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Key Information

Gary Tyrone England (born December 5, 1963[1]) is an American country music singer and guitarist. Initially a member of Garth Brooks' band, England began his solo career in 1995, recording a self-titled debut album on RCA Nashville. A second album, Two Ways to Fall, followed in 1996. Three years later, he recorded Highways & Dance Halls under the name Tyler England on Capitol Nashville, and Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream came in 2007 on the independent Triple T label. England has charted six singles on the country chart. His highest-charting single was his debut, "Should've Asked Her Faster", a No. 3 hit in late 1995.

Biography

[edit]

England began playing guitar during his youth. He sang with various bands in high school, and performed in his school chorus. While working at a coffee shop during his time as a student at Oklahoma State University, fellow student Garth Brooks met him and soon the two were roommates. They performed together until failing grades forced England to move back home. He did eventually get a degree in marketing, but he worked at an automotive paint store.

By 1988, Garth had moved to Nashville, and after landing a recording contract, called England to come be his guitarist and backup vocalist. In 1995, England left Brooks' road band and signed to RCA Records Nashville. His self-titled debut album, released in late 1995, produced his first chart single in the No. 3 "Should've Asked Her Faster",[1] although the album's other two singles ("Smoke in Her Eyes" and "Redneck Son") fell short of Top 40. A second album, Two Ways to Fall, followed in 1996.[1] It produced his only other Top 40 country hit in the No. 22 "Irresistible You" followed by "All of the Above" at No. 46. After the latter, England exited RCA's roster.

In 1999, England signed to Capitol Nashville, the same label to which Brooks was signed at the time. His third album, Highways & Dance Halls was issued under the name Tyler England. It produced three singles in "Too Many Highways", "I Drove Her to Dallas" (which peaked at No. 53) and "I'd Rather Have Nothing." Also included on this album was a re-recording of "Should've Asked Her Faster", as well as the Bruce Robison song "Travelin' Soldier", which would later become a Number One hit in 2003 for the Dixie Chicks. He did not release another album until 2007's Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream,[1] which included the non-charting singles "Redneck Anthem" and "The Perfect Girl."

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart positions
US Country US CAN Country
Ty England 13 95 30
Two Ways to Fall
  • Release date: September 17, 1996
  • Label: RCA Nashville
 54 — —
Highways & Dance Halls
(as Tyler England) 		— — —
Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream
  • Release date: January 23, 2007
  • Label: Triple T
 — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions Album
US Country US Bubbling CAN Country
1995 "Should've Asked Her Faster" 3 21 2 Ty England
"Smoke in Her Eyes" 44 — 41
1996 "Redneck Son" 55 — —
"Irresistible You" 22 — 25 Two Ways to Fall
1997 "All of the Above" 46 — 53
1999 "Too Many Highways" — — — Highways & Dance Halls
(as Tyler England)
2000 "I Drove Her to Dallas" 53 — —
2001 "I'd Rather Have Nothing" — — —
2006 "Redneck Anthem"[2] — — — Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream
2007 "The Perfect Girl" — — —
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Music videos

[edit]
Year Video Director
1995 "Should've Asked Her Faster" Martin Kahan
"Smoke in Her Eyes"[3]
2000 "I Drove Her to Dallas"[4] Gerry Wenner

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Organization Award Nominee/Work Result
1996 TNN/Music City News Awards Male Star of Tomorrow Ty England Nominated
1997 TNN/Music City News Awards Male Star of Tomorrow Ty England Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ty England

