The Ridges Landowners Association

A residential community just outside Santa Fe, NM

PBS Documentary Produced By Ridges Residents

Two of our Ridges’ residents – Miles Merritt and Gail Kempler -have produced a documentary entitled, “Just A Mortal Man – The Jerry Lawson Story” that will premiere on PBS nationwide this February.  The film is a candid, intimate portrait of the inimitable Jerry Lawson, the original lead singer and arranger of the legendary a cappella group, The Persuasions.  Rare performance clips and exclusive interviews make this film a compelling story of joy, heartbreak and renewal.  It will air here in New Mexico on KENW on 2/16 at 7 PM – and again on KNME on 2/24 at 7 PM.  Don’t forget to tune in!

One Response

  1. Gail and Miles,
    Your documentary is terrific. I knew about Jerry Lawson, the musical genius, but not about what a magnificent human being he was. When I was in college we used to have parties where we would either form lines or a big circle, play songs like The Persuasions’ Up on the Roof and People Get Ready, and dance and sing with the music. Even after the recording ended we often would just keep singing the song. It was so much fun. I had forgotten about these joyous events long ago, and your film brought back these warm memories. But Jerry really showed his true colors thru his work with the developmentally disabled. Thanks for illuminating this with your film.
    Well done!!! Dennis McQuillan