Famous for writing for such popular bands and singers as The Carpenters and Elvis Presley, this Grammy-winning musician and songwriter also had a career as a music producer, working with such artists as Natalie Cole, Pat Boone, and Al Jarreau.
In the 1970s, he performed with a Billboard-ranked trio called Cotton, Lloyd & Christian. He later played guitar for the Wayne Newton Band.
In the early 1980s, he founded a music label called Home Sweet Home Records.
A native of Abilene, Texas, he eventually became a member of the West Texas Music Hall of Fame.
He was responsible for launching the career of singer Amy Grant.
