William A. Owens, (November 2, 1905 — December 9, 1990), was an American writer, folklorist and educator.
Owens was born in Pin Hook, Lamar County, Texas.
He grew up in rural poverty, his father died when he was only 3 months old and was educated at a one-room school.
The song received mention in TIME magazine and was broadcast by BBC Radio on a program hosted by Alistair Cooke in 1940 about the American musical response to World War II.
[1][2] Owens was in the United States Army from June 1942 to October 1945 and was awarded the Legion of Merit for his work in the intelligence service in the Philippines.