Country singer-songwriter Red Steagall contracted polio as a teenager, and as part of the therapy he began to play the mandolin and guitar. Becoming adept at both, as well discovering a penchant for songwriting, he moved to California in 1965, where he began collaborating with Don Lanier. In 1966, Ray Charles recorded their song "Here We Go Again." In '72 Steagall charted himself, with "Party Dolls And Wine," followed by a string of country charters throughout the '70s. Although the hits quieted down, Steagall has continued to record and perform regularly, as well as distinguishing himself as a "Cowboy Poet" (he once served as the Poet Laureate of Texas) and popular radio DJ.