Mighty Real

The Fabulous SYLVESTER
(September 6, 1940 - December 16, 1988)

Unlike many openly gay artists who, however commendably, trade mostly on their openness about their orientation, but don't really posess terrific vocal skills, Sylvester was the (mighty) real deal. His rich, creamy baritone was as thrilling as his more familiar showstopping falsetto. Despite the flamboyant package -- androgynous glam rock gear; sequined gowns and headdresses -- and the sometimes campy material, the focus always remained on Sylvester's remarkable voice.

After gaining a reputation in the San Francisco area for his outrageous blend of soul, funk and rock (originally with the infamous Cockettes), Sylvester leapt wholeheartedly into the burgeoning disco movement when he signed with Fantasy Records in 1977. He made important contacts with producer/synthesizer pioneer Patrick Cowley, and background vocalists Martha Wash and Izora Rhoades-Armstead. All three would contribute mightily to the "Sylvester Sound."

Cowley's twinkling synths and throbbing baselines were the perfect vehicle for Sylvester's swooping, swirling falsetto runs, while Martha and Izora's amazing, gospel-infused background vocals provided a soulful, churchy bedrock. In 1978, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Dance (Disco Heat)" crossed over to the pop charts, and all of a sudden, a black, gay, drag artist from San Francisco was the hottest thing next to Donna Summer.

Their talents (and robust physiques) simply too big to be contained within the background vocalist framework, Martha and Izora left Sylvester in 1980 to record their own album as Two Tons of Fun; later rechristened The Weather Girls, they enjoyed their own moment of disco immortality with "It's Raining Men" (1982). Meanwhile, Sylvester's brief moment of mainstream pop stardom died out as disco itself moved back to the gay underground, post-1980; but he continued to create classics fashioned in the growing hi-NRG style, including "Do You Wanna Funk" (with Cowley, 1981) and "Take Me to Heaven" (1985).

Sylvester passed away, too soon, in 1988, from complications from AIDS. One of his last major appearances was the previous December, when he had a prime time guest slot on Joan Rivers' late night talk show. When La Rivers referred to Sylvester as a "drag queen," the sassy star shot back, "I'm no drag queen, honey, I am Sylvester!"

Happy Birthday, Sylvester! Long live the Queen of Disco.