Sylvester James was a San Francisco–based singer whose soaring falsetto and flamboyant stage presence made him a defining voice of late-1970s disco. After early years in gospel and the avant‑theatrical Cockettes, he broke through with hits like “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” blending soul, dancefloor euphoria, and electronic production. Openly gender-nonconforming, Sylvester embodied queer freedom at a time of backlash, giving many LGBTQ+ fans visibility and joy. As AIDS devastated communities, he remained candid about illness and generosity, leaving a legacy of resilience, sensuality, and liberation.
Quote: ““Whenever you think you have on too much, you should put on more, just to be safe.”
Tuckahoe NY Pride 
Leave a comment