Truman Virgil "Pinky" Tomlin, born on September 9, 1907, in Eros, Arkansas, was a prominent American singer, songwriter, bandleader, and actor during the 1930s and 1940s. Nicknamed "Pinky" due to his red hair and fair complexion that sunburned easily, he grew up in Durant, Oklahoma. His early interest in music earned him a reputation as a talented banjoist, leading to a gig with Louis Armstrong's band on a riverboat in St. Louis at the age of 16. He later mastered the guitar, which became a staple in his performances at venues like the RKO Roxy Theatre in New York and the Biltmore Bowl in Hollywood.

Tomlin gained national fame with his song "The Object of My Affection," written while he was at the University of Oklahoma. The song became a hit when recorded by Jimmie Grier's Coconut Grove Orchestra, with Tomlin on vocals. His success in music led to roles in over a dozen films during the 1930s and early 1940s. Beyond music and film, Tomlin was also educated in law and geology, eventually becoming an oil magnate.

He married Joanne Alcorn in 1938, and they remained together until her death in 1986. Pinky Tomlin passed away on December 12, 1987, in North Hollywood, California, and was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. His autobiography, "The Object of My Affection," was published in 1981, encapsulating his philosophy of life centered around work, love, and hope.