What was Syl Johnson's birth name, and when and where was he born?

Syl Johnson's birth name was Sylvester Thompson. He was born on July 1, 1936, near Holly Springs, Mississippi, United States. Mississippi is a state in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its rich musical heritage.

When and where did Syl Johnson pass away, and at what age?

Syl Johnson passed away on February 6, 2022, in Mableton, Georgia, United States, at the age of 85. Mableton is a city located in Cobb County, Georgia.

What were Syl Johnson's main professional roles in the music industry?

Syl Johnson was primarily known as an American blues and soul singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer. These roles encompass performing, composing, and overseeing the production of music.

Throughout what period did Syl Johnson actively pursue his music career?

Syl Johnson was active in the music industry from 1959 until his death in 2022, spanning over six decades of musical contributions.

What significant move did Syl Johnson's family make in his youth, and who were some of the notable blues artists he associated with in Chicago?

Syl Johnson's family moved to Chicago, Illinois, around 1950. In Chicago, he sang and played with blues artists such as Magic Sam, who was his next-door neighbor, as well as Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, and Howlin' Wolf. Chicago has long been a major center for blues music in the United States.

Who suggested Syl Johnson change his name, and what was the name of his first solo single and the label it was released on?

Syd Nathan, the owner of King Records, suggested that Sylvester Thompson change his name to Syl Johnson. His solo debut single, "Teardrops," was released in 1959 on the Federal label, which was a subsidiary of King Records.

What was the initial commercial reception of Syl Johnson's early recordings, and what other profession did he hold?

Syl Johnson's early recordings for King and Federal Records met with little commercial success. During this period, he also worked as a truck driver to support himself.

When did Syl Johnson begin recording for Twinight Records, and what was his first hit song for the label?

Syl Johnson began recording for Chicago's Twilight/Twinight label in the mid-1960s. His first hit song for the label was "Come On Sock It to Me" in 1967.

What is notable about Syl Johnson's 1967 song "Different Strokes" in the context of music sampling?

Syl Johnson's song "Different Strokes" gained significant recognition for being included on the breakbeat compilation album *Ultimate Breaks and Beats*. It was later sampled on numerous hip hop tracks, demonstrating its influence on the genre and its value as a foundational piece for sampling.

What was the title of Syl Johnson's debut LP, and when was it released?

Syl Johnson's debut LP, titled *Dresses Too Short*, was released in 1968. An LP, or long-playing record, is a type of vinyl record that holds more music than older formats.

How did Syl Johnson address themes of African-American identity and social issues in his songwriting, and what was the chart performance of one such song?

Like many Black songwriters of his era, Syl Johnson wrote songs exploring themes of African-American identity and social problems. His song "Is It Because I'm Black?", released in 1969, reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart and has been recognized as a significant and affecting song from the civil rights era.

Who brought Syl Johnson to Hi Records, and in what year did this transition occur?

Producer Willie Mitchell brought Syl Johnson to Hi Records in 1971. Hi Records was a prominent soul music label based in Memphis, Tennessee.

What were some of the notable singles released by Syl Johnson during his time at Hi Records, and who was the original artist of his biggest hit from that label?

During his tenure at Hi Records, Syl Johnson released singles such as "We Did It" and "Back for a Taste of Your Love." His biggest success from this period was his cover of Al Green's 1974 song "Take Me to the River," which reached number 7 on the R&B chart in 1975.

How did Syl Johnson's career at Hi Records compare to that of Al Green?

Although Syl Johnson recorded critically acclaimed material at Hi Records, he was often considered to be in the shadow of Al Green, particularly in terms of commercial success. Al Green was another major artist on the Hi Records label during the same period.

What did music historian Robert Pruter observe about the quality of Syl Johnson's recordings for Hi Records compared to his earlier work?

Robert Pruter noted that Syl Johnson's output on Hi Records was of consistently higher quality than his earlier work for Twinight. Pruter specifically mentioned that the Hi material possessed better melodies, had more rhythmic punch, and was better produced.

What was Robert Christgau's assessment of Syl Johnson's performance on the 1976 album *Total Explosion*?

Robert Christgau reviewed Syl Johnson's 1976 album *Total Explosion*, observing that Johnson stood out as a "lapsed bluesman." He noted that Johnson's voice, while shriller and more strained than Al Green's, could be a satisfying distinction in the right context.

