Trisha Yearwood - Early Life

Early Life

Yearwood was born in Monticello, Georgia, to Gwen Yearwood, a schoolteacher and Jack Yearwood, a local banker. As a child, she grew accustomed to listening to country artists Patsy Cline, Kitty Wells and Hank Williams. In elementary school, Yearwood sang in musicals, choir groups and talent shows. In high school, Yearwood and her sister Beth were A students, and Yearwood took a strong interest in becoming an accountant. After graduating, she enrolled at Young Harris College where she received her associates degree . She then attended The University of Georgia, however grew unhappy with the school's large campus, and transferred in 1985 to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. At Belmont, Yearwood majored in the school's music business program, and graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in business administration in 1987.

While in school at Belmont, Yearwood gained an internship with MTM Records, and was eventually hired as a full-time employee following her graduation. With the help of the record label's resources, she recorded a series of demo tapes and also sang background vocals for new artists. One of the new artists Yearwood recorded with was Garth Brooks in 1989. The pair developed a friendship and Brooks promised to help Yearwood sign a recording contract, if his career succeeded. Brooks brought her to his producer, Allen Reynolds, who then brought her to Garth Fundis. Fundis and Yearwood soon began working together, and together they created a demo tape. In 1990, she sang background vocals on Brooks' second album, No Fences, and performed live at a label showcase. MCA record producer, Tony Brown was impressed by her vocal ability at the concert, and helped her sign a recording contract with MCA Nashville Records shortly afterwards. Following her signing with the label, she served as a the opening act on Brooks' 1991 nationwide tour.