Henry Ellis Stewart, known professionally as Redd Stewart, was born on May 27, 1923, in Ashland City, Tennessee. Raised in Louisville, Kentucky, he was the son of musical parents and developed his musical talents from a young age, learning to play the banjo, piano, fiddle, and guitar. Stewart left junior high school to pursue a career in music, performing with local bands and eventually forming his own group, the Prairie Riders.

In 1937, Stewart joined Pee Wee King's Golden West Cowboys as a musician, where he worked alongside Eddy Arnold, the band's vocalist at the time. During World War II, Stewart served in the U.S. Army in the South Pacific, achieving the rank of sergeant. It was during his military service that he wrote "Soldier's Last Letter," a song that became a hit for Ernest Tubb in 1944.

After returning from the war, Stewart resumed his collaboration with Pee Wee King, this time as the lead singer of the Golden West Cowboys. Together, they co-wrote several successful country hits, including the iconic "Tennessee Waltz" in 1948, which became the state song of Tennessee in 1965. Stewart also contributed to other popular songs such as "You Belong to Me," "Slow Poke," and "Bonaparte's Retreat."

Stewart's songwriting prowess extended beyond his collaborations with King. He wrote songs that were recorded by artists like Jim Reeves and Moon Mullican. "Tennessee Waltz" achieved widespread acclaim, with covers by artists such as Patti Page, Roy Acuff, and Elvis Presley.

In addition to his music career, Stewart appeared in several films with Pee Wee King, including "Gold Mine in the Sky" (1938) and "Ridin' the Outlaw Trail" (1951). Despite signing with King Records as a solo artist in the early 1950s, his singles did not achieve significant success.

Stewart's contributions to country music were recognized with his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972. He passed away on August 4, 2003, in Louisville, Kentucky, due to complications from injuries sustained in a fall. His legacy endures through his timeless songs and his influence on the country music genre.