Justin Tubb, born in San Antonio, Texas on 20 August 1935, was the eldest son of country music legend Ernest Tubb. Though he achieved modest success as a recording artist, he became far more notable as a songwriter, penning hits later recorded by numerous major Nashville stars. His story illustrates how a performer who began in his father's shadow carved out an independent legacy through songwriting rather than performing.

Tubb began performing on radio at just four years old and made his Grand Ole Opry debut at nine, later studying journalism at the University of Texas before dropping out to pursue music. His highest-charting single as a performer was "Looking Back to See" (No. 4, 1954), a duet with Goldie Hill, while he became a Grand Ole Opry member the following year. As a songwriter, his catalogue included hits such as "Lonesome 7-7203" (No. 1 for Hawkshaw Hawkins), "Big Fool of the Year" (George Jones), "Imagine That" (Patsy Cline) and "Big Shoes" (Ray Price).