Owens began performing in the 1950s under the name “Little Billy Earl with the Spit Curl.” He began teaching his niece Dolly to play the guitar at age 8, and by age 10 he arranged for her to appear on a Knoxville, Tennessee, radio show, the Cas Walker Farm and Home Hour. The show later became a television program, further increasing Parton’s exposure. He also got her a spot performing on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, while she was just 13. Parton was introduced by Johnny Cash and received 3 encores. While Parton was still in high school, they began writing songs together and landed a songwriting contract while also performing together at clubs in East Tennessee. Parton said, "He saw early on that that I was serious about my singing".
