Ty Herndon, Michael Ray Drop Reimagined Version of Herndon’s ‘90s Classic “Hands of a Working Man”

Groundbreaking country music artist Ty Herndon will release THIRTY, Vol. 1 on October 17, the first installment of his highly anticipated double album project, THIRTY. The new collection celebrates Herndon’s three decades in country music with fresh renditions of his biggest hits and select fan favorites—brought to life alongside some of the most powerful voices in country music and beyond.

Today marks the release of the fourth and final single ahead of the album -  an updated rendition of Herndon’s ‘90s country classic “Hands of a Working Man,” reimagined as a duet with fellow country music chart topper Michael Ray (“Whiskey and Rain”, “Think a Little Less”). Written by D. Vincent Williams and Jim Collins and released as the third single from Herndon’s album, Big Hopes, the song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart in May 1999. 

“Nineties country was really about storytelling, and the second I heard this song, I knew I had to record it for my Dad and all those hardworking men -- and women -- out there who keep our great country running. Michael Ray had once told me that this was one of his Dad’s favorite songs, so when it came time to record it for this project, he was my first and only choice -- and man, he brought it to life better than I could have ever imagined for a whole new generation of fans,” said Herndon. 

The eight-track THIRTY, Vol. 1 honors Herndon’s career, beginning with his chart-topping 1995 debut What Mattered Most and revisits signature songs along with “missed hits”—tracks he has long believed could have been major singles. Each track pairs Herndon with a powerhouse collaborator, transforming his most iconic songs into bold new duets that honor—and reimagine—his remarkable legacy.

1. What Mattered Most | Duet with LeAnn Rimes
2. Hands of a Working Man | Duet with Michael Ray
3. A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go) | Feat. Ashley McBryde
4. I’d Move Heaven and Earth | Duet with Brooke Eden
5. Pretty Good Thing | Feat. Joanna Cotten and Shelly Fairchild
6. Heart Half Empty | Duet with Kristin Chenoweth
7. She Wants To Be Wanted Again | Duet with Chrissy Metz
8. Big Hopes | Feat. Alex Schwartz

Herndon has already given fans a glimpse of the journey ahead with three unforgettable singles: “What Mattered Most” with LeAnn Rimes, “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go)” with Ashley McBryde, and “She Wants To Be Wanted Again” with Chrissy Metz. These powerful collaborations capture the essence of THIRTY—honoring the songs that defined his career while revealing their enduring ability to connect across generations.

“This album is truly a celebration of the last 30 years of my life and career,” said Herndon. “To revisit these songs—some that defined me and others that I always wished had gotten 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.”

Produced with a modern edge while preserving the timeless heart of Herndon’s hits, THIRTY, Vol. 1 sets the stage for THIRTY, Vol. 2, slated for release in 2026. Together, the double album will showcase not only Herndon’s enduring artistry but also his influence on a generation of country music fans and artists alike.

THIRTY, Vol. 1 will be available on October 17 on all major streaming platforms and digital retailers.