Ty was born on May 2nd 1962, and raised in Butler, Alabama. He grew up with a background of family singing, both at home and in church. He sang gospel music and learned how to play piano. After he graduated from high school, he moved to Nashville. He attended Belmont University on scholarship and was also a prizewinner on Star Search 1983.
Ty then left the Music City and headed to Texas and in 1993, he won the Texas Entertainer of the Year. Later that year, he signed to Epic Records. and his first single, "What Mattered Most," soared to #1 in the spring of 1995 and he won the Country Radio New Male Artist award. What Mattered Most was named "Music Row Song of the Year" in 1996, which began a cavalcade of awards and nominations. An album of the same name was released in April and it became a Top 10 country hit. The second single, "I Want My Goodbye Back," became a number seven hit. His next single "Living in a Moment" reached No. 1 in 1996. Two years later, "It Must Be Love" also topped the charts. Several #1 hits were to follow with the third album "Big Hopes". The 1999 album Steam went platinum.
Ty left Epic/Sony following the Greatest Hits album in 2002. There is a lifetime of truth in this album and after six years, five albums and endless miles of travel, Ty still believes that people are moved by music with a purpose. A Christmas album appeared on an independent label in 2003. Also in 2003, the single “ No Mercy” landed him a spot as the 17^th Sexiest Video of the year on CMT. After Ty left Sony he spent most of his time on the west coast writing, performing and recording with other singers and songwriters. The last few years have proved to be those of positive change and career  re-focus. He is now signed to TITAN/UNIVERSAL RECORDS and his new CD, Right About Now will be released in early 2007.