Though time obscures the first recording of The Persuasions, it is definite that their first album was on Frank Zappa's Straight Records and distributed by Reprise. That was l968. In 1971, they signed with Capitol Records which released three albums. Spread The Word was the third and features gospel and inspirational tunes, not necessarily traditional ones, though. For the opener they perform a spoken piece with a melodic vocal backing which transforms to vocal fanfare. The piece, "Three Angels," was written by Bob Dylan. Songs of spiritual uplift but not specifically gospel are "Lean On Me," "Without A Song" and "Ten Commandments Of Love." Oh, yes, this is the album with "Without A Song" which is so definitive that all we can suggest to aspiring groups is, be safe, don't try!