Ernest Ashworth (15 December 1928 – 2 March 2009) was born in Huntsville, Alabama and began his singing career there. In 1949, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, and worked as a DJ for several radio stations. He signed with Wesley Rose as a songwriter for artists including Jimmy Dickens, Johnny Horton and Paul Anka.

His success as a recording artist came in the early 1960s with country hits including “You Can’t Pick A Rose In December”, “Each Moment (Spent with You)”, “Talk Back Trembling Lips” and “I Take the Chance.” Ashworth retired from recording in the 1990s, but continued to make appearances at the Grand Ole Opry until his death.