Claude King was born on February 5, 1923, in Keithville, Louisiana, and became a notable figure in American country music. He developed an early interest in music, purchasing his first guitar at the age of twelve. Despite his musical talents, King pursued a baseball scholarship at the University of Idaho. His education was interrupted by World War II, during which he served in the United States Navy from 1942 to 1945.

King's music career began in earnest when he formed a band called the Rainbow Boys with friends Buddy Attaway and Tillman Franks, performing around Shreveport, Louisiana. He became a regular on the Louisiana Hayride, a popular radio and television show, where he performed alongside legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.

In 1961, King signed with Columbia Records and released "Big River, Big Man," which became a top 10 country hit. His greatest success came with the 1962 release of "Wolverton Mountain," co-written with Merle Kilgore. The song topped the Billboard country chart for nine weeks and crossed over to the pop charts, selling over a million copies and earning a gold disc.

King continued to produce hits throughout the 1960s, including "The Comancheros," "The Burning Of Atlanta," and "Sam Hill." He also ventured into acting, appearing in films such as Swamp Girl and the television miniseries The Blue and the Gray.

King's contributions to country music were recognized with honors such as a "Wolverton Mountain Day" in Arkansas and a star on Shreveport's Walk of Stars. He passed away on March 7, 2013, in Shreveport, Louisiana, leaving behind a legacy of distinctive melodies and storytelling in country music.