Jesse McCartney

Early Years

Jesse A. McCartney was born April 9, 1987 in New York City to Scot McCartney and Ginger Saber. He has two younger siblings -- Timothy and Lea. He started his acting career when he was seven by performing in local community musicals. Three years later, he starred with the Broadway National Touring Company in The King and I. He also appeared with Roger Daltrey (The Who) in A Christmas Carol at Madison Square Garden. Additionally, he did a short stint as a member of the Sugar Beats. He is currently dating actress/singer Katie Cassidy, daughter of 1970s icon, David Cassidy.

Music Career

McCartney with girlfriend, actress Katie Cassidy.

When Jesse McCartney was 12, he joined Dream Street, a pop boy band from New York. Their debut self-titled album was released in 2001 and was followed by The Biggest Fan in 2002. The group disbanded that same year following allegations of improprieties against the group's managers by the boys' families. Even though the charges were dropped, McCartney had already quit the band to start a solo career.

Within two years of being on his own, Jesse McCartney released his first album, Beautiful Soul, which sold more than one million copies. In 2005, he released the mini-album Off the Record, which featured five live acoustic tracks. That same year, he recorded Live: The Beautiful Soul Tour. In September 2006, his latest album, Right Where You Want Me debuted at number 15 on the music charts.

The young crooner released a DVD, Up Close, which featured videos of some of his hit singles, a few behind-the-scenes looks at the video shoots and some in-depth interviews. So far in his career, he has toured with Britney Spears and Aaron Carter, when he was part of Dream Street, and during his solo career, he toured with the Backstreet Boys.

Acting Career

Jesse McCartney got his big break in acting when he was about 12 years old. He was cast as Adam Chandler Jr. on ABC's All My Children, a role he portrayed for three years. From 2004-2005, he played Bradin Westerly on Summerland, the short-lived, but popular WB series. He has also appeared in the following television shows:

• All My Children - special appearance - (2006)
• Celebrity Duets (2006)
• The Suite Life of Zack and Cody (2005)
• Much on Demand (2005)
• What I Like About You (2004)

He also made his debut on the silver screen when he was still a teen in The Biggest Fan (2002). In 2007, he will co-star in Keith, an independent coming-of-age film based on a short story by Ron Carlson. Jesse McCartney has also lent his voice to the Kingdom Hearts II video game.

Little Kids Rock

The young singer has already earned seven music awards.

Jesse McCartney knows you are never too young to help others -- especially when it's kids that need the assistance. In October 2005, he accepted a seat on the honorary board of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization whose aim is to bring music back into the public school classrooms. This includes instrument instruction, free instruments and trained mentors. McCartney joins other notables such as Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon and BB King in helping with this cause.

Awards and Honors

• Music
  • Kids Choice Awards, Favorite Male Singer (2006)
  • Radio Disney Music Awards, Best Male Singer (2005)
  • Radio Disney Music Awards, Best Karaoke Song (2005)
  • Radio Disney Music Awards, Best Song to Put on Repeat (2005)
  • Teen Choice Awards, Choice Crossover Artist (2005)
  • Teen Choice Awards, Choice Breakout Artist - Male (2005)
  • Teen Choice Awards, Choice Male Artist (2005)

• Acting
  • Young Artist Award, Best Performance in a Daytime TV Series -- Young Actor (2002)
  • Young Artist Award, Best Performance in a Daytime TV Series -- Young Actor (2001)

Jesse McCartney Trivia

• His nicknames are Jmac or Jester.
• He learned to play the piano when he was five.
• Jesse McCartney played baseball while in high school.
• His favorite baseball team is the New York Yankees.
• He was listed among Teen People's "25 Hottest Stars Under 25" in 2005.