The Persuasions

The Persuasions are an a cappella band who rose to prominence in the early 1960s after having been on the East Coast music scene for a number of years. Their break came after Frank Zappa was persuaded to listen to the band by the group's manager Stan Krause. Krause had a record shop in New Jersey and convinced Zappa to listen to the group singing live. Impressed by their sound, Zappa agreed to help the band launch their debut album 'Acappella'.

The album was the start of a long musical journey for the band which has seen them develop into one of the most respected vocal groups performing in the a cappella style. During their career they've opened concerts for the Mothers of Invention, recorded highly acclaimed tribute albums showcasing the works of The Beatles and The Grateful Dead and been cited as influences by Boyz II Men.

The band were created around the lead vocal talents of Jerry Lawson, a former store detective from Fort Lauderdale. Lawson's rich vocal tones became the foundation for the band's distinctive sound which took the traditional style of street corner singing and turned it into a style of music which had wide audience appeal. Although two of the founding members have now passed away the band continue to tour and record entertaining audiences throughout the USA and beyond.