Vitale started his professional music career with the Echoes, who signed with Warner and became the Chylds (1964–68). He gained valuable experience with the band and sang vocals on their single "I Want More (Lovin')." He eventually enrolled at Kent State University and was attending during the May 4, 1970 shootings. Vitale also played with Mable Cake, a band out of Kent Ohio, from 1968-1970. His first national break came when Ted Nugent hired him to play drums in the Amboy Dukes in 1971.