Biography
For all her down-home appeal, Annie Sims failed to attract notice from the American music industry until she had already established herself across Europe. A classically trained pianist as well as a country singer, she drew inspiration from James Taylor, Carole King, and Carly Simon while absorbing strong influences from Trisha Yearwood and Suzy Bogguss. Born and raised in East Tennessee, she began singing at age three, performing for relatives at family reunions and casual gatherings. Piano lessons started at six, and she remained a dedicated student, continuing those lessons until enrolling at the University of Tennessee, where she majored in vocal music education.
Teaching music held no appeal for Sims, however. Following graduation she earned her living performing in Tennessee piano bars before securing a position as a singer and pianist aboard cruise ships. That role led to her discovery by an international booking agent, resulting in a four-year tour of northern Europe and Ireland. After the tour concluded she married composer Greg Sims, who would later produce her recordings. The couple settled in Orlando, Florida, where she landed a performance engagement at Walt Disney World and released her debut album, a modest set of songs intended as a keepsake for audiences who had seen her show.
The couple next traveled to Nashville, where she recorded her second album, Annie, in 2002. Although the sessions took place in Tennessee, distribution was confined to the U.K. Shortly afterward she spent a month opening for Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams across England, Scotland, and Wales. Strong audience response prompted a follow-up U.K. tour with Gene Pitney the next year. During that period she began developing material that would appear on her third album. Issued by Aspirion Records in 2004, Half the Moon contained six tracks she had written or co-written. The project brought further success, including a European tour and a DisCovery Award in 2006.
Teaching music held no appeal for Sims, however. Following graduation she earned her living performing in Tennessee piano bars before securing a position as a singer and pianist aboard cruise ships. That role led to her discovery by an international booking agent, resulting in a four-year tour of northern Europe and Ireland. After the tour concluded she married composer Greg Sims, who would later produce her recordings. The couple settled in Orlando, Florida, where she landed a performance engagement at Walt Disney World and released her debut album, a modest set of songs intended as a keepsake for audiences who had seen her show.
The couple next traveled to Nashville, where she recorded her second album, Annie, in 2002. Although the sessions took place in Tennessee, distribution was confined to the U.K. Shortly afterward she spent a month opening for Country Music Hall of Famer Don Williams across England, Scotland, and Wales. Strong audience response prompted a follow-up U.K. tour with Gene Pitney the next year. During that period she began developing material that would appear on her third album. Issued by Aspirion Records in 2004, Half the Moon contained six tracks she had written or co-written. The project brought further success, including a European tour and a DisCovery Award in 2006.
Albums
