“Sweet Joe” Russell, who spent half a century harmonizing with the Persuasions, an influential vocal group widely regarded as the “kings of a cappella,” has died. (May 5, 2012)
Joe Russell Cause of death
Joe Russell in a Brooklyn hospice after a long struggle with diabetes.
Joe Russell was 72 years old at the time of his death
The Persuasions are an a cappella group that began singing together in Brooklyn, New York in the mid 1960s. They have performed interpretations of both secular and non-secular music, and have covered a wide range of musical genres.
The Persuasions with Jerry Lawson – 1974 Performance and Interview
Joe? Russell in the middle (on the step)