Conner Smith

Born and raised in the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Conner Smith blends classic country storytelling with hints of bluegrass and '90s country influences.

His mother, Jennifer Vickery Smith, has worked as an entertainment reporter. Her exposure to the industry opened his eyes to the power of songwriting. "Most of her interviews were long-form discussion with songwriters," he told Billboard. "I remember sitting in her office as she edited her interviews, listening to people like Neil Thrasher, Craig Wiseman, Kelley Lovelace and Tom Douglas talk about how they wrote what they wrote, and how they got to where they were. That's where I really decided, 'All right - I want to do that.'"

Smith's parents gave him a pawn shop guitar for his fourth birthday, and he was soon performing for his 4-year-old friends. By the age of 6, he was already writing songs, and at 9, Smith signed with BMI as a writer.