Tay Barton was born Taylor-Ann Grace Barton on October 17, 1995 in Salt lake City, Utah.  She and her family moved from Utah when she was 13 years old to New York and then California on her journey to develop her acting talent and musical career before landing in Nashville in 2011.

Tay grew up listening and singing Country music and admits she got her country “twang” from her mom, who grew up in Texas.  At the age of 5, Tay was singing in her mom's children's choir and began to develop her talent for songwriting at an early age.  In addition, she learned ballroom dancing and became a National Pre-Teen Dance Champion at an early age.  Tay recalls that she and her three sisters would dress up and choreograph their own performances for the family.   

“I have been singing for as long as I can remember," says Tay.   "I sang over breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I am sure I drove everyone in my family crazy at times. Singing makes up the biggest part of me.”

The Barton family moved to New York City in 2008 and Tay studied at the prestigious Stella Adler  School of Acting.  During her time in New York, she continued to develop her musical talent.

The next stop on Barton family tour was Laguna Beach, California where Tay continued her singing and acting studies.  She returned to New York to compete in the 2010 International Modeling and Talent Association competition among hundreds of girls from across the country.  Tay was considered a quadruple threat by the esteemed panel of judges and landed the title of 2010 IMTA Best Actress of the Year for her age category in that competition.

While living in Laguna Beach, California Tay was honored to be selected as part of Disney's Next Big Thing TV competition as the only country/pop artist to be among the five vocal finalists/groups.  As a finalist she toured with Disney across the country with her music airing on Disney TV and radio. She tributes her experience with Disney to confirming that she wanted to pursue a career in country music.  In 2011, Tay and her family moved to Nashville and she is now working on an album of original music that she has co-written with some of Nashville's premier songwriters.

Tay admits she has been fortunate enough to live in different cities around the country that has allowed her to develop various talents and skills along the way.

"When we lived in Salt Lake City, I remember my first live performances were at the outdoor summer festivals and charity events around the area.  Then the family moved to New York City, where I studied acting and on to California where I was honored to be part of the Disney family.  Now that I'm in Nashville, I'm surrounded by some of the best talent in the world.  I can't wait to see what lies ahead."

Tay is actively involved in the community and enjoys giving back to her fans.  She is a volunteer member of the non-profit organization Musicians On Call where she makes visits to local area children's hospitals to brighten the day of those in need through her music.  A fan favorite that is often requested is Tay's song Little Giants, about the courageous battle of childhood cancer.  

While Tay is certainly considered a quadruple threat as artist, dancer, model and actress, she is humble, down to earth and cherishes the simple joys in life - family, friends and music.  Be sure to follow and interact with her on Twitter and Facebook for all the latest music, news and events.

Levi Coby is following