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ty England is an American singer, songwriter, and guitarist best known for his association with and his solo hits in the 1990s. Born Gary Tyrone England on December 5, 1963, in , , he developed an early interest in traditional , learning guitar from his grandfather and drawing influences from artists like and , as well as the cultural sounds of and . England met at , where they became college friends; in 1988, he joined Brooks' band as a guitarist and backup vocalist, touring with him for seven years and becoming a fan favorite during Brooks' rise to stardom in the early . He launched his solo career in 1995 by signing with , releasing his self-titled debut album that year, which featured the Top 5 hit single "Should've Asked Her Faster" and other tracks like "Smoke in Her Eyes" and "Tonight ." His follow-up album, Two Ways to Fall (1996), included the moderate hit "Irresistible You" (No. 22 on the charts), but subsequent releases faced challenges; after leaving RCA, he signed with in 1999 under the name Tyler England for Highways & Dance Halls, produced by Brooks, yielding the lower-charting "I Drove Her to Dallas" (No. 53). In 2007, England released the independent album Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream on his own Triple T label, featuring self-penned songs like "Redneck Anthem" and "Texans Hold 'Em," the latter of which topped Texas charts for eight weeks, though national charting was limited. Throughout his career, he has charted six singles on the chart, with his solo work emphasizing traditional themes of love, heartbreak, and rural life. England continues to perform at various venues across the United States while writing and refining his music, maintaining a low-key presence in the industry after his major-label years.

Early life and education

Upbringing and family background

Gary Tyrone England was born on December 5, 1963, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in the Oklahoma City area, where he attended Hefner Junior High School and later Putnam City North High School. England was raised by his parents, Gary Goldman England and Sonja England, alongside his brother Greg. His father was born in 1940 in . From an early age, England's passion for was nurtured by his grandfather, Ed Lester, a member with a deep love for the art form who introduced him to playing the guitar and inspired his career aspirations. This familial encouragement led England to participate in school talent shows and local performances during his youth in .

Musical influences and education

Ty England's early interest in music was profoundly shaped by his grandfather, Ed Lester, who introduced him to and taught him to play guitar using classic songs from the genre. As a child in , England self-taught on his grandfather's guitar, spending hours immersed in traditional country tunes that fostered his lifelong passion for the style. This familial influence extended to shared playing and singing sessions, which England later described as foundational to his musical development. Throughout his youth, England drew inspiration from prominent country artists, particularly citing as his primary influence for Whitley's emotive vocal style and songwriting. He also admired and for their smooth delivery and heartfelt narratives, elements that echoed the old-school country he learned from his grandfather. These influences guided his early performances, where he sang in high school bands and his school's chorus at Putnam City North High School, honing his skills in both group and solo settings. Regarding formal education, England attended after high school, majoring in marketing while working part-time at a campus coffee shop. It was there in the mid-1980s that he met future collaborator , sharing a dorm room and bonding over their mutual interest in country and . His studies were interrupted by his growing commitment to music; with his father's encouragement, he left full-time enrollment to pursue performances but later completed his degree through night classes. England received no formal musical training during this period, relying instead on practical experience from local gigs and university talent shows.

Professional career

Work with Garth Brooks

Ty England and met in the mid-1980s as freshmen at , where they shared a dorm room and frequently played music together, forging a close friendship based on their shared passion for . In 1988, after Brooks relocated to Nashville and secured a recording contract with , he invited England to join his touring band, fulfilling a pact they had made to support each other's careers. England accepted and became a core member, serving as the acoustic rhythm guitarist and providing most of the background vocals for live performances. From 1988 to 1994, England played a pivotal role in Brooks' band during the early years of Brooks' meteoric rise in country music, contributing to high-energy tours and arena shows that defined Brooks' live reputation. His guitar work and harmonies supported key hits like "Friends in Low Places" and "The Dance," while his on-stage presence added a relatable, dynamic to the performances. England often engaged in playful banter with Brooks, serving as an informal comedic foil that helped connect with audiences during sold-out concerts. In 1994, Brooks encouraged England to pursue his own solo career, recognizing his talent beyond the band setting, leading England to depart in 1995 after seven years of collaboration. The friendship endured, and they reconnected professionally in 1998 when Brooks produced England's third album, Highways & Dance Halls (released in 1999 under the name Tyler England), for Capitol Nashville. England later rejoined Brooks' band for the 2019–2022 , resuming his roles on and background vocals for stadium performances attended by hundreds of thousands of fans.

