In 1966, at age 23, he was appointed head of A&R (Artists & Repertoire) at Cameo-Parkway Records.
While at Cameo-Parkway Records discovered ? & The Mysterians. Convinced the group to change the "69" in their song title to be more marketable (due to the sexual reference), launching the hit "96 Tears.".
In 1967 he was appointed head of A&R at Buddah Records.
Recorded the single "Bobby" under the name Neil Scott reaching No. 58 on the Cashbox and Billboard charts in June 1961.
Worked at the music trade publication Cashbox before landing a gig as assistant national promotional director with MGM Records.
Second cousin of Larry Harris who helped him found and run Casablanca Records.