Alvis Wayne Samford was born in Paducah, Texas and listened to country music on the radio as a child and was given a guitar at age ten.
He began playing in local bars and clubs at 12 and joined Tony Wayne & the Rhythm Wranglers at 20.
He recorded enough for Westport to put out an LP; though none were released, his single "Don't Mean Maybe Baby" was a regional hit in Texas, and he toured extensively in the state.
He put his career in music on hold and joined the Air Force in 1960; after his tour of duty, he continued recording and performing.
In subsequent decades, Alvis became the subject of a cult following in the United Kingdom, where his singles were in great demand.