I just can't understand how he couldn't say boy instead of girl... it's obvious he should'nt have said " I get excited watching you move girl" really? Was there a law against same-sex lyrical references back then ? Joan Rivers is the TEA!
omg why the hell is your name asian persuasion? why on earth do rodents like you find your way on to videos like this?? It's sooo strange- GET A F.KING LIFE!!!!
@MrMUSIKFIEND ILL TELL YOU HOW. I SETTED UP AN ACCOUNT ON YOUTUBE AND THATS HOW IM ABLE TO MAKE COMMENTS. I WILL SAY WHATEVER I WANT WHEN I WANT. BEING GAY IS A SIN!!!!!!
u know what?....i have a book explaining his life and they talked about this performance andhow he exposed his boyfriend on this show, lol....i swear he found out his bf was sick around this once he got off his tour (his bf died of aids)....
Sylvester set the stage for so many other talents! Bravo to him and all the brave artists who set aside the fear and stepped into the spotlight just as he was!
@asianpersuasion08 Thank you for your opinion asianpersuasion08, however, Christ, the Spirit, does not qualify by gender or sexual orientation. Too many times, we look for Christ with prejudicial eyes. You are right, Christ would never want to turn anyone into someone they are not meant to be; Christ would love us right where we are at. Just as He would never turn straight people gay, He would not turn a gay person to be straight. Christ loves everyone!!
@nutmegbear4u I love Slyvester just like the rest of you guys he was truely before his time, i remember listening to him as a teenager in the 80's but things were different then, and yes god loved him but not his lifestyle.
@ritaandleo I am glad we both can see the God in him ritaandleo, but if we are going to criticize one's lifestyle, our lifestyles are also subject to criticism as well. It does not matter how right each one of us feels about our own lifestyle, God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). As long as each one of us has taken the Kingdom of God as meat and drink, we are all guilty. He also said not to judge anyone on meat and drink as well.
@nutmegbear4u I'm not here to judge or criticize his lifestyle, his lifestyle was his choice, and he was way before his time, and he was fierce i love some of his songs, but his lifestyle god has judge him for it.
@asianpersuasion08 Then your sexuality is a sin too. If you would read the bible in the cultural context in which it was written, you would find the verses point more to fertility worship, temple prostitution, and fornication. Sadly, like most people, you have not rightly divided the word. You focus only on one Levitical law and ignore the other 612 that is there. Here are other sinful behaviors to consider: working on the Sabbath, wearing mixed fabric, eating shellfish and pork, adultery.
@nutmegbear4u no you have only focused on one aspect of sin and have incorrectly interpreted the Bible. The Bible speaks of homosexuality in more places other than Leviticus. And there are certainly other sins but we are talking about homosexuality so STICK TO THE SUBJECT!!!!!!
@asianpersuasion08 Sounds like you are the pot calling the kettle black. I am aware of what most English interpretations state about "THE SUBJECT", and I have done a study on "THE SUBJECT". Apparently, you haven't. I invite you to use Strong's Concordance to verify what you believe the bible says about homosexuality. You did not really pay attention to my original invitation: reading the bible in the cultural context in which it was written.
@nutmegbear4u no i'm actually the "correct" calling you the "incorrect". You have not addressed the subject. You started to deflect from the real issue!!!!!
I gotta give props to Joan Rivers for being such a trendsetter. Giving Arsenio Hall a chance to host on her show, when nobody would. And for giving Sylvester a chance to showcase his talents. Mad props, Joan. Uncle Syl, you are greatly missed.
This episode aired on January 1, 1987 and the song hit #1 on the US dance charts. It's ironic that he talks about their being involved in an AIDS benefit from years before because less than two years after this interview Sylvester died from complications related to AIDS. The great Jeanie Tracy (who has left a comment below) took care of him near the end. Jeanie, if you are reading this I'm sure everyone would love to read a couple of your best memories of Dooni, a sweet man.
I just cried my eyes out.. I was fortunate enough to meet Sylvester a few times back in the day when I was a writer for a Gay trade mag in Florida.. Its not just the passing of Sylvester, its all the friends I lost from Aids.. I am a lesbian not a fag hag.. but all my friends when I was a young woman were gay men and entertainers.. We lost so many we loved.. So many of my DJ friends, writers, female impersonators.. It truly was a national tragedy..
