Texas-born singer/songwriter Julie Miller grew up in a music-loving household. As a teen in Austin, Miller made her professional debut as a singer and began collaborating with her future husband, guitarist/singer/songwriter Buddy Miller. They settled in Nashville, and shortly after Buddy released his solo debut Your Love & Other Lies on HighTone Records. The album featured singing and songwriting from Julie as well, and one of her songs, "All My Tears," was covered by Emmylou Harris and Jimmy Scott. Harris ended up working with both the Millers, offering Buddy a lead guitarist spot on her 1996 tour, and providing guest vocals on Julie's albums, 1997's Blue Pony and 1999's Broken Things.