[3] He studied medicine at the University of Rhode Island and then at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, but began singing again with the Swanee Quintet Juniors and gave up his medical career.

[1] In 1956, he recorded as a secular singer with the J&S label in New York City, releasing his first solo single "Running Home".

[3][4] In 1962, he worked with fellow songwriters Gerry Goffin and Carole King on their song "Hey, Girl", recording a demo for singer Chuck Jackson.

Although he continued to have success with R&B chart hits, including "(You) Got What I Need", written and produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff,[3] and a version of Van Morrison's "He Ain't Give You None", his career was affected by Berns' sudden death at the end of 1967.

[1] He eventually signed with the small Elephant V label, before moving on to Probe Records, where he had his last R&B hit in 1970 with a version of Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released.

"[4] He continued to work with his songwriting partner Helen Miller, wrote advertising jingles, and took minor roles as an actor in films, including Stiletto.