Solo career beginnings

After departing from ' touring band in 1994, where he had served as lead guitarist and backup vocalist since 1988, Ty England pursued a solo recording career. With assistance from producer Garth Fundis, England secured a contract with division. This transition allowed him to step out from Brooks' shadow and establish his own identity in country music, drawing on his traditionalist style honed during years of live performances. England's self-titled debut album arrived in late , also produced by Fundis. The record showcased his smooth and affinity for upbeat, heartfelt tunes, earning acclaim from critics; awarded it an "A" rating, praising it as "a remarkably poised performance." The album's , "Should've Asked Her Faster," released in May and co-written by , Al Anderson, and Joe Klimek, marked his breakthrough, climbing to number three on the chart and remaining a staple in his live sets. Follow-up singles "Smoke in Her Eyes" and "Redneck Son" achieved more modest chart placements at numbers 44 and 55, respectively, highlighting the debut's top track as the standout. Building on this momentum, England released his second album, Two Ways to Fall, in September 1996, again under RCA and produced by Fundis. The project continued his focus on accessible, danceable with romantic themes, though its singles "Irresistible You" (No. 22) and "All of the Above" (No. 46) did not replicate the debut's commercial peak. Despite the challenges, these early releases solidified England's presence as a promising solo artist in the mid-1990s scene.

Later career and independent work

Following the release of his third album, Highways & Dance Halls (under the name Tyler England), on Capitol Nashville in 1999, England shifted focus toward independent endeavors, emphasizing songwriting and traditional roots. In 2007, he issued his fourth studio , Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream, through his own Triple T label, featuring several self-penned tracks and collaborations with songwriter Tony Arata on songs like "Nothing But Love" and "Love Is Stronger." The 's debut single, "Redneck Anthem," gained regional attention, while "Texans Hold 'Em" topped music charts for eight weeks beginning in December 2006. England's independent work extended to live performances at fairs, festivals, and clubs across the , where he showcased a mix of ballads, , and styles. Notable appearances included the 2007 Extraco Events Center show in , and the 2008 Dfest in , alongside acts like and . These outings highlighted his versatility as a and vocalist outside major-label backing. In a return to his early collaborations, England rejoined ' band as guitarist and backup vocalist for , which ran from 2019 to 2022 and drew massive crowds, including a 75,000-attendee opener in 2019. Post-tour, he has maintained an active schedule with independent and bookings, promoting his catalog and engaging fans with occasional solo gigs while prioritizing authentic country expression. As of 2025, England remains available for bookings and continues to perform, blending his solo material with Brooks-era .

Discography

Studio albums

Ty England's studio discography consists of four albums released between 1995 and 2007, primarily in the genre, blending traditional influences with contemporary production. His early releases on major labels like RCA and Capitol Nashville produced several charting singles, while his later independent work emphasized personal songwriting and sounds. These albums reflect his evolution from a protégé to an artist exploring more traditional roots.
TitleRelease DateLabelUS Country Peak
Ty EnglandAugust 15, 1995RCA Nashville13
Two Ways to FallSeptember 17, 1996RCA Nashville54
Highways & Dance Halls (as Tyler England)November 23, 1999Capitol Nashville—
Alive and Well and Livin' the DreamJanuary 16, 2007Triple T Records—
Ty England's self-titled debut album marked his entry as a solo artist after years backing . Produced by Garth Fundis, it features 10 tracks showcasing England's baritone vocals on ballads and uptempo numbers, with standout singles including "Should've Asked Her Faster," which reached No. 3 on the chart, "Smoke in Her Eyes" at No. 44, and "Redneck Son" at No. 55. The album's style drew comparisons to , contributing to its solid chart performance. His second album, Two Ways to Fall, continued with RCA, offering a mix of heartfelt ballads and lively tracks co-produced by England himself. Key singles were "Irresistible You" peaking at No. 22 on the chart, and "All of the Above" at No. 46, emphasizing themes of love and regret. Though it underperformed commercially compared to his debut, the record highlighted England's growing songwriting involvement and traditional leanings. Highways & Dance Halls, released under his birth name Tyler England on Capitol Nashville and produced by , shifted toward more acoustic, road-themed narratives across 12 tracks. It included covers like "Travelin' Soldier" (later a hit for the Dixie Chicks) and originals such as "I Drove Her to Dallas," which reached No. 53 on the chart. The album's introspective tone and Brooks' production aimed to recapture essence but received limited radio support. After a hiatus, England's independent release Alive and Well and Livin' the Dream on Triple T Records featured 10 self-penned or co-written songs, focusing on personal reflection and upbeat elements. Produced by England, it includes tracks like "Backslider's Prayer" and "A Swing Like That," with no major singles but praise for its authentic, road-tested feel drawn from his touring experiences. The underscored his resilience in the independent scene.

