Syl Johnson dead: Legendary soul singer sampled by Kanye West and Jay-Z dies aged 85 | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV
Syl Johnson’s family have confirmed the soul music legend has died at the age of 85. The family’s statement said: “It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul & Blues Hall of Fame legend 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.”
The singer was best known for his 1967 hit Different Strokes.
His iconic voice then went on to be sampled in several hip-hop tracks over the years, including a hit by Jay-Z and Kanye West.
Syl rose to fame in the ’60s and ’70s when he was signed to Chicago label Twighlight.
He described himself as a “jack-of-all-trades” musically, before proving his point by releasing songs that spanned several genres.
His debut album in 1968 was titled Dresses Too Short, and featured his hit record Different Strokes.
Syl’s beloved song was later featured on several hits, including Public Enemy’s Fight the Power, Jay-Z and Kanye West’s The Joy and De La Soul’s The Magic Number.
According to WhoSampled, Different Strokes has been sampled on over 300 songs to date.
More to follow…
