Ty Herndon Retools Career-Launching Hit, ‘What Mattered Most,’ For New Album [WATCH]

Country singer, gay rights activist and philanthropist Ty Herndon re-cut earlier hits for forthcoming album Got It Covered, as evidenced by his new music video for "What Mattered Most."

The 2019 version of Herndon's chart-topping mainstream arrival from 1995 honors Pride Month by swapping female pronouns for male ones. The singer came out of the closet on Nov. 20, 2014, making him the first openly gay man in mainstream country. Another former OpryLand employee turned '90s hit-maker, Chely Wright, led the charge by sharing her truth through her 2010 autobiography Like Me: Confessions of a Heartland Country Singer. In the music video, Wright and other friends watch on as Herndon pours his all into a re-recording that reflects his truth.

Shortly after coming out of the closet, Herndon partnered with GLAAD to debut The Concert for Love and Acceptance. The annual event, held tonight (June 6) at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon, supports at-risk youth.

Another way Herndon makes a difference is through GLAAD's Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant, which rewards $2,500 to young people committed to LGBTQ inclusion and representation through music. In addition, Herndon donates his time to such worthy organizations as the Trevor Project, Make A Wish, St. Jude, GLAAD, HRC and Feed the Children.

Got It Covered, a collection of re-recordings from Herndon's career and covers of his favorite songs, arrives Aug. 23 through BFE/The Orchard.

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