After his time with Hi Records, what independent label did Syl Johnson use for his releases, and what was the title of his last hit record?

After leaving Hi Records, Syl Johnson produced two albums for his own Shama label. The title track from his 1982 soul/funk album *Ms. Fine Brown Frame*, which was distributed by Boardwalk Records, became his last hit record.

Around what time did Syl Johnson largely retire from performing, and what other business ventures did he pursue?

Syl Johnson mostly retired from performing around the mid-1980s, although he continued to make occasional appearances at blues clubs. During this period of semi-retirement, he opened a chain of seafood restaurants and began investing in real estate.

What discovery in the 1990s prompted Syl Johnson to re-engage with the music industry?

In 1992, Syl Johnson discovered that his song "Different Strokes" had been sampled by numerous prominent rappers, including members of the Wu-Tang Clan and Public Enemy. This realization spurred his interest in making a comeback in the music industry.

What was the title of Syl Johnson's comeback album released in 1994, and which record label issued it?

Syl Johnson's comeback album, released in 1994, was titled *Back in the Game*. It was issued by Delmark Records, a label known for its focus on blues and jazz.

What was Syl Johnson's perspective on artists sampling his music without permission, and what legal action did he take?

Syl Johnson felt strongly that taking music from an original artist without proper compensation constituted theft. Consequently, he pursued legal action, suing other artists for copyright infringement to protect his work.

What is the title of the 2015 documentary about Syl Johnson, and what aspect of his career does it explore?

The 2015 documentary about Syl Johnson is titled *Any Way the Wind Blows*. It explores the life of the soul singer as he sought a second attempt at a career, often finding himself without credit or payment despite his music being widely sampled by other artists.

Who are Syl Johnson's notable family members mentioned in the text?

Syl Johnson was the brother of blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Johnson. His daughter, Syleena Johnson, is also a musician and has collaborated with him.

In what reality television programs did Syl Johnson and his family appear?

Syl Johnson appeared in an episode of TV One's *R&B Divas: Atlanta* in 2014. He and his family also appeared on *Iyanla: Fix My Life* at the request of his daughter Syleena, to address his wife's alcohol addiction.

The source material includes an image caption. How can this be described in a full sentence?

The source material references an image of Syl Johnson performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in 1997. This festival is a well-known annual event celebrating music and culture in New Orleans.

What were some of Syl Johnson's most successful or well-known singles mentioned in the text?

Some of Syl Johnson's most successful and recognized singles include "Different Strokes" (1967), "Is It Because I'm Black?" (1969), "Take Me to the River" (1975), and "Ms. Fine Brown Frame" (1982). These songs represent key moments in his recording career.

What primary music genres are associated with Syl Johnson's work?

Syl Johnson's music is primarily associated with the genres of rhythm and blues (R&B) and blues. These genres are foundational to much of American popular music.

Besides vocals, what instruments did Syl Johnson play?

In addition to his singing, Syl Johnson was proficient in playing the guitar and the harmonica. These instruments are common in blues and R&B music.

List some of the record labels Syl Johnson recorded for throughout his career.

Syl Johnson recorded for various labels throughout his career, including Federal, Twilight/Twinight, Hi Records, Boardwalk Records, Delmark Records, Hep-Me Records, Evangeline Records, and his own Shama label. Each label played a role in distributing his music to different audiences.

Was "Take Me to the River" originally written and performed by Syl Johnson?

No, "Take Me to the River" was originally recorded as an album track by Al Green in 1974. Syl Johnson later covered the song in 1975, achieving his biggest chart success with his rendition.

Which reggae artists covered Syl Johnson's song "Is It Because I'm Black?"

Reggae artists Ken Boothe and Delroy Wilson covered Syl Johnson's song "Is It Because I'm Black?". This indicates the song's influence beyond its original genre.

What was the significance of the album *Dresses Too Short* in Syl Johnson's discography?

*Dresses Too Short* holds significance as Syl Johnson's debut LP, released in 1968. This album featured his early hits "Come On Sock It to Me" and "Different Strokes," marking his first full-length release.

Who collaborated with Syl Johnson on his 1994 comeback album *Back in the Game*?

Syl Johnson collaborated with the Hi Rhythm Section and his youngest daughter, Syleena Johnson, on his 1994 comeback album *Back in the Game*. This collaboration highlighted a continuation of his musical legacy.

