Raymond Asso was born on June 2, 1901, in Nice, France. After his parents separated, he moved to Morocco at the age of 15, where he tried various professions such as shepherd, factory worker, chauffeur, and nightclub manager. Between 1916 and 1919, he served as a Spahi in the French army, stationed in Turkey and Syria. In 1933, he began writing lyrics and poetry.

Asso's career in chanson took off after meeting Édith Piaf in 1935. She became his muse and partner, and he wrote many lyrics inspired by her, helping her overcome the scandal of her manager's murder. His collaborations with Piaf, often set to music by Marguerite Monnot, included songs like "Mon légionnaire." In 1939, Asso was called to the French army for World War II, ending his collaboration with Piaf.

Post-war, Asso wrote for artists such as Lucienne Delyle, Marcel Mouloudji, and Renée Lebas. The 1950s were prolific for him, with successes like "Y’a tant d’amour" and "Un petit coquelicot." He also wrote for Yves Montand, Catherine Sauvage, and others. Later, he recorded children's musical stories and served as an administrator for SACEM from 1962 until his death.

Raymond Asso was married three times, to Marie-Rose Giaume, Claudine Buriaux, and Claude Valéry, with whom he had a child. He passed away on October 24, 1968, in Paris, France.