ll call me. And, I will pass out.
Q: If you were on a deserted island and could only bring one album with you, what album would that be?
Ty Herndon: Nick of Time… Bonnie Raitt of course.
Check out Ty Herndon‘s music below. And, be sure to check out his new version of “What Mattered Most”.
Enjoy!
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