Dan Penn, born Wallace Daniel Pennington on November 16, 1941, in Vernon, Alabama, is a renowned American songwriter, singer, musician, and record producer. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to the soul, R&B, and country music genres, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. Penn began his musical journey in the Muscle Shoals area, where he became a key figure at FAME Studios, working closely with Rick Hall. He wrote his first hit, "Is a Bluebird Blue?", recorded by Conway Twitty in 1960, and later penned numerous classics, including "I'm Your Puppet" with Spooner Oldham, and "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man" with Chips Moman.

Penn's move to Memphis in 1966 marked a pivotal point in his career, where he collaborated with Chips Moman at American Sound Studio. This partnership yielded iconic soul hits like "The Dark End of the Street" and Aretha Franklin's "Do Right Woman, Do Right Man." He also produced "The Letter" by The Box Tops, a chart-topping success.

Despite his profound impact on music, Penn preferred the roles of songwriter and producer over performing, releasing few records under his own name. His songwriting prowess has been recognized with his induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, celebrating a legacy that includes songs recorded by artists such as Janis Joplin, Otis Redding, and Percy Sledge. Dan Penn remains a revered figure in the history of American music, known for his deep influence on the Muscle Shoals and Memphis music scenes.