I thank you all for the comments on the big girls but this clip IS NOT Martha and Izora, it is I, jeanie Tracy and Charlene Moore. People do mistake my voice as Martha's or my picture and I'm flattered because Martha and I are friends and sister's to this very day. Upon their leaving I continued on to sing with Sylvester with the late Maurice Long another fabulous Tenor. Many have sang with Syl but The Tons were the most known and I was honored to have been a part of this prestigious group.
@jeanieasmith Wow ! we don't usually draw the artists to the peanut gallery comments, but thanks Ms Smith for setting the record straight and even more for the fabulous music.
Taking care of Sylvester in the last days is something you will be blessed for later i'm sure.
@jeanieasmith I saw you on unsung and on an early Documentary on Sylvester , you are so gorgeous ageless in fact. I have always adored Sylvester the talent he had and the talented people in his group will always be remembered. God bless you and by the way you and Martha's voices are simiiar but also very different you both have very powerful vocal styles.
I loved the interview and of course S's hair - "to die for!" But the performance was not his best - maybe it is the quality of the clip or something - but sounds "fuzzy." I love everything I have ever heard S sing. And like others on here "grew up" listening to/dancing to his songs. I keep thinking he is/was in a category all his own - like Joplin. Different genres but no one has ever replaced either. One of the posts caused me to look at James Lusk - beautiful gift of a voice !
Yes! Sylvester could sing (sang)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There will never be another Sylvester!!!!!!!! Even his speaking voice sounds devine! We still love and miss you Sylvester!
@asheyblacq : You hit this right on. I knew Sylvester personally. I worked with Izora Rhodes at UCSF. Everytime I hear Jacob Lusk sing I see Sylvester all over again. I applaud Jacob's courage to be and sing who he is.
I regret the fact that I was born barely seven months before he passed away. I know in my heart of hearts I would have severely enjoyed my contemporary music, period. Especially after reading Joshua Gamson's biography, my appreciation for this unique, brave, out-there performer and seemingly very down-to- earth man has only increased.
It's funny how people can be inspirational figures :D
Why do the commenters on here focus on AIDS in such an ignorant way? Saying that "people back then didn't know what AIDS was." People make it sound ilke the late 80's-early 90's were the 1890's or something. They knew what it was -- they just hadn't developed the meds yet. They didn't have the money necessary for the research to move as quickly as it could have; obviously the government didn't do much to help in the Reagan-Bush Sr. years!
@MissDroplette -- actually I apologize (Partially) for previous comment -- before I did so I hadn't watched the whole clip, just the singing, so i didn't realize AIDS WAS discussed in the clip -- and so I got upset that, per usual, people on YT have this obsessive need to bring the issue of AIDS up, like "death voyeurs", or saying how they think someone they've never met should have conducted their lives in order not to have died, every time a gay or transgendered person entertains.
But what i REALLY wanted to say is that Sylvester looks and sounds particularly thrilling here. He changed my life when i was visiting L.A. as a child in '73 and saw him on local California TV laconically saying how he loved "the glitter look" -- it was a short sort of human interest story on a news magazine show regarding what they were calling, I think, the "glitter people"). I'd dreamed of seeing someone like him, and there he was, in his glory! I must agree with you all re: voice and mane
THIS IS THE BRAVEST AND TOUGEST OF GAY MEN..PEOPLE LIKE JERMAINE STEWART ..BOY GEORGE.RUPAUL.SLYVESTER.GUYS THAT DON't care what people thing or say and don't hide behind muscles or a manly voice..people can learn from them not only gay people but people born with birth defects..we salute real bravery!
LOL! This is actually Joan Rivers substituting on the Johnny Carson show. Of course the homophobic Carson wasn't there. Great performance by the original Drag Diva, The Fabulous Sylvester.
GENIAL SUA INTREVISTA,DESENVOLTURA,EXTROVERTIDO,SOUBE LIDAR COM OS PRECONCEITOS QUE NA EPOCA ERAM MAIS FORTES,GRAÇAS A PESSOAS ASSIM COMO SYLVESTER A TERRA TA MENOS AGRESSIVA E MAIS HUMANA,DO QUISITO VIVE TUA VIDA,QUE EU A MINHA.
@bjfavorite I'm so glad to hear about someone else reading that book as well. I got it maybe 5 years ago or so and read it in one sitting I swear to God. That man was really a legend IMO and I can't wait for the biopic on him. It'll be long overdue.
He was gay and tragically succumbed to the AIDS epidemic. There was great story about him on TVOne's Unsung. You may be able to watch clips on their website.
