Syl Johnson (1936–2022) was a seminal figure in American blues and soul music, renowned for his emotive vocals and innovative guitar work. Born Sylvester Thompson in Holly Springs, Mississippi, he moved to Chicago in the 1950s, immersing himself in the city's vibrant blues scene alongside legends like Magic Sam and Howlin' Wolf. Johnson's 1967 hit "Different Strokes" became a cornerstone in hip-hop, sampled by artists such as Jay-Z and Public Enemy. His poignant 1969 track "Is It Because I'm Black" resonated deeply during the civil rights era. A 2020 inductee into the Blues Hall of Fame, Johnson's legacy endures through his influential recordings and the generations of musicians he inspired. ([blues.org](https://blues.org/blues_hof_inductee/syl-johnson/?utm_source=openai))