What Mattered Most

A Memoir

By: Ty Herndon, David Ritz

Narrated by: Ty Herndon, Vince Gill

*NARRATED BY THE AUTHOR!*
*WITH COUNTRY LEGEND VINCE GILL NARRATING THE PREFEACE!*

Ty Herndon brings the power of his own voice to the special audio edition of WHAT MATTERED MOST. Along with country music superstar Vince Gill reading the Preface, Herndon paints an intimate portrait of faith, addiction, celebrity, and relationships in the inimitable voice that made him an icon of country music.

An intimate, often hilarious but always sincere memoir from country legend Ty Herndon on his struggles with addiction, mental health, his career, relationships, and being the first openly gay male country superstar.

Ty Herndon may be most known for his beautiful country songs, but behind the music Herndon's own life could be the subject of a classic country ballad. His career began as a member of the band The Tennessee River Boys—the band that would later become Diamond Rio. He found solo success after signing to Epic Records and releasing the number-one hit "What Mattered Most," launching a decades-long career as one of country music's leading legends.

But behind the fame, Herndon struggled with addiction, mental health issues, and his sexuality—the latter of which had no place in mainstream country in the 90's, 2000's and arguably through today. Facing a series of setbacks including an arrest, lawsuits and a drug relapse, all while struggling to maintain his secret, his spiral ultimately led to a suicide attempt. His subsequent successful stay in rehab led to the inspiration for his song "God or the Gun."

Now, Herndon brings that song to life telling his full story for the first time. With profound introspection, brutal honesty, occasional humor and a lot of heart, Herndon shares how he fought against his demons and ultimately chose God over the gun.

Journeys aren't always easy...

Congratulations to my buddy Ty Herndon, your story is now available for all to see, hear, and experience the journey with you. You have always been such an open and honest person to those that are in your presence. I am so proud of you and the man you became and continue to be on the road to WHAT MATTERED MOST authentically. Love you.

Raw honest and journey of a gay country music pioneer.

Great book, but a painful journey to loving oneself. A golden voice upcoming superstar struggles between fame and forbidden love and his coping choices make it more difficult.

what mattered most

I love how real this book is. it hits home in many ways as a mom of a child battling addiction and recovery

Raw honesty.

What Mattered Most is a great read that delivers raw honesty and deep vulnerability to be acknowledged and honored. Ty tells of his childhood in the church and his roller coaster of a career with highs and lows from starting out as a singer at Opryland USA, to his first number one (the book's namesake), to coming full circle and celebrating his personal life and testimony. True transparency is a rare gift so hard to share with others, but Ty was brave enough to share with the world. Thank you Ty.

grab the tissues

I laughed till I cried, and cried till I prayed. Then I laughed some more.