The Persuasions

Genres:	Acappella • Doo Wop • R&B / Soul
Descriptive "tags":	acapella • soul • vocal • a capella • gospel negro • gospel • a cappella • the persuasions • vocal group • oldies • vocal-band • doo wop • blues • zappa nebula • myjukebox • workradio
Decades Active:	1960s • 1970s • 1980s • 1990s • 2000s
Links online:	Official Homepage • Wikipedia

Biography

Formed in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of New York City, this talented vocal group has continued the a cappella tradition despite prevalent trends elsewhere. Jerry Lawson (23 January 1944, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA; lead), Joseph ‘Jesse’ Russell (b. 25 September 1939, Henderson, North Carolina, USA; second tenor), Little Jayotis Washington (b. 12 May 1941, Detroit, Michigan, USA; tenor), Herbert ‘Toubo’ Rhoad (b. 1 October 1944, Bamberg, South Carolina, USA, d. 8 December 1988, USA; baritone) and Jimmy ‘Bro’ Hayes (b. 12 November 1943, Hopewell, Virginia, USA; bass) first started singing together in 1962. Having recorded for Minit Records, the Persuasions gained prominence four years later with Acappella, a part live/part studio album released on Frank Zappa’s Straight label. Their unadorned voices were later heard on several superb collections, including Street Corner Symphony and Chirpin’, while the group also supplied...

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