November 20th, 2014
I don’t know much about Country and Western music, but I do know that whenever I see a picture of Ty Herndon, I always emit a silent gay gasp under my breath. So this comes as particularly exciting news:
During an Anthony Robbins seminar, I realized I had an incredible story that could possibly help someone’s son or daughter or grandchild’s life not be as difficult as mine has been,” he tells PEOPLE. “Maybe they wouldn’t have to go through as much pain and suffering. It’s time to tell my truth.”
That “truth” is about a part of himself he has kept secret for his entire career: “I’m an out, proud and happy gay man,” the Nashville artist revealed to PEOPLE during a sit-down in New York Tuesday.
The revelation was many years in the making for the 51-year-old singer, who first wondered if he was gay when he was about 10 years old and then began coming out to close family members at 20.
“My mother probably knew I was gay before I did. I remember sitting down with her and having the conversation,” recalls Herndon, noting his career path in country worried her. But, ultimately, “she was more concerned about me having a happy life. You have to be able to do that in your own skin, and [my family] has seen me struggle with being gay my whole career.”
My newest stalking target and future husband was dragged to that Anthony Robbins seminar by his partner, who he identifies only as Matt.
This is a pretty big deal. The Mississippi and Alabama native has charted seven top-ten country hits, including three number ones with “What Mattered Most” (1995), “Living In A Moment” (1996) and “It Must Be Love” (1998). His most recent album, Lies I Told Myself, was released in 2013. He is currently touring and plans to release another album next year.
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Mark F.
November 20th, 2014
He’s 51? Looks younger, or is that photoshop?
enough already
November 20th, 2014
Mark,
No he’s one of those disgusting people who age well.
In contrast to us gingers who look faded at 30.
It’s a pity country-western is so associated with the worst of D-U-M spells dumb ameriKan culture. There’s a lot happening in the genre which is well worth listening to.
And I say that because of my training in classical music.
gar
November 20th, 2014
He’s 51 looking like that? Dayum!
Timothy Kincaid
November 20th, 2014
Yep, he looks pretty damn good for 51. I’m turning 51 on Tuesday and I’m taking consolation in the fact that these pics were taken by a professional photographer.
Yeah, that’s it.
Sigh.
Timothy Kincaid
November 20th, 2014
Appropriately, I think I used to two-step to his songs back when a Saturday night could find me in tight jeans and cowboy boots at Oil Can Harry’s.
LJ
November 20th, 2014
From what I’m seeing in the trending news sidebar on that cursed social media site, it looks like we can add Billy Gilman to the list as well.
Mike Michaels
November 20th, 2014
I’m happy for him. Having met him in Atlanta back in the 90’s, he was having a difficult time. Too bad I couldn’t snare him back then!
Hue-Man
November 20th, 2014
Two decades ago….
“As bold as k.d. lang is, the Grammy-winning singer was clearly nervous about coming out in the June 16, 1992 issue of The Advocate. You can’t blame her — the AIDS crisis was raging, there was a Bush in office, and LGBT celebrities were mostly nonexistent. With equal amounts of determination and trepidation, lang became one of the first celebrities to crack open the closet door, laying a blueprint for Melissa, Ellen, and Neil.” http://www.advocate.com/arts-entertainment/advocate-45/2012/05/17/married-life-kd-lang-chely-wright
I’ll defer to the experts but she definitely has country roots despite her “popular” success.
Patrick Hogan
November 21st, 2014
Goodness. I hope i look that good when I’m 51. Hell, I’d be happy looking that good at 30…
Stephen
November 21st, 2014
Anthony Robbins? Oh well.
TK (that’s now your two-steppin name) about the tight jeans and cowboy boots… We’re gonna need to see pitchers.
MattNYC
November 21st, 2014
Crap–Going to have to listen to CW now :)
Will there at least be a song now about a loser, drunk boyfriend?
MattNYC
November 21st, 2014
(forgot the dog and truck…)
Nathaniel
November 21st, 2014
Yesterday was a big day for gay country lovers:
http://tasteofcountry.com/billy-gilman-gay/
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