(Market News) Chicago
Beloved Chicago Soul singer Syl Johnson has died at the age of 85, according to several news sources and statements posted on social media by his family.
The revered Chicago soul singer whose 1967 track “Different Strokes” became one of most sampled songs in hip-hop history has died.
WHO IS SYL JOHNSON.
Sylvester “Syl” Johnson was an American blues and soul singer and record producer.
Born: July 1, 1936 (age 85 years), Holly Springs, MS
Labels: Federal; Twilight/Twinight; Hi; Boardwalk; Delmark; Hep-Me; Evangeline
Children: Syleena Johnson
Siblings: Jimmy Johnson
Grandchildren: Kiwane Garris, Jr., Kingston Garris
It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul & Blues Hall of Fame Legend, Grammy-Nominated Singer, Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music.
SYL JOHNSON CAUSE OF DEATH.
The statements released on his social media page doesn’t include the cause of his death, we do know what led to his death as at the time of this publication.
TRIBUTES AND CONDOLENCES
Reacting to the news of the death of Syl Johnson, the Numero Group, an archival record label that creates compilations of previously released music wrote the following statement on twitter along with a photo of two men standing with Syl Johnson.
Even in his eighties Syl Johnson stayed on the scene, showing up with a crew and regaling youngsters with tales from the Civil Rights era or some recent encounter at the bank. Here he is in 2019 at our open house with Ned Doheny and Hüsker Dü’s Greg Norton.
“I made my opportunities, but I never got the breaks I should have gotten,” he said. “I was a jack-of-all-trades. More soul than Marvin, more funk than James. If I’d gone pop, you’d be talkin’ about me, not them. I rate right at the top, though I’ve been underrated all my life.”
Michael Slaboch , music, film, and comedy events producer reacting to the news released the following statements.
RIP to the one and only Syl Johnson who passed on last night. Our film @SylJohnsonMovie is available online today to rent for the first time ever. Link in bio and thanks for all of the incredible music and memories Syl. https://t.co/VvpRV7CrXf pic.twitter.com/7KdcGXweC2
— Michael Slaboch (@mslaboch) February 6, 2022
MORE CONDOLENCES.
RIP to one of the great musicians of our time. Syl Johnson’s influence can be felt in soul music of today, R&B, hip-hop and more. True visionary and singular talent. pic.twitter.com/79xsYX25aY
— Sunday Spins (@sunday_spins) February 6, 2022
RIP Jimmy Johnson, older brother of Syl Johnson, frequent collaborator on songs including “Come On Sock It To Me” & a blues legend in his own right. Here he is in a clip from our film talking about Syl’s arrival in Chicago with their brother Mack Thompson (bassist for Magic Sam). pic.twitter.com/g1VgJkj5UH
— Syl Johnson Movie (@SylJohnsonMovie) February 1, 2022
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