Persson was born in Hässleholm, southern Sweden and started his music career by playing valve trumpet in school.
[1] Persson, known as "the Comet" (or "Kometen"), moved to Stockholm in 1951, where he played in Simon Brehm's quintet (1951–1954).
Persson played with many American musicians, including George Wallington, Roy Haynes, Benny Bailey, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Dizzy Gillespie.
[3] There is a book trombonist Åke Persson written by author Bo Carlsson.
[4][5] With Benny Bailey With Count Basie With the Kenny Clarke/Francy Boland Big Band With Duke Ellington With Stan Getz With Benny Golson With Quincy Jones With Herbie Mann With Mark Murphy With Oliver Nelson With Sahib Shihab With Jimmy Witherspoon