@harderizbetter Umm, he said he was married to a man named Rick in the interview....I think it's pretty safe to say he was gay....but I agree with you that his music was a great inspiration for us all. Thank you Jotaeleclips for posting.
A fun a fabulous class act until the end. To be seen at the painful end of a historic life, cruising around his Castro neighborhood in S.F. in wheelchair with entourage. Looking tiny, grand, sweet and sad all at once. It's amazing how extremely varied the phases of human life can be. From lightening bolt to flickering flame to gone in a year's time.
its been so long since i heard this song. I always thought it was a woman singing. Until i watched usung, i didnt realize it was a man singing that song. Sylvester is always going to be a true diva. RIP
I am dancing as I watch this video. This was my favorite Sylvester song of all time! He sung his face off!!! He left us too soon. Catch his story on Unsung. I thought it was very good.
I just saw a show of him on Unsung.....and it was sad, even how his mate should've checked himself. I gets me how some people still today, can be infected or have suspicions that they might be...yet they will deal with someone regardless. His lifestyle, or his sexuality was his preference and yet, when do you hear of his music being played on the radio nowdays? was a good talent.
Wow. Give Sylvester credit for being the 1st to be way out there during a time when it was blasphemous for a black man to be an openly gay entertainer. He wasn't on the low like a lot of brothers were then (and now). He was quite a talent. And Charles Nelson Reilly...yeah, I think the Jim Beam was what beat him down. He looked half lit in this clip. And Joan Rivers! She looked so much better then. Now she looks like Avatar...
I saw this cause Im Johnny Carson fan, and when Joan Rivers was hosting, I'd watch for sure, and when he came on to perform, I was shocked, and all I recall saying was "is that a man dressed like a woman"? LOL ANd the audience loved his performance too!! THis was a club floor burner back then.
Having big girls singing background is so unheard of these days now. They'll have the big girls voices RECORDED, and have skinny mut bitches lip syncing it. They don't make music like they used to. Love Sylvester! RIP Sylvester James.
I just love Joan Rivers she is crazy and wild even to this day...Sylvester was off the hook he was bad as in good....His voice was amazing and he use to live a very expensive life style while he was alive....Rest In Peace Sylvester...
Ha! When I saw this performance when I was a kid I didn't understand what the fuck was going on....like.....What the hell was Sylvester? Awesome song!
"Someone Like You" was always my favorite Sylvester song. I remember watching this Joan River segment when it first aired. I believe I read somewhere that Sylvester knew that he was HIV positive when he was recording and promoting this particular album (his last). How sad.
Sylv looks like something from a dark alley you don't want to go down at night!! AND I FUCKING LOVE IT!! I remember walking past some bar when i was a kid, and they were cranking this, & it was love!!! I actually stood there.. Loved the beat and especially the voice. We love our Sylv and Patrick Cowley.......... So fucking over the top it's great, unlike half the boring fuckers that are meant to be entertainers today (More like $2 hookers) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
aw that is so sad and It does not seem like that was 20 years ago! Man time flys fashions change and people change. I watch his story on TV one last nite and they thought AIDS was this deadly flu so I guess you are right they didnt know what it was
I love SYLVESTER! He was a bit eccentric; but I appreciate his music and personality. He seemed like a great person; probably a lot of fun to hang out with! Rest in peace, SYLVESTER!
sylvester was succesful gay artist and was even in drag most of the time and was still for the most part accepted so, why is it 20 some-odd years later, we have an artist like adam lambert who is just a regular gay guy not in drag or anything being criticized for being who he is... time is so backwards nowadays, we are more afraid now, its almost like what did the people before us work so hard to achieve if its not being displayed now
I was way too young and very unaware of SEXUALITY. I'm a straight female but let me tell you, music has no barriers, no boundaries, it does not see color, race, age, wealth or SEXUALITY. Good music can not be denied especially when music like this MAKE you get up and dance. Sylvester was superb, he was a genius and greatly missed by EVERYONE ALL OVER THE WORLD not just GAY peoplein GAY bars. I love who he was and what he represented, trully one of the few who showed his true colors.
