The Persuasions are an esteemed a cappella group that originated in Brooklyn, New York, in 1962.

Their journey took a significant turn in 1969 when Frank Zappa heard them performing live over the phone from a New Jersey record shop. Captivated by their sound, he flew the group to Los Angeles to record their debut album, "A Cappella." This marked the beginning of a prolific recording career that spanned 25 albums, encompassing genres such as R&B, Soul, Pop, and Rock 'n' Roll. Notably, they produced full album tributes to influential artists including Frank Zappa, The Grateful Dead, and The Beatles. Additionally, their children's album, "On The Good Ship Lollipop," garnered numerous accolades from parents' groups. The group's distinctive sound was characterized by Jerry Lawson's rich baritone, which he originally developed as a tenor, along with his organic vocal arrangements and dynamic stage presence. Critics have often compared Lawson's phrasing to that of iconic artists like Sam Cooke, Brook Benton, and Otis Redding.

Modern vocal ensembles such as Take 6, Rockapella, The Nylons, and Boyz II Men have cited The Persuasions, referred to as "The Kings of A Cappella," as a significant influence. The L.A. Weekly once remarked, "The Persuasions are to singing what Muhammad Ali was to boxing—invincible, innovative, original, beautiful."

The original lineup of The Persuasions—Jerry Lawson, Jimmy Hayes, Joe Russell, Jayotis Washington, and Herbert “Toubo” Rhoad—came together by chance in 1962, harmonizing on basketball courts in Brooklyn after pick-up games. Over the years, they released 25 albums and collaborated with numerous renowned artists, including Liza Minnelli, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder, Lou Reed, Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Little Richard, Nancy Wilson, The Neville Brothers, Country Joe McDonald, B.B. King, John Hiatt, and Leon Redbone. Their music has been featured in films such as "Joe and the Volcano," "The Heartbreak Kid," "Streets of Gold," and "E.T."

The Persuasions' initial record deal was with Frank Zappa in 1968. They were "discovered" over the phone when their friend, David Dashev, called Zappa from a New York studio, insisting he listen to the group. Their debut album, "A Cappella," was released on Zappa's Straight label. Reflecting on this experience years later, Zappa remarked, "I could tell, even over the phone, that these guys were something special." Music critic Greil Marcus described The Persuasions' style as a "perfect marriage of passion and intelligence," while Rolling Stone recognized their 1977 album, "Chirpin'," as one of the hundred best works of the 1970s. Mix Magazine stated, "The Persuasions are four parts of one voice, one spirit." In 1996, Cash Box acknowledged their role in paving the way for contemporary a cappella acts like Take 6, Bobby McFerrin, Boyz II Men, and Pentatonix.

Following their debut album, The Persuasions signed with Capitol Records, where they produced three remarkable vocal albums: "We Came to Play," "Spread the Word," and "Street Corner Symphony." They covered a diverse array of songs by artists such as Bob Dylan, Sam Cooke, Kurt Weill, Curtis Mayfield, The Temptations, Joe South, and Lennon and McCartney. This wide-ranging selection of material was a reflection of Lawson's musical tastes and set the stage for subsequent Persuasions albums, which included a gospel album, a children's album, and celebrated tribute albums to Frank Zappa, The Beatles, and The Grateful Dead.

The Persuasions drew inspiration from great gospel a cappella groups like The Golden Gate Quartet and The Fairfield Four, while innovating the genre by blending elements of rock 'n' roll, soul, country, and blues into a unique sound. They "Persuasionized" various songs, transforming tracks like "Papa Oom Mow Mow" (featured in "E.T.") and Curtis Mayfield's "Man Oh Man" into their own interpretations. Lawson played a pivotal role in adapting a wide range of popular music into a cappella style with original arrangements while co-producing many of the group's recordings. His engaging stage presence and comedic interludes added to their live performances. Each member contributed significantly to the distinct Persuasions sound, with Jimmy Hayes' smooth bass voice being unparalleled in contemporary a cappella history, "Sweet Joe" Russell's powerful harmonies, Jayotis Washington's versatile tenor, and Toubo Rhoad's foundational baritone.

Despite being embraced by college radio in the early 1970s and receiving championing from Barry “Dr. Demento” Hansen, who had them record his theme song, The Persuasions experienced limited FM airplay on the West Coast during the 1970s, while Frankie Crocker frequently featured them on New York's WBLS. Their albums were often misclassified in record stores under "Doo Wop" and "oldies." Nonetheless, they persevered, cultivating a dedicated following and touring internationally. Their legendary live performances, preserved through audience recordings and Wolfgang’s Vault shows, have become part of music lore. Remarkably, Bruce Springsteen opened for The Persuasions on multiple occasions, and in 1979, they joined Joni Mitchell's renowned "Shadows and Light" tour.

Throughout the 1960s, 1970s, and into the 1980s, The Persuasions championed the a cappella genre, particularly its eclectic and secular forms, unknowingly laying the groundwork for what is now known as Contemporary A Cappella.

To underscore their significance in American music, one can reflect on Tom Waits' observation: “These guys are deep sea divers. I’m just a fisherman in a boat.”

Footnote: A group currently operating under the name "The Persuasions" performs well-known repertoire and arrangements associated with the original group. This tribute ensemble includes one original member, Jayotis Washington. However, the leader of this iteration was not authorized by all original members to use the name "Persuasions." The distinction between the authentic Persuasions and this tribute group may not be clear to audiences. Recordings and live performances after 2003 do not represent the original, renowned a cappella group, The Persuasions, with the exception of the albums "The Persuasions Live at McCabe’s" and "Persuasions of the Dead."