 He grew up listening to folk and country music, but did not start performing until he attended Maryland State College, where he sang, wrote songs, and played guitar in small jazz groups.Following his graduation with a degree in History and Sociology, he returned to Alabama to work as a high school teacher, while maintaining a singing career by performing in nightclubs and local shows.After being drafted into the Army and serving in Korea, he gave up teaching and moved to New York City to work as a musician.