I miss, Sylvester..A LOT!. He's never gotten his due. I think the "fabulosity" and the drag, got in the way of people REALLY paying attention to what a great singer, he was. The guy, could REALLY sing...and that LIVE version of, "You Are My Friend" that he does with Martha & Izora, never fails to make me cry...its a jaw-dropping version that would make Patti Labelle, very proud. There is no RuPaul or Boy George, if it werent for Sylvester.
the real tragedy aside from the fact that he never got his just due, is that this preformace was in '87, I believe...and a year later, he was dead. Which means that he was HIV Poz, here. Such a vibrant, energetic performer and just a year later, he was cut down. There's so much medication out here now, that there is NO EXCUSE for people not taking better care of themselves. But at that time, it was common for someone ot be well one month..and the next, they're gone.
MisterCrazyLegs, absolutely true. Sylvester even said that Rick Cranmer went very quickly after he was diagnosed. But I agree, he should have spent that £15 to get the test so that maybe he could have lived a little longer. Yet the grim memories of AZT probably weighed on a lot of peoples' minds. Plus Sylvester probably just had to weigh up the odds he was HIV Pos.
I feel for the poor bloke. He was OUT THERE, so unlike todays airbrushed clones.
Oh sorry, he's an American sociological professor I believe. He wrote a fascinating biography of Sylvester, and a great account of the AIDS and pre- AIDS, climate in San Francisco. Really good read.
ITs like that today honey! I Am gay and I know alot of people in the gay community that you see one month and the next month they are gone. That AIDS just takes you out with no side effects or anything
Yep, and the guy sitting next to him was gay and also died of AIDS just a few years ago. Sylvester was a great artist. Really wish he was still aroud.
@MzTJones80 ...I know that its easy to assume that someone like Charles Nelson Reilly would have died from AIDS, because he was gay and lived during that time when there was no such thing as safe sex...but the truth is that he died from regular ol' pneumonia, probably brought on because he was still a very heavy drinker at almost 80 years of age. I work in healthcare, so thats the only reason I tend to know these kind of things. I work with a lot of people, Charles' age.
That could very well be, but I'm only going by what the news reported. Not trying to start a political debate, but the story was on Fox News, and we know Fox News leans mostly towards the "right" (conservative). I wouldn't expect them to be in love with this guy enough to report the story correctly anyway.
UR RIGHT ON POINT * I THINK THIS WAS HIS LAST LIVE PERFORMANCE FROM MY UNDERSTANDING* BLESSED THAT IT WAS AN INTIMATE MOMENT ON TV FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE*****
@MisterCrazyLegs sylvester may have Been on meds at the time, But at the time the AZT would Be more deadly than the hiv. people opted not to take the drugs Because they were so toxic.
@thedarthflagger yea, I recall "the AZT drama" that a few friends of mine, went thru....geez, that seems like a million years ago. Bactrim, was pretty deadly also, back then. A lot of folks just dont tolerate anything 'sulfur-related', especially in heavy doses. Sorry, for the 'healthcare talk', but Imma a nurse, so its just my nature.
He lived his life with unparalleled courage, inspiring many, repulsing some, and he lived it on his terms. RIP, Sylvester...
trickywillet 1 week ago 2
I just can't understand how he couldn't say boy instead of girl... it's obvious he should'nt have said " I get excited watching you move girl" really? Was there a law against same-sex lyrical references back then ? Joan Rivers is the TEA!
ignition1media 1 week ago
Truely Way before his time!!!
ritaandleo 1 week ago
omg why the hell is your name asian persuasion? why on earth do rodents like you find your way on to videos like this?? It's sooo strange- GET A F.KING LIFE!!!!
MrMUSIKFIEND 2 weeks ago
@MrMUSIKFIEND ILL TELL YOU HOW. I SETTED UP AN ACCOUNT ON YOUTUBE AND THATS HOW IM ABLE TO MAKE COMMENTS. I WILL SAY WHATEVER I WANT WHEN I WANT. BEING GAY IS A SIN!!!!!!
asianpersuasion08 1 week ago
I love how he was true to himself and didnt give a shit what any one said!!
Nanadsyl 1 month ago 2
Go Jeanie - you better sing...
timbalandj 1 month ago
@tuskedbeast.....Thank you for your love and support..God Bless and keep you in his care
Jeanie Tracy
jeanieasmith 1 month ago 2
@jeanieasmith you guys were wonderful, those were the best times in life for me 70's and 80's.
ritaandleo 1 week ago
AWESOME LIVE PERFORMANCE! This was the jam back in the day when I was clubbing in Hollywood, Long Beach and San DIego...THX for GREAT memories!