What was the peak position of Syl Johnson's cover of "Take Me to the River" on the R&B charts?

Syl Johnson's cover of "Take Me to the River" reached number 7 on the R&B chart in 1975. This was his most successful single on that particular chart.

What was the peak position of Syl Johnson's song "Is It Because I'm Black?" on the R&B charts?

Syl Johnson's song "Is It Because I'm Black?" reached number 11 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1969. This chart performance underscored the song's popularity and resonance.

What were the chart positions for Syl Johnson's 1967 single "Come On Sock It to Me"?

The single "Come On Sock It to Me" achieved chart positions of number 97 on the US Pop chart, number 12 on the US R&B chart, and number 92 on the US CB chart in 1967. This marked his first significant chart success.

What were the chart positions for Syl Johnson's 1967 single "Different Strokes"?

The single "Different Strokes" charted at number 95 on the US Pop chart, number 17 on the US R&B chart, and number 96 on the US CB chart in 1967. This song later became highly influential due to its sampling in hip hop.

What was the chart position for Syl Johnson's 1982 single "Ms. Fine Brown Frame"?

Syl Johnson's 1982 single "Ms. Fine Brown Frame" reached number 60 on the US R&B chart. This song represented his final charting single mentioned in the provided text.

What were the chart positions for Syl Johnson's 1972 single "We Did It"?

The single "We Did It" charted at number 95 on the US Pop chart, number 23 on the US R&B chart, and number 72 on the US CB chart in 1972. This song was one of his notable releases from the Hi Records era.

Syl Johnson Wiki: Syl Johnson: The Unsung Architect of Soul and Blues

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About Syl Johnson

A Voice of Soul and Blues

Sylvester Thompson (July 1, 1936 – February 6, 2022), known professionally as Syl Johnson, was a distinguished American blues and soul singer, musician, songwriter, and record producer. His career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of R&B and blues music. Johnson's distinctive vocal style and profound lyrical content resonated deeply, earning him a dedicated following and significant influence, particularly through his work in the late 1960s and 1970s.

Key Recordings

Johnson achieved considerable success with several notable records. His early hits included "Come On Sock It to Me" (1967) and "Different Strokes" (1967), the latter becoming a foundational track in hip-hop due to its extensive sampling. He later achieved significant recognition with "Is It Because I'm Black" (1969), a powerful anthem of the civil rights era. His rendition of "Take Me to the River" (1975), originally by Al Green, became one of his biggest commercial successes.

Musical Journey

Born in Mississippi, Johnson's musical journey began in Chicago, where he was immersed in the vibrant blues scene, performing alongside legends like Magic Sam and Howlin' Wolf. His career saw him record for various influential labels, including Federal, Twinight, and the renowned Hi Records, where he collaborated with producer Willie Mitchell. Despite often being overshadowed commercially by labelmate Al Green, Johnson's artistic contributions remained consistently high-quality and deeply impactful.

Early Life and Debut

Mississippi Roots, Chicago Bound

Sylvester Thompson was born near Holly Springs, Mississippi, the sixth child in a family where his father played the harmonica. The family relocated to Chicago around 1950, a pivotal move that placed young Sylvester in proximity to the city's burgeoning blues culture. His neighbor, the esteemed blues guitarist Magic Sam, served as an early inspiration. During the 1950s, Johnson honed his skills by performing and collaborating with prominent blues artists such as Billy Boy Arnold, Junior Wells, and Howlin' Wolf.

First Steps in Recording

Johnson's recording career commenced in 1959 when he recorded with Jimmy Reed for Vee-Jay Records. Later that year, under the suggestion of Syd Nathan, owner of Federal Records, he adopted the name Syl Johnson. His solo debut single, "Teardrops," was released on Federal, a subsidiary of King Records, featuring Freddie King on guitar. Despite these early opportunities, Johnson's recordings for King and Federal did not achieve significant commercial success, and he continued to work as a truck driver to support himself.

The Twinight Era

Breakthrough Hits

In the mid-1960s, Johnson began a fruitful association with Chicago's Twilight/Twinight Records. This period marked a significant turning point in his career, yielding several of his most enduring hits. His first major success was "Come On Sock It to Me" in 1967, followed by the influential "Different Strokes" later the same year. These tracks, along with others, formed the basis of his debut LP, Dresses Too Short, released in 1968.

