Ronnie McDowell is an American country music artist, best known for his 1977 song "The King Is Gone," a tribute to Elvis Presley released shortly after the singer's death. His style blends traditional country with elements of rockabilly and pop, often featuring rich, compelling narratives in his lyrics. McDowell's significance in country music lies in his consistent chart presence, with over 30 of his singles making the Billboard country music charts from the late 1970s through the mid-'90s. His influence extends to his work on soundtracks for films such as "Elvis and Me" and "Elvis," where he provided the vocal tracks for Elvis Presley.