Mindy McCready

Malinda Gayle McCready was born November 30, 1975, in Fort Myers, Florida. She began singing in church at age 3, and began seven years formal opera training at age 9. With the intent of pursuing a professional music career, she graduated early from high school at 16. Following graduation, she worked part-time for her mother's ambulance company while perfecting her vocal skills. While her mother wanted her to attend college, at age 18 Mindy decided to move to Nashville. They made a deal that if she didn't have a record deal in a year, she'd return to Florida and to school.