Forrest grew up in the music business. His father was an actor and recording artist in the 1950's charting with "When I Hold You", and "Higher and Higher" in 1953, and having songs recorded by Flatt and Scruggs, Jim Reeves and Billy Dee. Forrest's father was a bandleader, who had superstars Eddie Cochran and Buck Owens playing guitar for his band before they hit the bigtime. His mother was schooled in classical music, being the daughter of famous 1930's opera singer Roy Brown and concert pianist mother Dorothy Williamson.

Forrest began playing guitar at 4 years old, and recording at 7 years old. As soon as he could press record on a tape deck, he was writing and recording music. His first professional gig was at age 7 with his father's band playing lead guitar. He was singing and acting with his siblings from 3 years old entertaining the family and friends. His first lead role was The Nutcracker at the age of 7 for the school play. When he was not on stage acting, the music teacher had him as first chair drummer. His first award of excellence was at age 7, for Music and Art. Forrest's first paid acting job was TV commercial in Bellingham, WA in 1988. Forrest plays guitar, banjo, mandolin, bass, drums, dobro, pedal steel, keyboards, harmonica and percussion. He's an expert in Pro Tools recording, engineering, editing and mastering.