Barry did not want to sing professionally as he was more interested in producing, writing and arranging. In 1956, his musical prowess led him to a gig playing piano on Jesse Belvin's "Goodnight, My Love". He talks about the first time he stepped up to the microphone when he realized that was where he wanted to be. Still a teenager at the time, living in LA, he became a gang member, stole $30,000 worth of tires, was caught and arrested. After his jail term concluded, he focused on producing. 1972 saw Barry produce "From A Girl's Point of View We Give to You... Love Unlimited became a million album seller on the strength of the single "Walking In The Rain With The One I Love" a #14 pop hit. He was looking for a male vocalist to record some songs he had written, having recorded the demo versions himself. He was convinced by record executive Larry Nunes to record the songs himself, which resulted in 1973's "I've Got So Much To Give" and the #3 pop (#1 R&B) "I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby". Barry was on his way..."Stone Gon'" was his second LP released in 1973, with the single "Never Never Gonna GIve Ya Up" peaking #7 pop and #2 R&B.