Syl Johnson, a soul and blues singer out of Chicago, has reportedly died. Johnson’s 1967 hit “Totally different Strokes” was utilized by a lot of Hip-Hop notables by way of sampling.
Native outlet CBS Chicago studies that the household of Johnson issued a public assertion relating to the passing, which occurred this previous Sunday (Feb. 6).
From CBS Chicago:
Corridor of Fame Legend, Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Nice Grandfather, Uncle, Good friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who cherished black music,” the household stated in an announcement.
Because the outlet notes, Johnson’s brother, Blues guitarist and singer Jimmy Johnson handed away six days prior on the age of 93. Johnson was born on July 1, 1936, in Holly Springs, Miss., and moved to Chicago within the Nineteen Fifties to jumpstart his profession.
Johnson is the daddy of Chicago singer and songwriter Syleena Johnson.
Whereas Johnson’s catalog might greatest be identified by true followers of Soul and Blues, his works have been sampled closely on the earth of Hip-Hop. The tracks “Totally different Strokes” and “Is It As a result of I’m Black” have appeared in some kind in dozens of tracks from Kanye West, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, and extra.
In a 2010 Village Voice interview, Johnson, who legally went after music acts that sampled his work with out gaining correct clearance, shared that he loved the Wu-Tang Clan sampling his work and apologized for suing West Coast mainstays Cypress Hill. Johnson additionally shared within the interview that DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Recent Prince AKA Will Smith was the primary time he seen his music getting used within the Hip-Hop area.
Syl Johnson was 85.
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Photograph: Getty
