Syl Johnson

Syl Johnson was born as Sylvester Thompson on July 1, 1936 in the town of Holly Springs, Mississippi. However, his family moved to Chicago during the late 1940’s, where he grew up as the youngest of three children. He is the brother of two talented musicians named Mac Thompson and Jimmy Johnson. Syl Johnson made a career in both blues and soul music, but he was as equally talented on the Harmonica. He Played with many well known singers in the 1950’s, including Magic Sam, Junior Wells. and Billy Arnold. Soon after, he recorded with singer Jimmy Reed. http://new.music.yahoo.com/syl-johnson/biography/

He began recording for Twinight Records of Chicago in the mid 1960’s, where he created his first hit, “Come On Sock It to Me” in 1967. He dominated the label and became known as both a hit maker and producer. However, his song “Different Strokes” became a hit as well and life changed for Syl Johnson. Not only did Johnson musical activities include producing several musical acts like Tyronne Davis and Otis Clay. In addition, he helped produce The Deacons, which was his own back up group that featured his brother Jimmy Johnson on guitar.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syl_Johnson

He created a record label called Shama, which produced a minor hit for the label. However, later he sang with Willie Mitchell through the record label Hi Records that he had founded. Then, Johnson was recognized for creating his first R&B hit in 1968 and he remained with the label until 1971. He returned to his own label Shama and produced songs, as well as helped other acts break into the music world. http://www.oldies.com/artist-biography/Syl-Johnson.html