Although he failed to match the success of his debut single, "Unfaithful Diane," in July 1957, Don Deal continued to play a role in the growth of country music during the late '50s and early '60s. While he had a regional hit with "A-11," his first single after signing with Capitol in 1958, and continued to record after switching to MGM, sales of his recordings fell short of commercial expectations. Despite numerous performances at sock hops and an appearance on American Bandstand, Deal is best remembered for penning tunes covered by Eddie Arnold, Sonny James, Hank Snow, Perry Como, Dean Martin, and Michael Parks. A native of Iowa, Deal had his first break when he was heard singing in the backroom of Bert Keefer's music school by talent scout Smoky Rodgers. Impressed by what he heard, Rodgers brought him to San Diego, where he performed at the Bostonian Ballroom three nights a week. Shortly afterwards, he became a regular performer on a five nights-per-week variety show broadcast from Tiajuana, Mexico. ~ Craig Harris