 He eventually learned to play alto saxophone, joining his school's marching band while in fifth grade.While in high school, he got a part-time job at Macon City Auditorium for local secular and gospel concert promoter Clint Brantley.He sold Coca-Cola to crowds during concerts of star performers of the day such as Cab Calloway, Lucky Millinder, and his favorite singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe.