Living in San Francisco in the 1960s, he performed in a musical production called Women of the Blues, then joined a short-lived group of transvestite performance artists called The Cockettes in the early 70's (famed transvestite Divine was a member of the group as well). Sylvester can be seen in The Cockettes' outrageous short film Tricia's Wedding, lampooning the wedding of President Nixon's daughter Tricia, and in an eponymous 2002 documentary about the group.
In 1972, Sylvester supplied two cuts to Lights Out San Francisco, an album complied by the KSAN radio station and released on the Blue Thumb label. In 1973, Sylvester & his Hot Band released two rock-oriented albums on Blue Thumb (their self-titled debut was also known as "Scratch My Flower," due to a gardenia-shaped scratch-and-sniff sticker adhered to the cover). Signed a solo act to Fantasy Records in 1977, and working with the production talents of legendary Motown producer Harvey Fuqua. Sylvester later alleged that Fuqua cheated him out of millions of dollars.
Sylvester soon met his frequent collaborator Patrick Cowley. Cowley's synthesizer and Sylvester's voice proved to be a magical combination, and pushed Sylvester's sound in an increasingly dance-oriented direction; his second solo album - Step II (1978) - unleashed two disco classics: "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," and "Dance (Disco Heat)." By this time both his live shows and recordings also recognizably featured the back-up vocals of Two Tons O' Fun: future Weather Girls Martha Wash and Izora Rhodes. 1979 brought three Billboard awards and an appearance in the movie, The Rose, starring Bette Midler.
Moving to Megatone Records in 1982, Sylvester quickly landed a Hi-NRG classic with "Do You Wanna Funk." He was close friends with other Megatone artists Linda Imperial and Jeanie Tracy. Sylvester was also very close to the legendary Patti LaBelle.
Later pressure from the label to "butch up" his image would result in him attending meetings in full-on drag. A drag photo shoot, which he staged and presented to label heads as a gag (calling it his "new album cover") would later grace the cover of Immortal after Sylvester died; it was the label's way of paying tribute to his spirit. In 1985, one of his dreams came true as he was summoned to sing back-up for Aretha Franklin on her Who's Zoomin' Who comeback album. His sole Warner Bros. album was Mutual Attraction in 1986; a single from the album, "Someone Like You," featured original cover art by Keith Haring.
Sylvester died of complications from AIDS on December 16, 1988. His good friend Jeanie Tracy took care of Sylvester during his last days.
In the late 1990's, performance artist Djola Branner (co-founder of the highly influential Pomo Afro Homos troupe) created his acclaimed solo piece and CD Mighty Real around the life of Sylvester.
On September 20, 2004 Sylvester's anthem record, You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. A year later, on September 19, 2005, Sylvester himself was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his achievement as an artist.
In 2005, a biography written by Joshua Gamson and titled The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, The music, The 70s in San Francisco was published.
2. Sylvester (Sylvester Larsen , born 1973) is a danish artist, who has released 4 albums. He is the son of Kim Larsen. See www.sylvesterlarsen.dk
His Eye Is on the Sparrow
Sylvester Lyrics
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Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
"Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing because I'm free,
For His eye is on the sparrow,
And I know He watches me.
The song "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" by Ethel Waters is a powerful reminder of the presence of God in our lives, especially during times of trouble and uncertainty. The lyrics ask the question "Why should I feel discouraged?" and acknowledge that, regardless of the challenges we face, Jesus is our constant friend and our portion. The song goes on to describe the comfort and assurance that we can find in the knowledge that God is always watching over us. Even when we are tempted or faced with doubts and fears, we can rest in the knowledge that we are not alone.
The repetition of the phrase "His eye is on the sparrow" reinforces this idea that God is always watching and caring for every creature, no matter how insignificant they may seem. The line "I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free" speaks to the freedom that comes from surrendering our worries and fears to God, and the joy and peace that can be found in His presence. The final verse, which declares "I sing because I'm happy, I sing because I'm free," is a powerful statement of faith and gratitude, expressing the joy and gratitude that comes from knowing that we are loved and cared for by God.
Overall, "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" is a message of hope and encouragement, reminding us that we are never alone and that God is always watching over us.
Line by Line Meaning
Why should I feel discouraged? Why should the shadows come?
Despite facing difficulties, I should not feel disheartened or hopeless.
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav'n and home,
I should not feel lonely or yearn for happiness in heaven because Jesus is with me.
When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He.
Jesus is always with me and will provide for me endlessly throughout my life.
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.
Just like how God watches over a small, seemingly insignificant creature like a sparrow, He will also watch over me and care for me.
Let not your heart be troubled," His tender word I hear,
Jesus comforts me with His kind words and I should not let my heart be burdened by worries or fears.
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;
By trusting in God's goodness, my doubts and fears disappear.
Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see.
Even though I may not be able to see the whole path that God leads me on, I trust that He will guide me.
Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When I face temptation or challenging situations, or when difficulties come my way.
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
When happiness and hope turn into sadness and despair.
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free.
I turn to Jesus for comfort and He relieves me from my worries.
I sing because I'm happy,
I sing joyfully because I am happy in my faith in Jesus.
I sing because I'm free,
I sing because my faith in Jesus has given me freedom from burdens.
For His eye is on the sparrow,
Just like how God watches over even the smallest creatures, He watches over me and cares for me.
And I know He watches me.
I have complete faith that God is always watching over me and taking care of me.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: C D Martin, Charles Hutchison Gabriel
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind