Joe Diffie was among the generation of artists who blended traditional country sounds with '90s sensibilities. Born to a musical family in Tulsa, Diffie was a member of his high school's gospel group Genesis II, local rockers Blitz, and the bluegrass band the Special Edition. After college, the Special Edition began to gain an audience and appeared in several festivals. Diffie then began playing country music with his aunt Dawn Anita and his sister Monica. Soon, one of his early songs, "Love on the Rocks," was recorded by Hank Thompson. Diffie soon moved to Nashville and began working for Gibson Guitars while continuing to write songs. Holly Dunn recorded one of his collaborations, "There Goes My Heart Again," in 1989.