The daughter of a prominent Georgia banker, Trisha Yearwood exploded onto the country scene in the early '90s with her chart-topping smash single "She's in Love with the Boy," which kick-started a string of hits and albums that established her as one of the most popular country performers of the '90s. Though born in Monticello, Georgia, Yearwood spent most of her childhood growing up on a 30-acre farm. As a teen, she idolized Elvis Presley, and in school she occasionally participated in talent shows and jammed with local club bands. She enrolled in college in 1985 to study the music business, and before graduating did a two-year internship at MTM Records. She enjoyed the work and moved to Nashville in 1987, where she began hanging out with such developing artists as Garth Brooks. For a while Yearwood worked as a demo singer, and then began singing back-up for Brooks, who promised her that if he became successful, he would help her career. She also worked with Pat Alger, and while singing with him at a local bar she was discovered by producer Garth Fundis, who got her the showcase that led to her signing with MCA Records. Her debut single came out in 1990, and was followed by "That's What I Like About You," which appeared on her self-titled first album. She was later tapped to become Brooks' opening act, and her next two albums, Hearts in Armor (1992) and The Song Remembers When (1993), provided her with an impressive string of hits. In 1994, she again hit number one with "XXXs and OOOs (An American Girl)" from the album The Sweetest Gift. In 1995, she released her fourth album, Thinkin' About You, followed a year later by Everybody Knows. Where Your Road Leads appeared in 1998.