Baugh was born in Helena, Arkansas, and by the age of 14 had begun playing piano semi-professionally around Memphis.
He then joined the Snearly Ranch Boys, led by Clyde Leoppard, performing and touring with them, and recorded the single "Split Personality", released on the Flip label, an offshoot of Sun Records, in early 1955, and credited to Bill Taylor (the band's trumpeter) and Smokey Jo [sic].
The record became successful around Memphis, and Baugh, who was assumed by the promoters to be black, was invited to perform at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem.
He was also present at the "Million Dollar Quartet" recording in December 1956, with Perkins, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
He moved to Waco, Texas, and in 1970, formed a country band, the Midnite Cowboys, with guitarist Buddy Holobaugh.