 Proby was brought by Sharon Sheeley to audition at Liberty Records in 1961 and he recorded a number of unsuccessful singles.In 1962 he began writing songs and recording demos for artists such as Elvis Presley, Bobby Vee, and Johnny Burnette, who had his final UK chart success with Proby's "Clown Shoes" (credited to his real name James Marcus Smith).Proby travelled to London after being introduced to Jack Good by Sheeley and Jackie DeShannon.