Norm was educated at Christchurch West High School where he discovered his musical aptitude in voice and took the leading role in school operas.   He joined Neville Wilkin's Viscounts Show Band in 1963 and didn't look back from there. 

His first residency was in 1965 at The "Copper Cat" in Christchurch with the new Rhythm 'n Bland group taking over from Cecile and Dion Murphy when they moved on to Auckland.   In 1967 he took up a new residency at The "Plaza Lounge" with Village Gate  This lasted until 1972, and Norm eventually retired in 1976 to focus on his business activities.