Sylvester

Sylvester James Jr., known simply as Sylvester, was an American singer-songwriter primarily active in the 1970s and 1980s. Sylvester was born on September 6, 1947, in Watts, Los Angeles, California, and became a trailblazer in the disco music scene, famous for his flamboyant and androgynous appearance, falsetto voice, and hit records. His career was marked by a fearless openness about his homosexuality at a time when such disclosures were almost unheard of in the music industry.

Sylvester's music was celebrated for its energy and his ability to bring disco from the underground to the mainstream, earning him the title of the "Queen of Disco." The artist's international hit "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," released in 1978, remains an iconic anthem of the disco era, and it has been remixed and re-released multiple times, enduring as a beloved dance floor staple. His other hits like "Dance (Disco Heat)" and "I Need Somebody To Love Tonight" showcase his unique ability to blend soul, funk, and disco into captivating tracks. Although Sylvester passed away young at the age of 41 on December 16, 1988, his music continues to influence the dance music scene and LGBTQ+ musicians around the world. Through both his artistry and his personal life, Sylvester championed LGBTQ+ visibility and paved the way for many artists who followed.

Related Artists Spotify Logo
Donna Summer
Gloria Gaynor
Chaka Khan
Patti LaBelle
Thelma Houston
Diana Ross
Collage of Genre Images

RecentMusic users are tracking Sylvester and over 154,800 other artists to know when they release the new music.

Join them and feed your new music addiction, and add the artists you love!

Get Started
  1. September 6, 2024
  2. May 30
  3. September 6, 2023
  4. December 1, 1986
  5. January 1, 1984
  6. January 1, 1983
  7. July 7, 1981
  8. December 1, 1980
  9. December 1, 1979
  10. December 1