Syl Johnson, the Chicago soul and blues singer whose 1967 single “Different Strokes” has become one of the most sampled songs in hip-hop, has died. Johnson’s family confirmed the news in a statement and the cause of death to be a heart failure on February 06, 2022.
“It is with extreme sadness that our family announces the passing of Soul & Blues Hall of Fame Legend, Syl Johnson (born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, MS). Dad, Brother, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, Friend & Artist, he lived his life as a singer, musician, and entrepreneur who loved black music.” Johnson was 85 years old. His death occurred less than a month after his brother and fellow musician Jimmy Johnson died at the age of 93.
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. To his fans around the world, he loved you all. A lover of music and a Chicago icon, Syl Johnson lived his life unapologetically.”
Syl Johnson was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1936. He rose to prominence in the 1960s and ’70s, cutting soul and blues records for Chicago label Twinight, which issued his 1968 debut Dresses Too Short. That album featured “Different Strokes,” a relaxed funk number that would go on to be sampled by Public Enemy (“Fight the Power”), Wu-Tang Clan (“Shame on a N—a”) Eric B. & Rakim (“I Know You Got Soul”), Jay-Z and Kanye West (“The Joy”), De La Soul (“The Magic Number”), and countless others (over 300 songs that utilize portions of Johnson’s original, making it one of the most influential pieces of music in hip-hop).
We offer all our condolences to his friends and family.
But what Syl has to do with Michael Jackson?
Widespread use of Johnson’s “Different Strokes” occasionally led to copyright disputes. In 2011, Johnson filed a lawsuit against Jay-Z and Kanye West for using portions of his song in “The Joy” without proper clearance. The suit was settled the following year.
Johnson had previously filed copyright infringement claims against Cypress Hill, and others for sampling his music without permission… Including Michael Jackson
That’s right! “Different Strokes” was used by Michael Jackson in “2BAD” and “Blood On The Dance Floor – Refugee Camp Mix” which was used for one of the official short film.
