Syl Johnson
Singer
Syl Johnson, born on July 1, 1936, in Holly Springs, Mississippi, was an American singer, songwriter, and record producer, known for his influence on soul, blues, and funk music. He became particularly famous in the 1970s with hits like "Is It Because I'm Black" and "Take Me to the River." Besides his performances, many of his creations have been sampled by numerous hip hop artists, such as Wu-Tang Clan and Kanye West. His innovative sound approach and his ability to blend different musical genres secured him a special place in American musical heritage. Johnson was also nominated for Grammy Awards during his career. He passed away on February 6, 2022.
