Clifford Joseph Trahan, known by his stage names Johnny Rebel, Pee Wee Trahan, and several others, was born on September 25, 1938, in Moss Bluff, Louisiana. He became notorious for his music that expressed support for white supremacy and racist views. Trahan's music career began in the late 1950s, and he recorded under various pseudonyms, including Johnny Rebel, a name inspired by the Confederate soldier persona and used for J. D. "Jay" Miller's Reb Rebel label in the 1960s. His songs, characterized by openly racist and segregationist lyrics, were produced during a time of high racial tensions in the United States, particularly in the South.

Trahan's early life saw him moving to Crowley, Louisiana, with his mother after his parents' divorce, where he developed an interest in music and received his first guitar at age 12. He graduated from Crowley High School in 1956. His career included recording country songs under the alias Tommy Todd, though these were not commercially successful. He later worked as a shipyard inspector before returning to Louisiana to record for Reb Rebel Records.

Johnny Rebel's discography includes inflammatory tracks such as "Lookin' for a Handout," "Kajun Ku Klux Klan," and "Nigger Hatin' Me," among others. Despite the controversial nature of his music, Trahan stated later in life that his primary motivation was financial, not an intent to spread hate. He claimed to have changed his views over time, acknowledging the mutual animosity between races during his era.

Trahan retired in 2003 and passed away on September 3, 2016, in Rayne, Louisiana, at the age of 77. His legacy remains contentious due to the racist content of his music, which continues to evoke strong reactions.