The Persuasions singer Jerry Lawson dies aged 75

Jerry Lawson, the lead singer of a cappella group The Persuasions, has died aged 75.
The musician passed away on Wednesday (10Jul19) at a hospice in Phoenix, Arizona, after battling a long illness, longtime friend Rip Rense said.
Lawson became known as one of “The Kings of Acappella” thanks to his smooth baritone, which lead his group of singers. The band recorded 25 albums, exploring the genres of rock, blues, gospel and pop – all made using solely their own voices.
Their famous fans include Rod Stewart, Boyz II Men and the Grateful Dead’s Jerry Garcia.
Speaking about his admiration for Lawson, Stewart said in a statement: “After working together at the Hurricane Katrina Benefit Concert, I admired the undeniable depth in Jerry’s big voice. A true soul singer.”
Lawson left The Persuasions in 2002, and joined a San Francisco group of younger a cappella singers several years later to form Jerry Lawson and the Talk of the Town. The group went on to release an album in 2007.
He also released his one and only solo album, Just a Mortal Man, in 2015.
Lawson is survived by his wife, and will not be remembered in a funeral at his request, his family said in a statement.
A documentary on the singer is currently in production, and is expected to be released later this year.