Chicago Soul And Blues Artist, Syl Johnson, Dies at 85

Syl Johnson is a Chicago-based soul and blues artist and was heavily sampled by top hip hop artists. Over the weekend, Johnson had unfortunately passed away at age 85, due to unknown reasons at this time.

Syl’s daughter, Grammy-nominated singer Syleena Johnson, issued a statement following her father’s death: “A fiery, fierce, fighter, always standing for the pursuit of justice as it related to his music and sound, he will truly be missed by all who crossed his path. His catalog and legacy will be remembered as impeccable and a historical blueprint to all who experience it.”

Johnson was best known for his 1960s hits like “Come On Sock It To Me,” and his 1967 track “Different Strokes,” and being sample on tracks by Tupac, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang Clan, Public Enemy, and more.

Source: BET