Syl Johnson
A nostalgic soul artist.
To hear him tell it, Syl Johnson could have been as big as James Brown or Al Green. #1 on the charts, top billing on the marquee, Hall of Fame inductions, tearful tributes... all within his reach, and yet never in his hands. Something, someone, and sometimes—if you believe his lyrics—the sole of a shoe was holding him back. Was it because he’s black? Not likely, though his inability to crossover to the pop charts never did him any favors. “I made my opportunities, but I never got the breaks I should have gotten. I was a jack-of-all-trades. More soul than Marvin, more funk than James. If I’d gone pop, you’d be talkin’ about me, not them. I rate right at the top, though I’ve been underrated all my life.”
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What kind of music does Syl Johnson play?+
Syl Johnson plays soul, soul blues, classic soul - rooted in tradition rather than chasing trends. To hear him tell it, Syl Johnson could have been as big as James Brown or Al Green.
What are Syl Johnson live shows like?+
Syl Johnson's live sets are loose and exploratory - consistent in quality but rarely identical night to night.
How can I find out when Syl Johnson is playing?+
Follow Syl Johnson on Mood to get notified when new shows are added. Mood tracks their upcoming events across all supported cities.