Singles

Ty England's singles career began with his 1995 debut release from the self-titled album on , marking his entry into the charts. His highest-charting single, "Should've Asked Her Faster," reached number 3 on the chart, spending 20 weeks on the tally and establishing him as a promising newcomer with its upbeat narrative of romantic . Follow-up singles from the same album, "Smoke in Her Eyes" and "Redneck Son," received airplay but achieved more modest results, peaking at numbers 44 and 55, respectively, on the chart. These tracks highlighted England's traditional country sound, blending elements with personal storytelling, though they did not replicate the debut's commercial momentum. His second album, Two Ways to Fall (1996), yielded "Irresistible You," which climbed to number 22 on the chart, becoming his second top-40 entry and showcasing a smoother, more contemporary production style. The album's closing single, "All of the Above," peaked at number 46, rounding out a set of releases that solidified his presence in mid-tier rotation during the mid-1990s. After a hiatus, England returned in 1999 under the name Tyler England with Highways & Dance Halls on . The lead single "Too Many Highways" did not chart prominently, but "I Drove Her to Dallas" (2001) reached number 53 on the chart, reflecting a shift toward more introspective themes amid his evolving career. Overall, England charted six singles on the between 1995 and 2001, with no further major releases entering the top 40 thereafter.
Single TitleAlbumRelease YearPeak Position (Billboard Hot Country Songs)
Should've Asked Her FasterTy England19953
Smoke in Her EyesTy England199544
Redneck SonTy England199655
Irresistible YouTwo Ways to Fall199622
All of the AboveTwo Ways to Fall199646
I Drove Her to DallasHighways & Dance Halls200153

Music videos

Ty England's music videos primarily supported his major-label singles during the mid-1990s and early 2000s, showcasing his traditional country style through visual storytelling. The following table lists his known music videos, including directors and release years:
TitleDirectorYearAlbum
Smoke in Her EyesMartin Kahan1995Ty England
Should've Asked Her FasterMartin Kahan1995Ty England
I Drove Her to DallasGerry Wenner2000Highways & Dance Halls

Recognition and legacy

Awards and nominations

Ty England received early recognition in his solo career through nominations from the TNN/Music City News Country Awards for Male Star of Tomorrow. In 1996, he was nominated in this category alongside , , , and , with White ultimately winning the award. The following year, in 1997, England earned another nomination for Male Star of Tomorrow, competing against , , , and . These nominations highlighted his emergence as a promising talent in country music following his transition from ' band to a solo artist. Despite the acclaim, England did not secure a win in either instance. In 2010, England was selected as the Oklahoma Ambassador of Goodwill for the Oklahoma Hall of Fame Banquet.

