Biography
Ty England launched a solo career in 1995 that enjoyed moderate traction, yet most fans of contemporary country first recognized him as the touring guitarist who backed Garth Brooks at the zenith of the superstar’s popularity. Born and raised in Oklahoma, England picked up the guitar in childhood and taught himself on an instrument that had belonged to his grandfather. Throughout his early years he immersed himself in country music, absorbing the catalog of traditional figures such as Roy Acuff and Hank Williams alongside the styles of later artists including Don Williams and Keith Whitley. While still in high school he performed with various local groups and also sang in the school choir. After graduation he enrolled at Oklahoma State University, where he took nighttime gigs at a campus coffeehouse. One evening there he encountered fellow student Garth Brooks; the two soon roomed together and began performing music as a duo. When England’s academic performance declined, his parents withdrew him from college and arranged employment near home. He completed his marketing degree through night classes and then accepted a position as a representative for an automobile plant.
It was during that period that a telephone call arrived from Brooks, who had secured a recording contract in Nashville. England relocated at once to the city and assumed the roles of Brooks’ guitarist, backing vocalist, and onstage comedic partner. Six years later, with assistance from RCA producer Garth Fundis, he obtained his own solo agreement with the label. His self-titled debut album appeared in summer 1995; its opening single, “Should've Asked Her Faster,” reached number three on the charts, while the follow-up, “Smoke in Her Eyes,” achieved more modest success. Two Ways to Fall arrived the next year, and after a four-year interval England returned with Highways & Dance Halls. Alive and Well was issued in 2007.
It was during that period that a telephone call arrived from Brooks, who had secured a recording contract in Nashville. England relocated at once to the city and assumed the roles of Brooks’ guitarist, backing vocalist, and onstage comedic partner. Six years later, with assistance from RCA producer Garth Fundis, he obtained his own solo agreement with the label. His self-titled debut album appeared in summer 1995; its opening single, “Should've Asked Her Faster,” reached number three on the charts, while the follow-up, “Smoke in Her Eyes,” achieved more modest success. Two Ways to Fall arrived the next year, and after a four-year interval England returned with Highways & Dance Halls. Alive and Well was issued in 2007.
Albums