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.

Genres

Disco

Hi-nrg

Related Artists

Donna Summer

Gloria Gaynor

Chaka Khan

Patti LaBelle

Thelma Houston

Diana Ross

Barbra Streisand

CHIC

The Trammps

Grace Jones

Evelyn "Champagne" King

Whitney Houston

Latest Release

Live At The Opera House (The Complete Recordings / Live At The War Memorial Opera House / 1979)

Sylvester

Album - 14 Tracks - Released September 6, 2024