BDS77327 1 month ago
For those who are wondering yes, Sylvester was gay and died of Aids shortly after his lover died of Aids.
brandooo87 2 months ago
@brandooo87 Which is Rick Cramer, the same guy who he mention in this video.
ritaandleo 1 week ago
what a great clip! sure miss Sylvester.
midnightson33 2 months ago
Bárbaraaaa!!!
turkoloiro 2 months ago
FIERCE DIVA! LOVE U SYLVESTER. I miss u.
personalme22 2 months ago
I truly love this guy....and his music is fuckin' awesome!!!....check his albums out folks!!....he was more than the 'You Make Me Feel' guy....
jucurtis23 2 months ago
u know what?....i have a book explaining his life and they talked about this performance andhow he exposed his boyfriend on this show, lol....i swear he found out his bf was sick around this once he got off his tour (his bf died of aids)....
not long after he died 2 years later. ; (
mazaratialbum 3 months ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I don't think he can sing, dress, and barely dance. I can't understand a single word in this song. His fashion is terrible. He is definitely loud.
Milton754 4 months ago
@Milton754
and you do what for a living??????
sophiapuppy 3 months ago
He was so way before his time.
enmaxus 4 months ago 8
WORK WERK WEEEERK!!!!!!
ElCibaeno1966 4 months ago 2
i love the way he perform's what a great entertainer he was.
berlynn2 5 months ago
Sylvester set the stage for so many other talents! Bravo to him and all the brave artists who set aside the fear and stepped into the spotlight just as he was!
ShaneRog2 5 months ago
He gave his all!! It was the Christ in him that refused to quit to the very end!!
nutmegbear4u 5 months ago 2
@nutmegbear4u Christ would never have him turn into a woman or be gay!!!!!
asianpersuasion08 2 weeks ago
@asianpersuasion08 Thank you for your opinion asianpersuasion08, however, Christ, the Spirit, does not qualify by gender or sexual orientation. Too many times, we look for Christ with prejudicial eyes. You are right, Christ would never want to turn anyone into someone they are not meant to be; Christ would love us right where we are at. Just as He would never turn straight people gay, He would not turn a gay person to be straight. Christ loves everyone!!
nutmegbear4u 2 weeks ago 3
@nutmegbear4u I love Slyvester just like the rest of you guys he was truely before his time, i remember listening to him as a teenager in the 80's but things were different then, and yes god loved him but not his lifestyle.
ritaandleo 1 week ago
@ritaandleo I am glad we both can see the God in him ritaandleo, but if we are going to criticize one's lifestyle, our lifestyles are also subject to criticism as well. It does not matter how right each one of us feels about our own lifestyle, God is no respecter of persons (Rom 2:11). As long as each one of us has taken the Kingdom of God as meat and drink, we are all guilty. He also said not to judge anyone on meat and drink as well.
nutmegbear4u 1 week ago
@nutmegbear4u I'm not here to judge or criticize his lifestyle, his lifestyle was his choice, and he was way before his time, and he was fierce i love some of his songs, but his lifestyle god has judge him for it.
ritaandleo 1 week ago
@ritaandleo Again, God is no respecter of persons. Peace and blessings to you.
nutmegbear4u 1 week ago
@ritaandleo THANK YOU!!!!!!
asianpersuasion08 1 week ago
@asianpersuasion08 You welcome!!!
ritaandleo 1 week ago
@nutmegbear4u YES HE WOULD B/C HOMOSEXUALITY IS A SIN!!!!
asianpersuasion08 1 week ago
@asianpersuasion08 Then your sexuality is a sin too. If you would read the bible in the cultural context in which it was written, you would find the verses point more to fertility worship, temple prostitution, and fornication. Sadly, like most people, you have not rightly divided the word. You focus only on one Levitical law and ignore the other 612 that is there. Here are other sinful behaviors to consider: working on the Sabbath, wearing mixed fabric, eating shellfish and pork, adultery.
nutmegbear4u 1 week ago
@nutmegbear4u no you have only focused on one aspect of sin and have incorrectly interpreted the Bible. The Bible speaks of homosexuality in more places other than Leviticus. And there are certainly other sins but we are talking about homosexuality so STICK TO THE SUBJECT!!!!!!
asianpersuasion08 1 week ago
@asianpersuasion08 Sounds like you are the pot calling the kettle black. I am aware of what most English interpretations state about "THE SUBJECT", and I have done a study on "THE SUBJECT". Apparently, you haven't. I invite you to use Strong's Concordance to verify what you believe the bible says about homosexuality. You did not really pay attention to my original invitation: reading the bible in the cultural context in which it was written.
