At 71, Jerry Lawson - Original Lead Singer of The Persuasions - Releases His Debut Solo Album, Just a Mortal Man, April 28
buzzz worthy. . .
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Performing "People Get Ready" with Peter Cooper and Eric Brace at
1. Peace Like a River
2. Time and Water
3. I'm Just a Mortal Man
4. Wine
5. Never Been to Memphis
6. In the Dark
7. Down On My Knees
8. Members Only
9. I Hope That Love Always Knows Your Name
10. Woman in White
11. Once in a While
12. Loving Arms
13. I'll Come Running Back to You
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Performing "People Get Ready" with Peter Cooper and Eric Brace at
Nashville's famous The Station Inn - bit.ly/186ic2K
New York, NY -- In
1999, Eric Brace -- then a writer for The Washington Post -- wrote an
article previewing an upcoming concert by The Persuasions, boldly
declaring the group's lead singer, Jerry Lawson, to be the best soul
tenor since Sam Cooke. Two weeks later, he received a pen-on-paper
'thank you' note from Jerry. The two quickly became friends and promised
to someday make an album together.
Years later, they've done just
that. Just a Mortal Man is Jerry's first record as a solo artist,
pairing his timeless, tireless voice with the soulful sweep of a full
backup band. Already a familiar name in the world of a cappella music --
first with The Persuasions, and later as the leader of Talk of the
Town, who rose to fame as finalists on the second season of NBC's "The
Sing-Off" -- Jerry explores new territory on Just a Mortal Man,
whose songs were written by everyone from Paul Simon (who asked The
Persuasions to sing with him during an appearance on "Saturday Night
Live" in 1977) to Peter Cooper and Eric Brace.
While guest musicians like Jim Lauderdale and the McCrary Sisters also make appearances on Just a Mortal Man,
Jerry is the album's star, singing with a sweet and smoky voice that's
only grown richer throughout his 71 years. It's an album about growth,
about pushing forward. At the same time, Jerry also pays tribute to some
of his heroes, recording newer versions of songs originally popularized
by David Ruffin and Bobby "Blue" Bland.
With The Persuasions, Jerry
reinvigorated a cappella music for a new generation of music fans more
accustomed to the electrified energy of rock & roll. The
Brooklyn-based group performed without a backup band, but that didn't
stop them from touring with Joni Mitchell and sharing bills with
everyone from Ray Charles to Bruce Springsteen.
Tom Waits famously complimented
the charismatic vocal group, stating, "These guys are deep sea divers.
I'm just a fisherman in a boat." The Apollo Theater paid its own
compliments to The Persuasions by painting the band on the legendary
venue's famous mural of performers, and Rolling Stone listed the group's
1977 album, Chirpin', as
one of the 100 best works of the 1970s. These guys might not have played
rock & roll music, but they were still rockstars.
Decades later, Jerry's star
still shines brightly. Released on April 28th by East Nashville's Red
Beet Records, Just a Mortal Man marks a new beginning: the start of his
career as a proper bandleader, as well as his first solo release. For
those who've followed him since The Persuasions' heyday, however, this
is still the same Jerry: an electrifying showman and unmatched soul
singer whose voice -- as well as his taste -- remains pitch-perfect.
Jerry will release tour dates soon, leading up to the release of his anticipated solo album.
Just a Mortal Man Track Listing
1. Peace Like a River
2. Time and Water
3. I'm Just a Mortal Man
4. Wine
5. Never Been to Memphis
6. In the Dark
7. Down On My Knees
8. Members Only
9. I Hope That Love Always Knows Your Name
10. Woman in White
11. Once in a While
12. Loving Arms
13. I'll Come Running Back to You