Dobkins was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Helen and Carl Dobkins. He was from a musical family, and learned the ukulele and guitar as a child. He started writing songs in his teens, and began singing at local events. The Seniors, Dobkins' backup group, included Keith Ross, Paul Powers, Harry Clifton and Bill Smith. The Seniors first met with a common interest in singing at Nast Memorial Methodist Church in Cincinnati. The group sang together for approximately eight years. Dobkins and the Seniors were promoted by Gil Sheppard, a local Cincinnati radio disc jockey, who noted the young singer's early high school compositions and a two-song demo record. This led to a recording contract with Fraternity Records, who released their first record.