Stevens was born in Cincinnati and grew up in Lewistown, Ohio.[4] His father, who was a minister, introduced him to music through their local touring and recording family group, The Gospel Balladeers.[4] He was educated at the Indian Lake High School.[5]
After finishing his education, Stevens briefly pursued barbering before joining the U.S. Coast Guard as a Morse Code operator.[4] Stationed in California, he began performing in local folk clubs, penning songs, and selling his artwork.[4] Returning to Ohio, Stevens planned to enroll in art school.[4] However, an invitation from his musician uncle, Bob, led him to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee in 1970, a temporary visit that evolved into a permanent stay.[4]
Stevens survived on minimal accommodations, worked as an airport parking lot attendant, and began collaborating with fellow budding songwriter, Eddie Rabbitt, in 1972.[4][6] The pair, alongside David Malloy, formed a publishing venture, DebDave/Briarpatch. In 1973, Stevens saw his first song, "I'm in for Stormy Weather," performed by Sammi Smith.[4]
Early adopters of Stevens' work included artists such as George Jones, Stella Parton, and Billy Walker.[4] Rabbitt began achieving success with their co-written songs in 1975, leading to numerous No. 1 hits.[4]
Stevens recorded an album titled Thorn on the Rose in 1977,[7] and several singles for Elektra Records between 1975 and 1978 but discovered a stronger affinity for songwriting over performing.[4]
The Malloy/Rabbitt/Stevens trio saw significant success with songs like "I Love a Rainy Night," "Drivin' My Life Away," and "Step By Step," becoming pop-crossover sensations in 1980–81.[4] "Suspicions," another joint effort, was named BMI's 1980 Country Song of the Year.[4]
Stevens' other successful collaborations resulted in hits like Conway Twitty's "Crazy in Love" (1990), Ricky Skaggs' "Lovin' Only Me" (1989), and The Oak Ridge Boys' "No Matter How High" (1989).[4] He also penned the 1979 Dr. Hook pop hit "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" solo.[4]
The song "Love Will Turn You Around," co-written with Thom Schuyler, David Malloy, and its performer, Kenny Rogers, was ASCAP's 1982 Country Song of the Year.[4] Stevens also received accolades for a series of Miller Beer jingles.[4]
By 2015, he had garnered 55 BMI songwriting honors.[4]