The Persuasions began as a doo wop a cappella quintet singing on the street corners of Brooklyn, New York. From that simple beginning their career careened in surprising and innovative directions. "Discovered" over the phone by rock musician, satirist and composer Frank Zappa, the group created huge discography from the sacred to the profane; all with impeccable arrangements and harmony.

Spike Lee's film "Do it A Capella"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UZZpkRwnNQ&t=4334s

Interview with front man Jerry Lawson on Frank Zappa and the Persuasions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuT710R9tjk

Two of the harder to find songs:

Good Old A Capella

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vInVtExVw0Y&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&start_radio=1

The Meek Shall Inherit Nothing (Frank Zappa tribute album):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2c9EfRZXglg&list=RDvInVtExVw0Y&index=2

From their beginnings in Knoxville Tennessee playing on street corners in the late 1920's through their resurgence on the festival circuit in the 70's and 80's, Martin, Bogan, and Armsrtong carried the torch of the old-time Black string band tradition . Their vast repertoire included swing, blues, show tunes, tin pan alley favorites, and any genre that would get their audience tapping their feet. With relentless energy, these consummate entertainers helped keep alive a string band tradition reaching back to the beginnings of African American musical history.

R. Crumb's Sweet Shellac podcast on black string bands of the 20's and 30's:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3JB-Nf-x1zM&t=1043s

Allison Williams and Elizabeth Scott - Old time banjo and Music History.

This page has great resources on old-time black string bands

https://folklife.uark.edu/apprenticeships/williamsscott26/

The African-American String Music Tradition - Afro pop interview with Howard Armstrong:

https://www.afropop.org/audio-programs/the-african-american-string-music-tradition-2?curator=MusicREDEF

Howard Armstrong PBS POV documentary "Sweet Old Song" available for purchase on film maker Leah Mahan's website:

https://www.leahmahan.com/films/sweet-old-song/

Most people remember Charlie Rich for his 1973 country/pop hits and his controversial pyrotechnical antics at the 1975 Country Music Awards. But before his star rose in Nashville, he had early rock and roll hits on Sun Records. Later in his career, after his fame faded, he teamed up with music historian and producer Peter Guralnick to make the album he dreamed of; a soulful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.

Songs:

Lonely Weekends

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1YD_Ejb450

Most Beautiful Girl in the World:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLbGeZSUrhg

Life's Little Ups and Downs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kO7p2bpya0

Pictures and Paintings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDNmFzY5Wxw

Bobby Blue Bland's versions of Who Will the Next Fool Be?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PjzY5i3jDbc

Videos:

Charlie Rich on the Jimmy Dean Show

Songs:

River Stay Away from my Door

Big Boss Man (Not Lonely Weekends as I said in the podcast)

1975 CMA Awards:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf3t3unp-Gg