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 became part of The Sunset Travelers as one of their lead singers for the gospel group. Later, he fronted the gospel music group, the Harmony Echoes. During this period, he was spotted (along with James Carr) by Roosevelt Jamison, a songwriter and manager.