Social Commentary in Song

Reflecting the socio-political climate of the era, Johnson, like many Black songwriters, infused his music with themes of African-American identity and social issues. His song "Is It Because I'm Black," released in 1969, became a number 11 hit on the Billboard R&B chart. Described as "among the most affecting of the civil rights era," the song also lent its title to his second album, solidifying his reputation as an artist capable of delivering both soulful melodies and potent social commentary.

The Foundation of Sampling

"Different Strokes" gained particular notoriety decades after its release due to its frequent use in hip-hop music. The track was sampled extensively by numerous influential artists, including Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, and De La Soul, appearing on seminal compilation albums like Ultimate Breaks and Beats. This widespread sampling underscored the track's enduring rhythmic power and its foundational role in the development of breakbeat culture.

The Hi Records Years

Collaboration with Willie Mitchell

In 1971, Johnson's career trajectory shifted when producer Willie Mitchell brought him to the esteemed Hi Records label in Memphis. Working with Mitchell and the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, Johnson recorded three albums. This collaboration produced a string of successful singles, including "We Did It," "Back for a Taste of Your Love," and his most significant chart hit, "Take Me to the River" (1975). This track reached number 7 on the R&B chart and was initially recorded as an album track by labelmate Al Green.

Artistic Context and Production Quality

While Johnson's output at Hi Records was consistently of high artistic merit, often surpassing his earlier Twinight work in terms of melodic sophistication, rhythmic drive, and production quality, he often found himself in the commercial shadow of Al Green. Mitchell's preference for in-house compositions over Johnson's original material also shaped this period. Nevertheless, critics like Robert Pruter lauded the Hi material for its superior quality, and Robert Christgau noted Johnson's distinctive, "lapsed bluesman" vocal style on albums like Total Explosion (1976).

Transition and Retirement

Independent Ventures

Following his tenure at Hi Records, Johnson released two albums for his own Shama label. The second, Ms. Fine Brown Frame (1982), a notable soul/funk offering, was distributed by Boardwalk Records and yielded Johnson's final charting single. Around the mid-1980s, Johnson largely stepped away from performing, dedicating his time to other entrepreneurial pursuits. He successfully established a chain of seafood restaurants and made strategic investments in real estate.

The Comeback and Legal Battles

Rediscovery Through Sampling

In 1992, Syl Johnson became aware that his song "Different Strokes" had been extensively sampled by a new generation of hip-hop artists, including Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, and Kanye West. This resurgence of interest in his music reignited his passion for the industry and prompted a return to recording. His comeback album, Back in the Game, was released in 1994 by Delmark Records, featuring contributions from the Hi Rhythm Section and his daughter, Syleena Johnson.

Championing Artists' Rights

Johnson was notably one of the most sampled artists, primarily due to "Different Strokes" and "Is It Because I'm Black." He held strong convictions regarding the ethical and legal implications of sampling, viewing unauthorized use as theft. This principle led him to pursue legal action against artists who sampled his work without proper compensation or credit. His stance highlighted the critical issue of copyright infringement and fair compensation for original artists in the evolving music landscape.

Enduring Influence

"Any Way the Wind Blows"

The 2015 documentary Any Way the Wind Blows, directed by Rob Hatch-Miller, offered a poignant look into Syl Johnson's life and career. Premiering at the Chicago International Film Festival, the film explored the narrative of a "mostly forgotten" soul singer seeking a second act. It highlighted the paradox of his music being sampled by major artists like Jay-Z and Kanye West, while Johnson himself often struggled with receiving due credit and financial compensation, underscoring the complexities of artistic legacy in the digital age.

A Foundation for Hip-Hop

Syl Johnson's impact extends far beyond his own recordings. His innovative use of rhythm and vocal phrasing, particularly in tracks like "Different Strokes," provided essential building blocks for the hip-hop genre. The consistent and often uncredited use of his music by influential producers and artists cemented his status as a foundational figure whose work continues to shape contemporary music. His influence serves as a testament to the enduring power and adaptability of soul and blues music.

Discography

Studio Albums

Syl Johnson released a substantial body of work throughout his career. His studio albums showcase his evolution as an artist and his consistent commitment to quality R&B and soul music.

