After writing the song, Nelson moved to Houston, Texas, where due to his financial issues, tried to sell it to Larry Butler.

On the way, Nelson stopped by the Esquire Ballroom to sell songs to house band singer Larry Butler.

Butler refused to purchase Nelson's songs, including "Mr. Record Man", giving him instead a US$50 loan to rent an apartment and a six-night job singing in the club.

[3] During his time in Houston, Nelson sold his original "Family Bible", that turned into a hit for Claude Gray.

[4] While he joined Ray Price's band as a bass player, his songs became hits for other artists, including "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Billy Walker), "Pretty Paper" (Roy Orbison), and, most famously, "Crazy" by Patsy Cline.

[11] The same year, the song was recorded for the live album Country Music Concert at Panther Hall.