Country performer and songwriter Mark Nesler grew up in Texas, where he began playing guitar at an early age. Influenced by his father's bluegrass records, he also picked up a little bit of banjo. After playing in pickup bands during high school in the Beaumont area, Nesler graduated to a band that toured in support of the Wrangler Star Search. After the tour finished, Nesler formed the 2 Pistols. But despite the band's incessant touring, labels weren't interested. Nesler's real break came in 1994, when Nashville big wig Jerry Crutchfield signed him to a songwriting deal with MCA Publishing. But then up-and-coming country musician (and fellow Texan) Tracy Byrd asked Nesler to join his touring band as well as write some songs. Nesler accepted and found himself back on the road. But he continued to write songs, and in 1998 Tim McGraw took his "Just to See You Smile" all the way to number one. I'm Just That Way, Nesler's own solo debut, appeared in June 1998. That same year, he also married contemporary country artist Jennifer Hanson. Nesler continued to write for Trace Adkins and other Nashville artists. In 2002, Daryl Worley performed his "I Miss My Friend." ~ Johnny Loftus