nobles was born in grove hill, alabama, united states; grew up in mobile, alabama; and began singing in high school as a member of a local group, the delroys. he moved to philadelphia and recorded three singles for atlantic records, none of which charted. while living in a commune in norristown, pennsylvania, he formed a group, cliff nobles & co., with bassist benny williams, guitarist bobby tucker, and drummer robert marshall. they recorded demos and, with the help of songwriter/record producer jesse james, landed a recording contract with phil-l.a. of soul records.