Sensational Sylvester

[andyy]

Its is hard to believe that on the 16th December it will be 20 years since Sylvester left this world from us all, i sure have missed that unique voice and sound . I often wonder if Sylvester be alive today how far is music would have changed and what offerings we would all be wanting to listen to from is latest releases.
Sylvester left us all with is fabulous music and even now some of is music is still not dated and refreshing and often sends a tingle through my body anyway.
I would like to ask does anybody know if any music by Sylvester is been reformated and any special releases to remember that unique voice of Sylvester two decades have passed and i think its a shame when nothing is available when one of our greats has passed and we need to have something new to add to our collections.
Most importantly new and upcoming listeners need to be able to listen to the lost talent and have Sylvester musically in their lives.

[KBallenger53]

Its is hard to believe that on the 16th December it will be 20 years since Sylvester left this world from us all, i sure have missed that unique voice and sound . I often wonder if Sylvester be alive today how far is music would have changed and what offerings we would all be wanting to listen to from is latest releases.
Sylvester left us all with is fabulous music and even now some of is music is still not dated and refreshing and often sends a tingle through my body anyway.
I would like to ask does anybody know if any music by Sylvester is been reformated and any special releases to remember that unique voice of Sylvester two decades have passed and i think its a shame when nothing is available when one of our greats has passed and we need to have something new to add to our collections.
Most importantly new and upcoming listeners need to be able to listen to the lost talent and have Sylvester musically in their lives.

Hi andyy. I really couldn't tell you if any of his music has been reformated but his legacy is definately living on through today's house music. There are two House singers that are carrying on Sylvestors legacy and they are: Byron Stingly from Ten City, and Kenny Bobien. These two cats, to me, are the closest things to Sylvestor today.

I've had the priviledge of seeing him perform, before his passing at Club Zanzibar in Newark, NJ. He looked so much like a woman that I was almost afraid of him!!! But the brother knew how to put on a show!!! I'm sure some of the other brothers and sisters wouldn't mind sharing some info about any special releases or how to get some of his classic stuff!!! Make sure you get the one he made called: "Over & Over"! It'll knock your socks off!!!

'NUFF SAID

[Salsoul1975]

I remember reading about Sylvester's passing in the newspaper. I was 13 at the time. I started to get into disco music then but didn't know who Sylvester was. It wasn't until I heard a song by the Bingo Boys with Princessa called "How To Dance" (early 1991) that I first became familiar with him because that song had sampled his line "Get on your feet and dance to the beat and dance" (Dance Disco Heat). After that I really started listening to his music by way of WKTU (NY) when they used to play "The Funhouse", a four-hour Jellybean-mixed show that aired on weekends.

"Over And Over" is a terrific song and one that will keep you on the floor from start to finish. It's a great party song in the tradition of The Trammps' "Disco Party". Unfortunately, it seems that the only Sylvester songs that get played are "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Do You Wanna Funk". They're great songs in their own right, but maybe just a wee bit ubiquitous. Some personal faves of mine are "Sex", "I Need You", "Can't Stop Dancing", "Stars" and "I (Who Have Nothing)".

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Sylvester died the same day that the South Florida Dixie Awards were being held. (The "Dixies" were geared to the Nightclub and Service Industry, as well as, a fundraiser for S. Florida AIDS charities)

Although I was receiving "DJ of the Year", I was destroyed at the news of losing Syl. All I remember is standing at the microphone... thinking about Syl, Steve Algozino and Patrick Cowley... muttering something about all my Heroes being gone... then bursting into tears.

He had one of those "polarizing" personalities. You either loved Syl, or you hated him. And trust me!:icon_lol: He could make you crazy! If you were on his "good" side, you had a friend for life. BUT... If you were on his bad side... Just get outta town!

I was thrilled beyond words when Megatone asked me to do the 12" versions for his final "new material" release, titled: "I'm Not Ready" b/w the House mix of "Menergy"

A touch futuristic, for it's time, the remix of "I'm Not Ready" could easily hold it's own, on a current dance floor.

[Cdnbob]

I was thrilled beyond words when Megatone asked me to do the 12" versions for his final "new material" release, titled: "I'm Not Ready" b/w the House mix of "Menergy". A touch futuristic, for it's time, the remix of "I'm Not Ready" could easily hold it's own, on a current dance floor.

Not familiar with that one Stephen. Can copies still be found?

I always felt that if Sylvester were still alive today, he'd probably still be doing some form of dance music but as his loves were gospel and torch songs, I imagine he would have done a few albums dedicated to his favourite styles of music. Can you imagine a gospel album by Sylvester? Wow! Just the music and that voice would make you fall down on your knees and repent for every sin you ever did from the moment you were born!

