Singer Syleena Johnson’s Father, Blues & Soul Legend Syl Johnson, Has Passed Away [CONDOLENCES] 

Syleena Johnson, Syl Johnson

Syleena Johnson’s Father, Blues & Soul Legend Syl Johnson, Has Passed Away [CONDOLENCES]

Very sad news. Syl Johnson, recording artist and father of Syleena Johnson, has died.

Legendary Blues and Soul artist Sylvester “Syl” Johnson has passed away at the age of 85. A Mississippi native, Johnson happened to be the father of R&B singer-songwriter Syleena Johnson.

Syl Johnson, Syleena Johnson

The Johnson family released a statement:

“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 statement continued:

“A fiery, fierce, fighter, always standing for the pursuit of justice as it related to his music and sound, he will truly be missed by all who crossed his path. His catalog and legacy will be remembered as impeccable and a historical blueprint to all who experience it,”

It concluded:

“At this time, we ask for your prayers for our family, his friends, and fans, and we ask that you continue to play his music and share the remarkable legacy he’s made in music.”

Syl Johnson & his daughters

Syl Johnson moved to Chicago with his family around the age of 14. There, he became a music legend. His 1967 single “Different Strokes” revived his career in the ’90s when several rappers used it as a sample.

Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, the Geto Boys, M.C. Hammer, Public Enemy, and more have reinvented the song.

Jay-Z

MC Hammer

Johnson’s brother, Blues Hall of Famer Jimmy Johnson, died a few days prior at 93-years-old.

Syl Johnson, Jimmy Johnson

Do you recognize any of the songs that sampled Syl Johnson’s music? Leave us a comment and let us know.

[VIA]