Just a Mortal Man: The Jerry Lawson Story

Arts and Music Series / 1 Season

Jerry Lawson was the original lead singer of the legendary a cappella group The Persuasions, first discovered by Frank Zappa in the early '70s. During his 40-year tenure with the group, Jerry recorded 24 albums, toured internationally and sang alongside Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, among others.

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30s

Jerry Lawson was the original lead singer of the legendary a cappella group The Persuasions, first discovered by Frank Zappa in the early '70s. During his 40-year tenure with the group, Jerry recorded 24 albums, toured internationally and sang alongside Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Joni Mitchell, among others.

Introducing Jerry Lawson and The Persuasions

2m 21s

Barry Richards introduces Jerry and The Persuasions in one of their early TV appearances. Jerry discusses how hard it was for a group with no band to break into show business. The Persuasions’ first manager David Dashev speaks about how unique the group was, LA journalist Rip Rense speaks about how well David Dashev managed them, and Jerry gives a very brief history of a cappella.

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