Mel McDaniel was an American country music artist born on September 6, 1942, in Checotah, Oklahoma, and raised in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Inspired by Elvis Presley, he developed an early interest in music, initially learning the trumpet before teaching himself guitar chords. His professional music career began at age 15 in a high-school talent contest, and he later performed in local bands and Tulsa clubs. After an initial unsuccessful stint in Nashville, McDaniel found success performing in Anchorage, Alaska, before returning to Nashville to work as a demonstration singer and songwriter.

In 1976, McDaniel signed with Capitol Records and released his first single, "Have a Dream on Me." His career gained momentum with hits like "Louisiana Saturday Night" and "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On," the latter reaching number one on the country chart in 1985. Known for his upbeat and positive songs, McDaniel's music contrasted with the often somber themes of country music, earning him a reputation for "quintessential happy songs."

McDaniel became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1986 and was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame in 2006. He passed away on March 31, 2011, in Nashville, Tennessee, leaving behind a legacy of memorable country hits.