Gerald Anderson Lawson was born in Brooklyn, New York. His father worked as a longshoreman, and his mother worked for the city. They both instilled in him a strong appreciation for education and encouraged his early interest in science and technology.

From a young age, Lawson displayed a keen interest in electronics. He tinkered with radios and other electronic devices, often taking them apart and putting them back together to understand how they worked. He used scrounged parts to create his own ham radio setup and experiment with broadcasting.

Lawson was known to exchange trading stamps, a popular form of savings and reward at the time, not for toys, but for chemistry sets and other scientific equipment, showcasing his unusual dedication to learning about science.

Lawson deepened his knowledge of electronics through his involvement in ham radio. This hobby gave him practical experience in building and operating radio equipment and fostering an interest in electrical engineering principles.

Lawson attended Queens College and City College of New York, though details of his graduation from either institution are inconsistently reported. He studied electronics and engineering, laying the foundation for his career in the tech industry.