NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess) — Jimmy Hayes, the bass singer for the a cappella group The Persuasions, had died at the age of 74 amidst the group's current tour.
The Persuasions were on the road with the Barenaked Ladies, touring in support of a joint project Ladies and Gentlemen: Barenaked Ladies & the Persuasions, which was released last month.
A publicist for the group reported that Hayes died from complications after undergoing surgery.
A Virginian who transplanted to New York City, Hayes helped to launch The Persuasions in the early 1960s. The group's commercial breakthrough came after Frank Zappa signed the group to his Square Records and enlisting The Persuasions to open for The Mothers of Invention at Carnegie Hall in 1971.
The Persuasions would go on to a prolific recording career, including more than 25 albums and touring extensively.
The group's publicist told CelebrityAccess that they are regrouping following Hayes death but plan to continue, with upcoming dates including a show at The Cotton Club in Tokyo in July.
Funeral services for Hayes will be held on Tuesday, May 30th at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. Viewing from 1pm to 3pm. – Staff Writers
