Mindy McCready (November 30, 1975 – February 17, 2013) was an American country music singer. She recorded a total of five studio albums. Her 1996 debut album, Ten Thousand Angels, elevated her into Nashville's music spotlight and established her as a promising singer. The album was released on BNA Records and was certified 2× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. Her 1997's If I Don't Stay the Night was certified Gold. Overall, McCready's four studio albums accounted for twelve singles on the Billboard country singles charts. McCready sold over 3 million albums according to the RIAA.

Born and raised in southern Florida, Mindy McCready (born Malinda Gayle McCready) graduated from high school at the age of 16 with the intention of beginning her musical career early. Following her graduation, Mindy McCready took a part-time job in her mother's ambulance company and began concentrating on performing her music. She moved to Nashville at age 18 and completed her first album deal exactly 51 weeks after.