1968: Dresses Too Short (Twinight)
1970: Is It Because I'm Black? (Twinight)
1973: Back for a Taste of Your Love (Hi)
1974: Diamond in the Rough (Hi)
1975: Total Explosion (Hi)
1979: Uptown Shakedown (Hi)
1982: Ms. Fine Brown Frame (Boardwalk)
1994: Back in the Game (Delmark)
1995: Music to My Ears (Hi)
1995: This Time Together by Father and Daughter (Twinight) with Syleena Johnson
1995: Bridge to a Legacy (Antone's)
1999: Talkin' About Chicago (Delmark)
2000: Hands of Time (Hep-Me Records)
2002: Two Johnsons Are Better Than One (Evangeline) with Jimmy Johnson
2003: Straight Up (P-Vine Records)
2013: Syl Johnson with Melody Whittle, Featuring Syleena Johnson (Twinight)
2017: My Funky Funky Band (Numero)

Compilations and Chart Singles

Beyond his studio albums, Johnson's legacy is further represented through comprehensive compilations and his charting singles, which highlight his consistent presence on the R&B charts.

Compilations

2000: The Complete Syl Johnson on Hi Records (Demon, UK)
2003: Vanthology - A Tribute To Van Morrison (Evidence)
2010: Syl Johnson: Complete Mythology (Numero Group)
2012: Backbeats Artists Series: Syl Johnson: Mississippi Mainman (Backbeats)

Chart Singles

Key singles that charted on major US music charts:

Year	Single	Chart Positions			Label
Year	Single	US Pop^[30]	US R&B^[31]	US CB^[32]	Label
1967	"Come On Sock It to Me"	97	12	92	Twilight
1967	"Different Strokes"	95	17	96	Twilight
1968	"Dresses Too Short"	–	36	–	Twinight
1969	"Is It Because I'm Black"	68	11	–
1970	"Concrete Reservation"	–	29	–
1970	"One Way Ticket to Nowhere"	125	24	–
1971	"Get Ready"	–	34	–
1972	"The Love You Left Behind"	–	43	–	Hi
1972	"We Did It"	95	23	72
1973	"Back for a Taste of Your Love"	72	16	74
1974	"I'm Yours"	–	68	–
	"Let Yourself Go"	–	54	–
	"I Want to Take You Home (to See Mama)"	–	40	–
1975	"Take Me to the River"	48	7	59
1975	"I Only Have Love"	–	15	–
1976	"Star Bright, Star Lite"	–	89	–
1976	"Bout to Make Me Leave Home"	–	94	–
1977	"Goodie-Goodie-Good Times"	–	93	–	Shama
1982	"Ms. Fine Brown Frame"	–	60	–	Boardwalk

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References

Mark Winegardner, "Syl Johnson", Oxford American, November 21, 2011. Retrieved February 8, 2022

A full list of references for this article are available at the Syl Johnson Wikipedia page

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional music industry advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding music rights, licensing, or career management. Always refer to official documentation and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Syl Johnson: The Unsung Architect of Soul and Blues

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

About Syl Johnson 🎵

🎤 A Voice of Soul and Blues

🌟 Key Recordings

🌍 Musical Journey

Early Life and Debut 👶

🎶 Mississippi Roots, Chicago Bound

🎙️ First Steps in Recording

The Twinight Era 🌟

🚀 Breakthrough Hits

✊ Social Commentary in Song

🎧 The Foundation of Sampling

The Hi Records Years 🎷

🎶 Collaboration with Willie Mitchell

⚖️ Artistic Context and Production Quality

Transition and Retirement 🏠

💰 Independent Ventures

The Comeback and Legal Battles 🔄

🎧 Rediscovery Through Sampling

⚖️ Championing Artists' Rights

Enduring Influence 🏆

🎬 "Any Way the Wind Blows"

🎶 A Foundation for Hip-Hop

Discography 📚

💽 Studio Albums

🗄️ Compilations and Chart Singles

Compilations

Chart Singles

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

About Syl Johnson

A Voice of Soul and Blues

Key Recordings

Musical Journey

Early Life and Debut

Mississippi Roots, Chicago Bound

First Steps in Recording

The Twinight Era

Breakthrough Hits

Social Commentary in Song

The Foundation of Sampling

The Hi Records Years

Collaboration with Willie Mitchell

Artistic Context and Production Quality

Transition and Retirement

Independent Ventures

The Comeback and Legal Battles

Rediscovery Through Sampling

Championing Artists' Rights

Enduring Influence

"Any Way the Wind Blows"

A Foundation for Hip-Hop

Discography

Studio Albums

Compilations and Chart Singles

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice