Syl Johnson

Syl Johnson
Born
Sylvester Thompson

(1936-07-01)July 1, 1936
DiedFebruary 6, 2022(2022-02-06) (aged 85)
Occupations
  • Musician
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • record producer
Years active1959–2022
ChildrenSyleena Johnson (daughter)
RelativesJimmy Johnson (brother)
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • harmonica
Labels

Sylvester Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson; July 1, 1936 – February 6, 2022) was an American blues and soul singer, musician, songwriter and record producer. His most successful records included "Different Strokes" (1967), "Is It Because I'm Black" (1969) later covered by reggae artists Ken Boothe and Delroy Wilson, and "Take Me to the River" (1975), covered by Al Green and Talking Heads.