For all her down-home appeal, Annie Sims didn't get the attention of the American music industry until she had made a name for herself in Europe. Both a classically trained pianist and a country singer, Sims was inspired by artists like James Taylor, Carole King, and Carly Simon and heavily influenced by country singers like Trisha Yearwood and Suzy Bogguss. She was born and raised in East Tennessee. She started singing at the age of three, entertaining her extended family at reunions and small get-togethers. A few years later, at age six, she started taking piano lessons. Sims was a good student; she continued to take piano lessons up until she was admitted to the University of Tennessee, where she eventually majored in vocal music education.