 1965, he went to San Francisco to study at the Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary — playing locally both with groups and solo to make a living.In 1967, with a degree in hand he moved to Louisville, Kentucky to continue his studies in pursuit of a doctorate of philosophy at the Southern Seminary.In Louisville, greatly interested in bluegrass music, he became friendly with various musicians, and in 1968, he became a co-founder of The Bluegrass Alliance.