Influence and ongoing activities

Ty England's influence on country music stems largely from his early collaboration with Garth Brooks, where he served as the lead guitarist and background vocalist in Brooks' touring band from 1989 to 1995, contributing to the polished, arena-ready sound that defined Brooks' rise to superstardom. This role not only honed England's stage presence but also positioned him as a bridge between traditional and the mainstream pop-country crossover of the 1990s. His solo breakthrough, the 1995 single "Should've Asked Her Faster," peaked at No. 3 on the Hot Country Songs chart, capturing the era's lighthearted, fiddle-infused narratives. His , including independent releases like the album Alive and Well and Livin' , underscores a commitment to authentic, unpolished songwriting, prioritizing personal expression over chart pursuits. In recent years, has maintained a lower-profile presence, focusing on live performances at festivals and events rather than major label productions. He rejoined Brooks' band for the 2019-2022 . As of November 2025, continues to perform, with an upcoming appearance announced for the 2026 Country Concert festival, delivering sets that highlight his catalog of hits and originals to dedicated fans. While no new studio albums have emerged since , remains engaged in the community through occasional touring and songwriting, embodying a resilient, independent ethos in an evolving genre.

References

  1. https://www.wideopencountry.com/ty-england/
  2. https://www.tyengland.com/bio
  3. https://www.angelfire.com/country/unofficialcountryfn/england.html
  4. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/ty-england-mn0000804642
  5. https://www.aaemusic.com/artist/ty-england
  6. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/entertainment/music/2010/08/27/country-singer-ty-england-selected-as-oklahoma-ambassador-of-goodwill/61217782007/
  7. https://www.tyengland.com/
  8. https://www.claremoreprogress.com/news/local_news/ty-england-lives-his-dream/article_be5b1501-c7d2-5558-a3bc-3d3dee4be933.html
  9. https://www.echovita.com/us/obituaries/ok/bethany/gary-goldman-england-17954766
  10. https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/gary-england-obituary?id=54936666
  11. https://www.mrt.com/entertainment/article/Despite-success-as-solo-act-member-of-Garth-7484139.php
  12. https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2001/jan/25/20010125-020854-4990r/
  13. https://www.rocky-52.net/chanteurse/england_ty.htm
  14. https://www.deseret.com/1995/7/7/19180886/musical-acts-in-town/
  15. https://mabumbe.com/people/ty-england-age-net-worth-biography-career-highlights/
  16. https://fusevisual.org/interviews/2015/03/30/ty-england/
  17. https://kyleskornerblog.wordpress.com/2021/10/01/one-hit-wonderings-what-happened-to-ty-england/
  18. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1995/08/13/guitarist-ty-england-leaves-garths-shadow/62382426007/
  19. https://snapshot.apple.com/us/person/6670615125
  20. https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ty-england/130047737
  21. https://wyrk.com/one-hit-wonder-dust-off-shouldve-asked-her-faster-by-ty-england/
  22. https://www.lpdiscography.com/?page=discography&interpret=135
  23. https://www.allmusic.com/album/two-ways-to-fall-mw0000076362
  24. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/article.asp?xid=422
  25. https://www.concertarchives.org/bands/ty-england
  26. https://www.allmusic.com/album/ty-england-mw0000644968
  27. https://www.musicvf.com/Ty+England.songs
  28. https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-celebrities/singers/ty-england-net-worth/
  29. https://rareandobscuremusic.wordpress.com/2017/09/09/ty-england/
  30. https://www.allmusic.com/album/highways-dance-halls-mw0000254952
  31. https://www.allmusic.com/album/alive-and-well-mw0001232580
  32. https://www.tyengland.com/media
  33. https://www.discogs.com/artist/1330788-Ty-England
  34. https://www.upi.com/Archives/1996/01/31/Vince-Gill-lands-seven-TNN-nominations/1160823064400/
  35. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/1996/06/11/3-oklahomans-win-country-awards-george-strait-takes-most-honors/62352550007/
  36. https://www.deseret.com/1997/2/7/19293855/jackson-gets-7-nominations-gill-6-for-country-music-awards
  37. https://americansongwriter.com/4-country-artists-of-the-1990s-who-turned-one-hit-into-a-lasting-legacy/
  38. https://www.allmusic.com/album/alive-and-well-and-livin-the-dream-mw0000572230
  39. https://itsaboisething.com/ty-england/
  40. https://www.hometowncountrymusic.com/lineup-announced-for-country-concert-26/
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