In 1956, while still in high school, he joined The Sunset Travelers as one of the lead singers of the gospel group. He later fronted a gospel music group, the Harmony Echoes. It was during this time that he was discovered (along with James Carr) by Roosevelt Jamison, a songwriter and manager.
In 1956, while still in high school, he joined The Sunset Travelers as one of the lead singers of the gospel group. He later led a gospel music group, the Harmony Echoes. It was during this time that he was identified (along with James Carr) by Roosevelt Jamison, a songwriter and manager.