nutmegbear4u 5 days ago
@nutmegbear4u no i'm actually the "correct" calling you the "incorrect". You have not addressed the subject. You started to deflect from the real issue!!!!!
asianpersuasion08 4 days ago
@asianpersuasion08 What is the "real issue" I started to deflect from asianpersuasion08?
nutmegbear4u 4 days ago
@asianpersuasion08 your right, he wouldn't
ritaandleo 1 week ago
fabolous SYLVESTER FABOLOUS .THANKYOU sylvester
jerseytoman1212 5 months ago
I gotta give props to Joan Rivers for being such a trendsetter. Giving Arsenio Hall a chance to host on her show, when nobody would. And for giving Sylvester a chance to showcase his talents. Mad props, Joan. Uncle Syl, you are greatly missed.
JellyBean2144 6 months ago 3
Such a talented and courageous artist.
HardonZ 6 months ago 2
ohh yess!!
letronthedivo 6 months ago
I was I had miss thangs blazers
sDotjade 6 months ago
Miss Sylvester was the bomb....unsung was so moving my auntie aka my uncle told me all abt him.......love him
sDotjade 6 months ago
His the best!
MrBigislandguy 6 months ago
Look at that '80s HAIR!! Like a lion!
gameshowluvr86 6 months ago
This episode aired on January 1, 1987 and the song hit #1 on the US dance charts. It's ironic that he talks about their being involved in an AIDS benefit from years before because less than two years after this interview Sylvester died from complications related to AIDS. The great Jeanie Tracy (who has left a comment below) took care of him near the end. Jeanie, if you are reading this I'm sure everyone would love to read a couple of your best memories of Dooni, a sweet man.
TheTubePortal 6 months ago
souvenir d'une voix exceptionnelle
philfra 7 months ago
Respond to this video... although i love RuPaul Sylvester was more musical and just check out The Weather Girls in the back ground.
cbreez40 7 months ago
I just cried my eyes out.. I was fortunate enough to meet Sylvester a few times back in the day when I was a writer for a Gay trade mag in Florida.. Its not just the passing of Sylvester, its all the friends I lost from Aids.. I am a lesbian not a fag hag.. but all my friends when I was a young woman were gay men and entertainers.. We lost so many we loved.. So many of my DJ friends, writers, female impersonators.. It truly was a national tragedy..
tampachicken 7 months ago
@tampachicken YOU NEED TO LEAVE YOUR LESBIAN LIFESTYLE!!!! IT'S SINFUL!!!!
asianpersuasion08 2 weeks ago
@asianpersuasion08 I truly hope you are kidding....
tampachicken 2 weeks ago
@tampachicken why?
asianpersuasion08 2 weeks ago
LOOKS LIKE WHITNEY IN DRAG
sierria64 8 months ago
I thank you all for the comments on the big girls but this clip IS NOT Martha and Izora, it is I, jeanie Tracy and Charlene Moore. People do mistake my voice as Martha's or my picture and I'm flattered because Martha and I are friends and sister's to this very day. Upon their leaving I continued on to sing with Sylvester with the late Maurice Long another fabulous Tenor. Many have sang with Syl but The Tons were the most known and I was honored to have been a part of this prestigious group.
jeanieasmith 8 months ago 15
@jeanieasmith for while i thought that was Martha and yes your vocals resemble her's and I must say yall were hot....
timbalandj 8 months ago
@jeanieasmith Wow ! we don't usually draw the artists to the peanut gallery comments, but thanks Ms Smith for setting the record straight and even more for the fabulous music.
Taking care of Sylvester in the last days is something you will be blessed for later i'm sure.
Thanks, from the fans.
martin84125 2 months ago
@jeanieasmith I saw you on unsung and on an early Documentary on Sylvester , you are so gorgeous ageless in fact. I have always adored Sylvester the talent he had and the talented people in his group will always be remembered. God bless you and by the way you and Martha's voices are simiiar but also very different you both have very powerful vocal styles.
myrabradwell40 2 months ago
@jeanieasmith You are wonderful and talented! God bless you and your family. Have a Very Merry Christmas!
Much love for the memories and joy you brought to MANY people!
