Thorn was raised in Tupelo, Mississippi.[citation needed] Before his professional music career began, he was a professional boxer, where he established a respectable 14–4 record.[3] Boxing career highlights include winning the Mid-South Middleweight Championship in Memphis, Tennessee and culminated with a nationally televised bout with former world champion Roberto Durán.[1] After a few years of working in a Tupelo furniture factory and playing in local clubs, he was discovered by music professional Miles Copeland (brother of The Police drummer Stewart Copeland).