Any Topic Essay

Tim McGraw

Nicole Brouwer

                When you hear the name Tim McGraw, you probably think of country music, black cowboy hats, and tight, white tank-tops.  But do you know how he became involved in the music industry, or even the story of his childhood?  Well, I am going to tell you about all of that because it’s not something that a person experiences every day.

            Tim McGraw was born on May 1, 1967, to Betty Smith (now Betty Trimble) and Tug McGraw.  He was raised thinking that Horace Smith, Betty’s husband at the time, was his father.  They divorced when Tim was nine and he and his mother were forced to move around frequently from then on.  After moving to one place two years later, Tim found his birth certificate with his father’s name scratched out, but his occupation listed as “baseball player.”  Betty finally admitted that she was involved in a short love affair with the minor league pitcher during one summer.  Tug hastily left her and she married Horace Smith when Tim was seven months old. 

            Tug McGraw later became very popular in the 1970’s and was soon the highest-paid pitcher in professional baseball.  Tim did meet him at a baseball game in Texas, but Tug didn’t show much excitement in keeping a close relationship.  As anyone would be, Tim was originally angry with his dad for not wanting to be closer, but he eventually forgave him.  Coincidentally, Tim had a baseball card of his dad beforehand, not knowing that he was his biological father.  

            As Tim grew up, his dreams of becoming a professional baseball player, like his dad, eventually faded.  He went to school at Monroe Christian High School in Louisiana and graduated as the salutatorian in 1985.  After he graduated, Tug agreed to help pay for Tim’s college education.  He decided to go to Northeast Louisiana State University and took pre-law courses.  He discovered his true passion for music when he found more enjoyment at parties than studying.  Tim quit college and hit the road for Nashville. From there, his singing career sky-rocketed. 

            In 1996, country singer Faith Hill was the opening act on his Spontaneous Combustion tour. By the end of the tour, Tim had fallen in love with Faith and he asked her to marry him.  They got married in the fall of 1996. 

            Tim McGraw has had a very successful career in music, production and management companies, and in movies.  Even with all his success, the place that he loves to be most is at home with his family.  He once told People magazine that he loves his wife more than anything in the world.  In my opinion, that will always be his greatest success.