Kenny
SouthernWasp 1 month ago
@jeanieasmith Just another fan's note of appreciation for your work. Thank you, and happy holidays 2011-2.
tuskedbeast 1 month ago
@jeanieasmith WOW YOU ARE AMAZING..GOD BLESS MAY MAY SYLVESTER REST IN PEACE HE WAS ONE AND ONLY
SREJVANI1 2 weeks ago 2
I loved the interview and of course S's hair - "to die for!" But the performance was not his best - maybe it is the quality of the clip or something - but sounds "fuzzy." I love everything I have ever heard S sing. And like others on here "grew up" listening to/dancing to his songs. I keep thinking he is/was in a category all his own - like Joplin. Different genres but no one has ever replaced either. One of the posts caused me to look at James Lusk - beautiful gift of a voice !
Owen2256 9 months ago
"Surprise!" LMAO!!! Fabulous!!
barbiewmn 9 months ago
I actually remember this performance and interview...when he "outed" his partner unintentionally.....hilarious!
mermodfreres 9 months ago
I actually remember this performance and interview. Fabulous!
mermodfreres 9 months ago
A fabulous performer who's legacy will never be forgotten!!
lildave514 9 months ago
your right!! when i first heard jacob lusk on american idol, i knew he reminded me of somebody.
yellyyow 9 months ago
Love it, thanks for sharing this great video. Rest in peace Sylvester
Joseinmiami 10 months ago
Love it, thanks for sharing this great video. Rest in peace Syovester
Joseinmiami 10 months ago
Love it, thanks for sharing this great video.
Joseinmiami 10 months ago
RIP SYLVESTER, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!
vangoghmatisse1 10 months ago
Yes! Sylvester could sing (sang)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! There will never be another Sylvester!!!!!!!! Even his speaking voice sounds devine! We still love and miss you Sylvester!
Cleopatra1985 10 months ago
sylvester had a really good band member
thomas969 10 months ago
who else think that Jacob Lusk embodies the incredible spirit of Sylvester??!!? It would be great if he does a Sylvester song on American Idol.
asheyblacq 11 months ago 2
@asheyblacq I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOUR STATEMENT.
stacelayne 10 months ago
@asheyblacq : You hit this right on. I knew Sylvester personally. I worked with Izora Rhodes at UCSF. Everytime I hear Jacob Lusk sing I see Sylvester all over again. I applaud Jacob's courage to be and sing who he is.
kjamai26 9 months ago
@kjamai26
I regret the fact that I was born barely seven months before he passed away. I know in my heart of hearts I would have severely enjoyed my contemporary music, period. Especially after reading Joshua Gamson's biography, my appreciation for this unique, brave, out-there performer and seemingly very down-to- earth man has only increased.
It's funny how people can be inspirational figures :D
michaelgadsby 9 months ago
that was cool!!
asheyblacq 11 months ago
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABBS!!!!!!!! XXXXX
sexyrexysexy 11 months ago
What a clip! Thanks for sharing this and all of the others I see on your channel.
nashvilleblackpride 11 months ago
reminds me of the cowardly lion
m1ke420 11 months ago
The Unsung episode was so moving. RIP Miss Sylvester!
tricieg 1 year ago
THANKS !!!
SweetLuckyBear 1 year ago
Cool Video !!!
SweetLuckyBear 1 year ago
Why do the commenters on here focus on AIDS in such an ignorant way? Saying that "people back then didn't know what AIDS was." People make it sound ilke the late 80's-early 90's were the 1890's or something. They knew what it was -- they just hadn't developed the meds yet. They didn't have the money necessary for the research to move as quickly as it could have; obviously the government didn't do much to help in the Reagan-Bush Sr. years!
MissDroplette 1 year ago
@MissDroplette -- actually I apologize (Partially) for previous comment -- before I did so I hadn't watched the whole clip, just the singing, so i didn't realize AIDS WAS discussed in the clip -- and so I got upset that, per usual, people on YT have this obsessive need to bring the issue of AIDS up, like "death voyeurs", or saying how they think someone they've never met should have conducted their lives in order not to have died, every time a gay or transgendered person entertains.
MissDroplette 1 year ago
But what i REALLY wanted to say is that Sylvester looks and sounds particularly thrilling here. He changed my life when i was visiting L.A. as a child in '73 and saw him on local California TV laconically saying how he loved "the glitter look" -- it was a short sort of human interest story on a news magazine show regarding what they were calling, I think, the "glitter people"). I'd dreamed of seeing someone like him, and there he was, in his glory! I must agree with you all re: voice and mane
MissDroplette 1 year ago
i agree he started everything, i love him and miss him,the man could sang couldnt he. rip
acecashexpress 1 year ago
God bless to Someone like you SYLVESTER
thehaterfull 1 year ago
THIS IS THE BRAVEST AND TOUGEST OF GAY MEN..PEOPLE LIKE JERMAINE STEWART ..BOY GEORGE.RUPAUL.SLYVESTER.GUYS THAT DON't care what people thing or say and don't hide behind muscles or a manly voice..people can learn from them not only gay people but people born with birth defects..we salute real bravery!
