Ty Herndon “What Mattered Most”: Story Behind His 1995 No. 1 Song

Country Music News

Jul 26

Ty Herndon and LeAnn Rimes "What Mattered Most" — The story of Ty Herndon’s 1995 debut single, its rise to No. 1, the songwriters behind the hit, and the new version featuring LeAnn Rimes.
Written by Amanda Tempel
Last Updated: September 7, 2026

Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most” was his debut single and first No. 1 country hit, reaching the top of Billboard’s country chart in May 1995. Written by Gary Burr and Vince Melamed, the song launched Herndon’s recording career and became the title track of his debut album. Thirty years later, Herndon revisited the hit with LeAnn Rimes for a new version of the song.

1995 was a wildcard year for country music. The surge of the “Hot New Country” era brought a flood of fresh talent, and with so many new acts vying for attention, standing out required more than just a good look or a lucky break. You needed a song strong enough to make a real impact on radio. Every now and then, a track comes along with enough staying power to stand the test of time.

Ty Herndon “What Mattered Most” Quick Facts

Artist: Ty Herndon
Song: “What Mattered Most”
Writers: Gary Burr and Vince Melamed
Album: What Mattered Most
Label: Epic Records
Released: January 30, 1995
Billboard peak: No. 1
No. 1 chart date: May 27, 1995
30th-anniversary version: Ty Herndon featuring LeAnn Rimes

How “What Mattered Most” Launched Ty Herndon’s Career

Ty Herndon, then 32 years old, signed with Epic Records and released his first single, “What Mattered Most,” on January 30, 1995. The song debuted at No. 62 on the charts, becoming the week’s second-highest debuting single, behind Tim McGraw’s “Refried Dreams.”

A music video for the song was added to CMT and TNN in early February. Award-winning director Steven Goldmann directed the video, while Ivy Dane Gabbay directed the photography in Galveston, Texas.

“What Mattered Most” made a steady climb up Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart, breaking into the top 20 within eight weeks.

When Ty Herndon’s debut album of the same name was released on April 18, 1995, it entered the charts at No. 15.

The opening sales figures made it the best-selling debut album by a male country artist since Billy Ray Cyrus’ Some Gave All took the genre by storm in 1992. The album climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, marking a major milestone for a breakout artist.

Ty Herndon’s rapid rise was soon spotlighted on the cover of the industry’s leading publication, Billboard. In a front-page story dated May 20, 1995, industry insiders broke down the momentum behind his early success.

“Rarely will you find such a confident album from a debut artist,” a radio programmer in Houston stated.

Another radio executive in Indianapolis shared, “We had him in concert in a club that normally brings 200, and 1,000 people showed up. This is the most we’ve ever had for a newcomer who has one record on the charts.”

The buzz around Ty Herndon was undeniable, with both industry insiders and fans responding to his breakout moment.

At Fan Fair 1995, Herndon was among the artists fans flocked to see. He was part of a lineup that included fellow labelmates Stacy Dean Campbell, Joe Diffie, Wade Hayes, James House, Patty Loveless, Ken Mellons, Collin Raye, Larry Stewart, Doug Stone, and Rick Trevino.

When Did Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most” Reach No. 1?

“What Mattered Most” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week ending May 27, 1995.

Here’s a look back at the top 10 from that week:

Ty Herndon – “What Mattered Most”
John Berry – “Standing on the Edge of Goodbye”
Clint Black – “Summer’s Comin’”
George Strait – “Adalida”
Toby Keith – “You Ain’t Much Fun”
Mark Chesnutt – “Gonna Get a Life”
Sawyer Brown – “I Don’t Believe in Goodbye”
Hal Ketchum – “Stay Forever”
Alison Krauss & Union Station – “When You Say Nothing at All”
John Michael Montgomery – “I Can Love You Like That”

While Herndon’s career was taking off, country radio was also changing. Radio stations were being hit with more music than ever from heritage acts, established superstars, and emerging artists.

Labels slowly began to rethink their marketing strategies. Fewer acts were being signed to record deals, music video budgets were being cut, and songs no longer climbed the charts as quickly.

Breaking a new artist meant establishing an identity with country fans. But Ty Herndon wasn’t just a typical new recording artist. He had spent years performing, and he understood the importance of finding the right song.

In 1995, Herndon told Billboard, “A goal of mine, any time I record a song, is that the song has to be something I lived or can really relate to. If it wasn’t, how in the world would people believe what I’m singing about?”

By the end of 1995, Ty Herndon ranked as the third top new artist in country music, trailing David Lee Murphy and the year’s top act, Wade Hayes.

Rounding out the top 10 were Bryan White, Kenny Chesney, Perfect Stranger, Rhett Akins, Jeff Carson, Terri Clark, and Ty England, in that order.

Who Wrote Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most”?

“What Mattered Most” was written by Gary Burr and Vince Melamed. The song went on to become the 18th most-played country single of 1995.

Ty Herndon and LeAnn Rimes Reimagine “What Mattered Most”

Thirty years after the original release, Ty Herndon recorded a new version of “What Mattered Most” with longtime friend LeAnn Rimes.

The collaboration commemorated the 30th anniversary of Herndon’s breakout hit while introducing the song to a new generation of country fans.

“Recording this song with LeAnn was nothing short of magical,” said Herndon. “She and I go back three decades - we were touring together in the '90s when her career exploded and she used to come out on stage and sing this song with me.

“So all these years later, re-recording it as a duet, was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget. Her voice brings depth and beauty to the song, which is breathtaking.

“We’ve both lived a lot of life since then, and I think you can hear that in every note.”

Herndon also revisited his catalog with Thirty, an album featuring reimagined versions of some of his biggest hits along with collaborations with special guests.

Ty said, “This album is truly a celebration of the last 30 years of my life and career. To revisit these songs - some that defined me and others that I always wished had their moment-with such an incredible group of friends and artists is the honor of a lifetime.

“Thirty is about honoring where I’ve been while also looking ahead with gratitude and hope.

“We’re already at work on Volume 2, and I can’t wait for folks to hear the next chapter.”

For Ty Herndon’s latest tour dates, visit his website.

Listen to “What Mattered Most” featuring LeAnn Rimes on your favorite streaming platform.

Ty Herndon “What Mattered Most” FAQ

When did Ty Herndon release “What Mattered Most”?

Ty Herndon released “What Mattered Most” as his debut single on January 30, 1995.

Did Ty Herndon’s “What Mattered Most” go to No. 1?

Yes. “What Mattered Most” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart for the week ending May 27, 1995.

Who wrote “What Mattered Most”?

“What Mattered Most” was written by Gary Burr and Vince Melamed.

What album is “What Mattered Most” on?

“What Mattered Most” is the title track of Ty Herndon’s debut studio album, released in 1995.

Why did Ty Herndon re-record “What Mattered Most”?

Herndon revisited “What Mattered Most” for the song’s 30th anniversary, recording a new version with LeAnn Rimes.

Is “What Mattered Most” also the title of Ty Herndon’s memoir?

Yes. Ty Herndon released a memoir titled What Mattered Most on March 31, 2026. The book shares its title with the 1995 song that launched his recording career.