English teacher–turned–songwriter Arlie Duff showed an interest in music from an early age. Born in Jacks Branch near Warren, Texas, he began singing with his father and sister Lois as The Duff Trio, performing gospel songs at singing conventions and school programs. While attending Nederland High School, Duff was also an All-State basketball player.

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After graduating, he served three years in the Navy during World War II. When he returned home, he enrolled at Stephen F. Austin State College in Nacogdoches, where he earned a master’s degree in education. Duff went on to teach and coach in Deweyville and Warren, Texas, earning the nickname “The Singin’ Schoolteacher.”

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Duff’s breakthrough came with his fourth single for the Beaumont-based Starday label. “Y’all Come,” released in 1953, climbed to No. 7 on the country charts and went on to inspire countless covers by artists including George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bing Crosby, Patti Page, and Bobby Vinton. In 1954, Duff became a featured regular on KNUZ-TV’s Houston Hometown Jamboree, where “Y’all Come” served as the theme song. That same year, he appeared on The Louisiana Hayride and later joined the cast of Red Foley’s Ozark Jubilee.

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Throughout the 1950s, Duff continued writing successful songs. Notable works include “Another Story,” recorded by Ernest Tubb; “It’s the Little Things,” recorded by Sonny James; and “Alligator Come Across,” a minor hit Duff recorded under his own name.