Bio
Jerry Lawson who fronted the legendary A Cappella group The Persuasions has moved on. The man who led the celebrated quintet and recorded and toured with numerous artists such as Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Liza Minnelli, Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa—is heading in many new directions. “I left the Persuasions in order to perform and record the tunes I love which work best with instruments. I’m singing Jazz Standards, traditional Soul music, Rhythm & Blues, Country and many beautiful songs that deserve nothing less than a full orchestra.”
After leaving the Persuasions in 2003 Lawson announced that he was absolutely through with A Cappella forever. Jazz combos and big bands beckoned. But on his way to Russia to record a solo album with the Moscow Philharmonic fate revealed other plans.
Along came Talk of the Town a well seasoned A Cappella group who had been studying and performing Jerry’s arrangements all around San Francisco for decades. They said they knew they had great harmony but they wished they had a great lead singer like Jerry Lawson. And now they do.
After 22 albums with The Persuasions Jerry has released his debut CD “Jerry Lawson & Talk of the Town”. Jerry said with TOTT he has finally created the harmonies he long dreamed of and he feels that as of 2011 this is the masterpiece of his career! So remarkable was the chance meeting of Lawson and his new group that it was all filmed for a forthcoming documentary.
Jerry Lawson & Talk of The Town begin touring in the Spring of 2011. Jerry is also working as musical director and vocalist with a group based in Phoenix featuring George Grant of The Castelles. Together they perform a tribute to The Ink Spots.
Jerry’s most recent endeavor is his tribute to Nat King Cole with a Jazz trio. In-between all of these projects Jerry is producing and collaborating with fellow artists. His plans include performing and recording R&B, Standards, Country, Pop and Orchestral music. He may even get around to recording his favorite TV theme songs!
Hello there big guy..This is your kindergarten- 12th grade friend from
Apopka, Florida..I just saw you on Sing-Off…I missed it because I was looking at something else and tuned in and caught you at the end..Needless to say, I am so happy to finally get in touch with you and to read just where you are and all of the lovely and good things you are involved in…Hope you respond back…I know that you are busy, but,
I would love to hear from you…Ditto to today, I live in Atlanta and am a newly wed…Anyway, let me hear from you…Sincerely, Janice Jackson West from the Jackson Klan in Apopka…
Janice, I promise that your note will be read by Jerry when he returns from Los Angeles. Here is a link to the performances from The Sing Off. On the Christmas song you’ll see Jerry singing from the audience with the children by his side.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tEOngRFZZk&feature=player_embedded#!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J_0FpZ9IxFQ&feature=player_embedded
And so it was written: “The Godfather of A Cappella” Jerry Lawson joins forces with the Sing Off All Stars for a rousing performance of “Sweet Soul Music”. Shawn said it was sweet, soulful, and amazing. Shawn called Lawson a trailblazer; adding Lawson gave a master class in how it was done and an electrifying performance.
WOW! I just figured out that I sat right next to you on Wednesday evening at the Doubletree Hotel in Culver City. We were about 18 inches apart sitting on the same bench against the back wall; you were with 2 guys and I was as well! You ordered a crabcake and then had it wrapped to go!
You are amazing and I so wish I would have given you the recognition you deserve when I was right next to you!
Bless you and your talents…
Shelli, it’s a small small world. Thanks so much for taking the time to find me here and express your appreciation. Means the world to me. I hope you’ll treat yourself to my debut CD:
Jerry Lawson & Talk of The Town – Merry Christmas! – Jerry