At various times, Garfield worked with the Drifters, the Coasters, Sam and Dave, Jackie Wilson, and Wilson Pickett. He also collaborated with Jimmy James, a disc jockey with WVON in Chicago, on the novelty single "Hobo Joe."
Garfield served as the lead singer for many years with Jimmy James and the Vagabonds, a Chicago based soul group. During his tenure with the band, they scored multiple hits on the R&B and pop charts, including "Going to Make You Sorry" (US Pop No. 32, R&B No. 15), "I'll Be Your Everything" (US Pop No. 34, R&B No. 7) and "Too Hurt to Cry" (US Pop No. 28, R&B No. 2).
He later pursued a solo career, releasing several albums, including "Smokin'" (1981) and "Heartbreaker" (1990). Unfortunately, Garfield passed away in 1997 at the age of 51.