A fine trombonist with an appealing tone, Ake Persson worked steadily in Europe during his prime years and occasionally guested with American jazzmen who were on tour.

Among Persson's associations through the years were Simon Brehm (1951-1954), Arne Domnérus, Hacke Bjorksten, Harry Arnold's Swedish Radio Band (1956-1961), Quincy Jones' big band (playing for the ill-fated Free and Easy show), Lars Gullin, the RIAS Big Band (1961-1975), and the Kenny Clarke & Francy Boland Big Band (1963-1971).