Want to learn more about Ty Herndon's memoir, "What Mattered Most?" Then check out the interview below.
What was your inspiration behind your most recent book?
My inspiration was honestly survival and healing. After 30 years in the music industry — and a lot of those years spent hiding who I truly was — I reached a point where I realized my story didn't just belong to me anymore. I wanted to look back at the highs and lows of my personal struggles with total honesty. I realized that by sharing my truth, I could help someone else find theirs.
What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?
To me, it means freedom. For a long time, "Pride" was a scary word for me because I thought it would cost me my career. Now, Reading Rainbow means engaging with stories where we don't have to edit ourselves. It’s about seeing our lives, our heartbreaks, and our triumphs reflected on the page without apology. It’s an act of courage and a celebration of being exactly who God made us to be.
Why do you feel representation is so important in writing?
Growing up in the world of country music, I didn't see many people who looked or felt like me. When you don't see yourself in books or songs, you start to believe you don't exist—or worse, that you shouldn't. Representation is a lifeline. When we write our stories, we're telling the next generation: "You have a place at the table, your story has value, and you are not alone."
Tell us more about the book and why you decided to write it.
"What Mattered Most" is named after my first big hit, but the book explores what actually matters most at the end of the day. It’s a raw look at my journey through fame, addiction, coming out, and eventually finding peace. I decided to write it now because I’m finally in a place of radical acceptance and honesty. I wanted to bridge the gap between the guy people saw on album covers and the man I am today.
What can fans expect from your book?
Expect some behind-the-scenes Nashville history, but also expect some very vulnerable moments. You’ll get the stories of the 90s country boom right alongside my battles with trauma, addiction and the mental health journey that saved my life. Most of all, hopefully you’ll get a lot of love. It’s not just a music memoir — it’s a manual on how to rebuild your life when you think it's over.
What's up next for you in the bookish world?
Right now, I’m focused on getting this story into as many hands as possible. I’ve had the music bug for a very long time, but I can tell you, I’ve caught the book bug! I’m really interested in exploring more ways to advocate for mental health and recovery through writing. I’m also interested in sharing my love for southern cooking and food. So who knows? Maybe a cookbook!
