Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most” Gets a 30th-Anniversary Refresh with LeAnn Rimes, Kicking Off a New Era
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Three decades after its initial release launched him into country music stardom, Ty Herndon is revisiting his breakout hit, “What Mattered Most,” with a fresh perspective and a powerful new duet partner: LeAnn Rimes. This reimagined version of the classic track serves as the first taste of Herndon’s upcoming album, THIRTY, a career-spanning celebration marking his significant contributions to country music. The project also signals an exciting new chapter for Herndon, as he inks a three-album deal with Club44 Records.
“What Mattered Most” first captivated audiences in the spring of 1995, rapidly climbing to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart. Its runaway success not only earned Herndon an ACM nomination for Top New Male Vocalist but also paved the way for a career that boasts 17 chart-topping hits, four No. 1s, a Grammy nomination, and a Dove Award. The song’s timeless message of love, loss, and reflection resonated deeply, establishing Herndon as a formidable presence in the genre.
Now, with the 30th Anniversary Edition, the addition of LeAnn Rimes’s multi-platinum, two-time GRAMMY® award-winning voice brings a new layer of emotional depth to the already poignant lyrics. This duet isn’t just a re-recording; it’s a “full-circle moment” for both artists. As Herndon shared, he and Rimes have a history stretching back three decades, with Rimes even joining him on stage to sing the song during her own meteoric rise in the ’90s. The shared experience and the life lived since those early days are palpable in their intertwined vocals, creating a rendition that is both familiar and profoundly new. The synergy between their voices is indeed “breathtaking,” as Herndon aptly describes it, offering a mature and reflective take on a song that holds deep meaning for many.
THIRTY promises to be more than just a greatest hits collection. It will feature newly recorded versions of Herndon’s most iconic songs, transformed through collaborations with an impressive lineup of musical guests. This approach speaks to Herndon’s career, one marked by resilience, reinvention, and raw emotion. It’s a tribute to his enduring legacy while simultaneously serving as a powerful step forward into his next phase.
The partnership with Club44 Records, a Nashville-based label renowned for its dedication to vocal excellence and genre-crossing artistry, seems like a natural fit for Herndon’s evolving artistic vision. With THIRTY leading the way, his next three albums will be released under the Club44 banner, hinting at a period of renewed creativity and output from an artist who has consistently pushed boundaries.
A Career Defined by Resilience and Authenticity
Ty Herndon’s journey in country music has been anything but conventional. From his initial explosion onto the scene in the mid-90s with hits like “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” and “Hands of a Working Man,” to his groundbreaking decision to come out as gay in 2015, Herndon has consistently followed his own path. He continued to deliver chart-toppers with “Living in a Moment” and “It Must Be Love” in the late ’90s, and his later works, including the Grammy-nominated Journey On, showcased his continued artistic growth.
His courage in becoming the first major male country artist to publicly come out as gay not only made history but also paved the way for greater inclusivity in the genre. Since then, he’s released acclaimed albums like House on Fire and Got It Covered, and established the annual Concert for Love & Acceptance, demonstrating his commitment to advocacy. His 2022 album, JACOB, further highlighted his ongoing relevance, with singles like “Till You Get There” and the Terri Clark duet “Dents on a Chevy” finding success on country radio.
LeAnn Rimes, of course, needs little introduction. A global superstar, her career began with an unprecedented bang, making her the youngest recipient of a Grammy Award at just 14 years old. With over 48 million units sold, a multitude of awards, and a consistent presence on the charts, Rimes’s vocal prowess and artistic versatility are undeniable. Beyond her musical achievements, Rimes has also been a vocal advocate for various causes, earning recognition for her support of equal rights and mental health awareness. Her participation in “What Mattered Most” not only elevates the track but also underscores the mutual respect and long-standing connection between two significant figures in country music.
The 30th-anniversary edition of “What Mattered Most” is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a testament to the enduring power of a classic song and the continued artistic evolution of Ty Herndon. With the added magic of LeAnn Rimes’s voice, this duet breathes new life into a beloved hit, setting an exciting tone for Herndon’s new album and his promising partnership with Club44 Records. It’s a reminder that true artistry, like genuine connection, only deepens with time.