Marion Cletus "Chuck" Cannon Jr. was born and raised in South Carolina and moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. Within just a few years he was signed to a songwriting contract. As his career progressed he and Toby Keith starting working together with success including the Billboard Country Song Of The Year in 2000 with "How Do You Like Me Now" (Toby Keith - Chuck Cannon). This was recorded at a live 2011 performance in Billings, Montana.

The Toby Keith (Covel) hit "How Do You Like Me Now" is from the 1999 LP of the same name. The single topped the Country chart and peaked at number thirty-one on the Billboard pop listing. The platinum album hit the Country top ten and was mid-way on the pop chart. Because of his involvement in various businesses including a clothing line and several restaurants Toby has been listed in Forbes Magazine as one of the wealthiest men in Country music.