Like many popular R&B vocal groups from the past still touring, the Persuasions have had some line-up changes. Consequently the version of the group appearing at Harbourfront Centre's Sirius Stage on Friday (August 13) at 9:30 pm as part of the Hot & Spicy Food Festival isn't the same five friends who harmonized together on Bed-Stuy basketball courts in 1962 and went on to record nine memorable a cappella albums through the 70s. Since the passing of Herbert "Toubo" Rhoad in 1988 followed by the departure of lead vocalist, arranger and repertoire filter Jerry Lawson to pursue a solo career in 2003, only two original Persuasions Jesse "Sweet Joe" Russell and Jimmy Hayes remain active. In recent years they've primarily focused on recording tribute albums, saluting the work of The Beatles, Grateful Dead, Frank Zappa and even U2 (yikes!) but they still ain't got no band.
For those who miss the soulful power and invention of the classic Lawson-led line-up, here's a rare Persuasions television appearance from 1974 reworking the Everly Brothers' hit All I Have To Do Is Dream and the Highway QCs' house-wrecker Somewhere To Lay My Head. The obviously thrilled young host of the program who can't help but clap along would go on to greater daytime television notoriety for nailing baby daddies with paternity tests.
All I Have To Do Is Dream and Somewhere To Lay My Head by the Persuasions
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