John David Hurley (April 18, 1941 – August 16, 1986) and Ronald Stephen Wilkins (born October 8, 1941) were American musicians and songwriting partners responsible for writing the hit songs "Love of the Common People" and "Son of a Preacher Man". Hurley also recorded three albums in the 1970sJ.ohn Hurley was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a child, he performed in Pittsburgh barrooms with his uncle, and co-hosted a local radio show. He also sang with the Pittsburgh Opera Company before discovering rock and roll and moving to Nashville. He joined the Tree music publishing company as a songwriter in 1962.