Eddie Setser was a renowned American songwriter and musician, celebrated for his contributions to country, pop, and soul music. Born Edward F. Setser in Corbin, Kentucky, he moved to Cincinnati at age 10 after his father was laid off from the railroad. Setser began playing guitar at 12 and by 18, he was performing in Ohio nightclubs. His talent caught the attention of soul legend James Brown, who facilitated Setser's band, The Dapps, recording with King Records and performing at prestigious venues like the Apollo Theater.

Setser's songwriting career flourished after he moved to Nashville in 1974, mentored by Troy Seals. His first notable success was the 1978 Con Hunley hit "Weekend Friend." The 1980s marked the peak of his career, with hits like Gary Morris's "Don't Look Back," "Why Lady Why," and "Anything Goes." He co-wrote the iconic Willie Nelson/Ray Charles duet "Seven Spanish Angels," which topped the country charts in 1985 and was covered by numerous artists worldwide.

Setser's versatility extended beyond country music; he co-wrote Eric Clapton's pop hit "I've Got a Rock & Roll Heart" and his songs were performed by artists like Rod Stewart, Aretha Franklin, and Etta James. His works were also recorded by country legends such as Johnny Cash, George Jones, and Reba McEntire.

After retiring in 1996, Setser returned to Corbin, Kentucky, where he passed away on January 27, 2020, at the age of 77. His legacy as a songwriter remains influential across multiple music genres.