His first single , `` Delilah '' , was not successful , but established his partnership with a writing and arranging team of Mayfield , Carl Davis , and Johnny Pate , often with members of Mayfield 's group the Impressions on backing vocals .
Although it was not successful , it made his partnership with a writing and arranging team for Curtis Mayfield , Carl Davis , and Johnny Pate , often with members of Mayfield 's music group called The Impressions on backing vocals .