Throwback: Happy 89th Birthday, Syl Johnson!

We’ve somehow managed to survive through July so far, eh? Well, July is a busy month in music history.

  • One of the most important figures of the blues, Chicago blues especially, Willie Dixon was born 110 years ago on this day
  • James Cotton was born on 90 years ago on this day

 Syl Johnson, who wrote some of the most moving, most lived-in songs full of novelistic attention to details was born on this day 89 years ago. And if you don’t believe me, check out 1969’s Is It Because I’m Black?, which also features an incredible cover of The Beatles‘ “Come Together.”

Happy birthday, sir! Happy birthday wherever you are!


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