[BrunoRepublic]

Just the music and that voice would make you fall down on your knees and repent for every sin you ever did from the moment you were born!

...so that you could then run out and make some new sins. :)

[Cdnbob]

...so that you could then run out and make some new sins. :)

Amen brother!

[thommy2458]

Hi andyy. I really couldn't tell you if any of his music has been reformated but his legacy is definately living on through today's house music. There are two House singers that are carrying on Sylvestors legacy and they are: Byron Stingly from Ten City, and Kenny Bobien. These two cats, to me, are the closest things to Sylvestor today.
'NUFF SAID

Absolutely K,especially "Get Up" by Byron Stingly and
another, Century Falls "It's Music"(remake of the classic
Damon Harris track)Also check out the book "The Fabulous Sylvester"Amazon.com: The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, the Music, the Seventies in San Francisco: Joshua Gamson: Books
...which should be made into a movie(if you ask me!)
Thom

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Not familiar with that one Stephen. Can copies still be found?

I've never had to look for it, so I can't say whether or not, it's hard to find.
I vaguely recall the pressing being limited, to some degree. But that doesn't mean anything, either. It was a bit of a cult record, though.

I loved the mixes because we went really deep-House! (No resemblance to the Hi-NRG/Happy-House/Trance Hybrid that the term refers to, these days.) A real change-of-pace for Megatone and myself. Even though we'd gone head-first into the House genre with Technodiva's (Jeanie Tracy) "I Found Love", we went a lot darker, with Syl's "I'm Not Ready".

In it's original form, "I'm Not Ready" was done in the standard Kessie/Wirrick style (like "Sex", or "Take Me To Heaven"), for the LP that didn't get finished. And was eventually released as "Immortal".

It was also an exhaustive task, creating the House version, because there was a problem with the SMPTE(?) track, on the original. And David couldn't get the computers to synch-up with the original. Eventually, track by track, David & Johnny wrote and recorded the new music. Retaining only Syl's vocals and a single, 4-bar guitar solo from the original. Everything else, from the kick-drum on up, was new. Then they handed it off to me...

The House mix of Menergy was much easier. David just wasn't completely happy with any of the versions they'd mixed. So I went through everything he had, and assembled the 12" from existing mixes and outtakes.

[Cdnbob]

Wow, how cool. Thanks for sharing that Stephen. I'm definitely going to have to hunt down a copy now. Immortal's the only Sylvester release I don't have, so it looks like I'll have to get a copy of that release and the 12" remix.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Wow, how cool. Thanks for sharing that Stephen. I'm definitely going to have to hunt down a copy now. Immortal's the only Sylvester release I don't have, so it looks like I'll have to get a copy of that release and the 12" remix.

Hold out for a white vinyl copy of the "Immortal" LP! Likewise, for the white vinyl 12" of the "I Need You" remixes, that was released simultaneously with the LP, in 1989.

On the back cover, Marty Blecman tells the story behind the cover and label photos. (Originally intended for the Warner brothers LP) I won't spoil it for you, but suffice to say it is very funny. And classic Sylvester!:icon_lol:

[kdavid13]

I've never had to look for it, so I can't say whether or not, it's hard to find.
I vaguely recall the pressing being limited, to some degree. But that doesn't mean anything, either. It was a bit of a cult record, though

Thanks babe
Now all I have to do is move heaven & earth to find this gem...:icon_biggrin:

I have a MEGATONE folder on my iPod and just found those 3 lovely MEGATONE 12" CDs that UNIDISC put on iTunes.

That was one of my all-time favorite labels (with Casablanca,PWL,Record Shack,Nightmare.Almighty and Unidisc & co.)

[andyy]

Thanks so much Stephen for all your input in this thread on Sensational sylvester, i am so glad some light is being shed and i finally managed to get a copy of the Imortal LP last year it came all the way from America to the United Kingdom i think i have nearly all Sylvesters LPs now.
i love the track MAN ENUFF on the Imortal LP and yes mine is white vinyl i tend to baby my Sylvester vinyl records and also look after all what i have 7 inch 12 inch singles too.
Was there a 12 inch single version released of MAN ENUFF if not its about time maybe someone could make it a 2008 re release or maybe a different backing beat not fast dance it would ruin it.

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Thanks so much Stephen for all your input in this thread on Sensational sylvester, i am so glad some light is being shed...

Was there a 12 inch single version released of MAN ENUFF if not its about time maybe someone could make it a 2008 re release...

I wouldn't hold my breath for any Megatone remixes. After the company moved to Hollywood, it was all over.
Depending on who's version you hear... The company's catalogue was bought-up by UNIDISC. Or someone bought it, here in the US and hasn't done anything with it.
Also... Were, just the rights to the finished tracks sold? Or were the actual multi-track masters sold?
Outside of hearing it directly from John Hedges, I wouldn't guess as to what the final story was. But suffice to say... Megatone Records, itself, is history.

