Syl Johnson: Biography

• Overview
• Discography
• Biography
• Related Artists

• Tyrone Davis
• Al Green
• Willie Mitchell
• Otis Clay
• Pieces of Peace
• Rufus Gore
• O.V. Wright

• Muddy Waters
• Jimmy Reed
• Junior Wells
• Billy Boy Arnold
• Howlin' Wolf

• Magic Sam
• Eli "Paperboy" Reed

• Jimmy Johnson
• Michael Coleman

• Willie Mitchell
• Pete Nathan
• Earl Randle
• Sly Johnson
• Teenie Hodges
• Lawrence Seymour
• Darryl Carter

Born:

Jan 1, 1938 in Centerville, TN

Genres:

R&B and Soul Music, Contemporary R&B Music, Rock Music, Soul Music

Decades Active:

1950's|1960's|1970's|1980's|1990's|2000's

Artistic Quality

Low

Cultural Impact

Low

Popularity

Low

Ratings Guide

A rollicking vocalist and gifted harmonica player, Syl Johnson has forged a career in both blues and soul. The brother of bassist Mac Thompson and guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Johnson, Syl Johnson sang and played with blues artists Magic Sam, Billy Boy Arnold, and Junior Wells in the '50s before recording with Jimmy Reed for Vee-Jay in 1959. He made his solo debut that same year with Federal. Johnson toured with Howlin' Wolf from late 1959 until 1962, when Willie Mitchell signed him to Hi Records. Johnson recorded for both Twilight and Hi in the late '60s and early '70s, clicking with the dance/novelty cut "Come on Sock It to Me" and crackling message track "Is It Because I'm Black?" He had his biggest hit with "Take Me to the River" in 1975, reaching number seven on the RB charts. Johnson later recorded for Shama and Boardwalk. He reappeared on a collaboration with his brother Jimmy in the summer of 2002, humorously titled Two Johnsons Are Better Than One.

- Ron Wynn, All Music Guide