While working as a forklift operator in a steel refinery, Edwards got trapped in a sealed-up tank and suffered severe carbon dioxide poisoning.
[2] As his condition improved, Edwards found work in odd jobs while at the same time devoting more of his energy to music.
[4] In 1970, while performing at a benefit for his hero, Bob Wills in Oakland, California, Stoney was spotted by a local attorney, Ray Sweeney.
In the wake of Charley Pride's breakthrough success, the attorney knew that most labels were looking for a black country singer.
[2][5][6] Backed by a then little-known Wills tribute band called Asleep at the Wheel, Edwards entered the studio to record some songs.
Many stations would not play, "Blackbird (Hold Your Head High)" because it contained the line "just a couple of country niggers" despite the song's affirmative message.