[Chap2Power]

Thanks babe
Now all I have to do is move heaven & earth to find this gem...:icon_biggrin:

I have a MEGATONE folder on my iPod and just found those 3 lovely MEGATONE 12" CDs that UNIDISC put on iTunes.

That was one of my all-time favorite labels (with Casablanca,PWL,Record Shack,Nightmare.Almighty and Unidisc & co.)

Perhaps Steven or one of you could also recall the Ariola Benelux 12" re-edit or remix that Ben Liebrand did on Be With You that was absolutely killer. I saw him live at the Paramount Theatre in New York with Change opening. A living legend, larger than life and a star for all the days of his life.

I read in one magazine, unsubstiantiated, that Sylvester was one of the first prominent black entertainers to succumb to the illness....he left us way way too soon.

Vince

[Zef]

Likewise, for the white vinyl 12" of the "I Need You" remixes, that was released simultaneously with the LP, in 1989.

:icon_lol:

Wow great info as usual Stephen, many thanx. I have that white vinyl of I need you which are two brilliant mixes.

Didn't know about the 12" of I'm not ready so shall be off hunting for that.

Recently enjoyed reading the book The Fabulous Sylvester again, and was very moved even though I obviously knew the story. It's also great seeing all those YouTube clips. He was so inspirational as a Black Gay man who did not give a ****....and of course that voice in all it's ranges!

Really, really cannot believe its going to be 20 years.

[Chap2Power]

I wouldn't hold my breath for any Megatone remixes. After the company moved to Hollywood, it was all over.
Depending on who's version you hear... The company's catalogue was bought-up by UNIDISC. Or someone bought it, here in the US and hasn't done anything with it.
Also... Were, just the rights to the finished tracks sold? Or were the actual multi-track masters sold?
Outside of hearing it directly from John Hedges, I wouldn't guess as to what the final story was. But suffice to say... Megatone Records, itself, is history.

Unidisc owns the entire catalogue including multi tracks outright and agree that you shouldn't expect any remixes to be done.

Vince

[STEPHEN L FREEMAN]

Unidisc owns the entire catalogue including multi tracks outright and agree that you shouldn't expect any remixes to be done.

Thanks Vince. Glad that I can finally close-the-book on the Megatone story, in my head.

[KBallenger53]

Absolutely K,especially "Get Up" by Byron Stingly and
another, Century Falls "It's Music"(remake of the classic
Damon Harris track)Also check out the book "The Fabulous Sylvester"Amazon.com: The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, the Music, the Seventies in San Francisco: Joshua Gamson: Books
...which should be made into a movie(if you ask me!)
Thom

Will do, Thommy2458. But sometimes, the books are better than the movies.

'NUFF SAID

[andyy]

when i started this thread i was hoping someone out there who maybe controls the reisssuing of Sylvesters previous tracks released on vinyl would maybe have thought about releassing something in memory something to add as a collectors piece too.
I see so many past artist have material released so ijust wondered it was maybe Sylvesters turn i have often thought very little music has been released of his over the past twenty years it is very sad and i still think new comers to the golden era of DISCO need the variety, not just compolations of CDs , anyone elase agree.

[drlove]

Andyy, I posted this to a Harvey Milk (film soundtrack) thread, but I figured it needed to be posted here in your thread as well, as Sylvester is cinematically shown performing "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" in this critically-acclaimed film.

* * * * *

Saw "Milk" last night in New Orleans, and it's a stunning, inspiring film featuring a virtuoso performance by Sean Penn. He's a cinch to be nominated for an Academy Award for his performance, with potential (and justified) Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Original Screenplay to follow.

And as Needlefingers noted last month, "Rock The Boat" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" are the only disco tunes on the soundtrack BUT the surprise I found was that "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" is played at what was to be Harvey Milk's final birthday bash (#48) and it's sung "live" at the bash by an actor impersonating Sylvester !!!

IMDB.com credits actor Mark Martinez as playing Sylvester, whom I believe was depicted as wearing a turban and caftan in the film, and the vocals were definitely Sylvester's hit version, with Mr. Martinez lip-synching to the classic disco tune. :icon_cool:

[andyy]

The years pass us by but the memories we dont forget i never stop playing Sylvesters music it is a big part of my life from that teenager in 1978 You Make Me Feel has become the ultimate iconic song which in all its changes in 32 years since Sylvester first sung it, for sylvester it was his biggest hit for him in the UK along with Dance Disco Heat and Do ya Wanna Funk these are Classics and timeless . Grab your Vinyl guys and gals and get those tracks spinning in memory of The Sensational Sylvester.