SLICKRICKDOG411 1 year ago 4
sylvester remindsme of janis joplin, as thety gave i all they had... every pefomnce!
scottreno40 1 year ago
LOL! This is actually Joan Rivers substituting on the Johnny Carson show. Of course the homophobic Carson wasn't there. Great performance by the original Drag Diva, The Fabulous Sylvester.
mrlopez2681 1 year ago 2
GENIAL SUA INTREVISTA,DESENVOLTURA,EXTROVERTIDO,SOUBE LIDAR COM OS PRECONCEITOS QUE NA EPOCA ERAM MAIS FORTES,GRAÇAS A PESSOAS ASSIM COMO SYLVESTER A TERRA TA MENOS AGRESSIVA E MAIS HUMANA,DO QUISITO VIVE TUA VIDA,QUE EU A MINHA.
1le2a 1 year ago
Sylvester could SANG, y'all!
soulgriot 1 year ago 3
that's the real deal there
kautle 1 year ago
Look at Ms. Martha Walsh and Ms. Izora Armstead in the background singin' their asses off. Haaaaaaayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!!!!! Well done Joan!
Ajewa 1 year ago
Oh I miss Sylvester. This one really makes me dance!
Dpurpledove 1 year ago
He was so fabulous and courageous -- not to mention talented and underrated. Great clip! What year did this air?
DivaNLA 1 year ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
damn shame a man trying to be a woman
617812902 1 year ago
@617812902 I think it's pretty great when someone decides to be who they are no matter how ignorant some folks can be.
quietstorm77 1 year ago 26
@quietstorm77
YOU SAID THAT !
ezywonder 1 year ago
Check out "The Fabulous Sylvester" by Joshua Gamson which mentions this performance and interview. So glad to see it on youtube.
bjfavorite 1 year ago
@bjfavorite I'm so glad to hear about someone else reading that book as well. I got it maybe 5 years ago or so and read it in one sitting I swear to God. That man was really a legend IMO and I can't wait for the biopic on him. It'll be long overdue.
aquarianbruh 1 year ago
Back then and still today I didn't if he was gay or not, but his music was and still a great inspiration to all of us. Miss you much Sylvester.
harderizbetter 1 year ago 16
@harderizbetter
He was gay and tragically succumbed to the AIDS epidemic. There was great story about him on TVOne's Unsung. You may be able to watch clips on their website.
Kamariya33 6 months ago
@harderizbetter Umm, he said he was married to a man named Rick in the interview....I think it's pretty safe to say he was gay....but I agree with you that his music was a great inspiration for us all. Thank you Jotaeleclips for posting.
Dailyprayr 3 months ago
@harderizbetter What do you mean? He's GAY!!!!!
stephenry2 3 months ago
i miss miss thang - well - blessings
sistasasy 1 year ago
Wow! With the Weather Girls! Listen to Sylvester deliver! He was flawless vocally! Also brave to be who he was, more balls than other men I tell ya!
wendileona 1 year ago 2
A fun a fabulous class act until the end. To be seen at the painful end of a historic life, cruising around his Castro neighborhood in S.F. in wheelchair with entourage. Looking tiny, grand, sweet and sad all at once. It's amazing how extremely varied the phases of human life can be. From lightening bolt to flickering flame to gone in a year's time.
jahnjahn4 1 year ago
@jahnjahn4 well said. God Bless Ms Sylvester !
Barbaraplease 1 year ago
the interview at the end was wonderful...
agent9752 1 year ago
Such a beautiful person with a one of a kind voice. You spread so much joy. RIP Sylvester you are missed!
Choclatstar 1 year ago 2
OMG! What can I say? "They were the best of times. They were the worst of times...."
GoGoFiasco 1 year ago
prior he was in SYlvester and the HOT band, jazz. it was really really good stuff
dimitriosmichael 1 year ago
its been so long since i heard this song. I always thought it was a woman singing. Until i watched usung, i didnt realize it was a man singing that song. Sylvester is always going to be a true diva. RIP
diyajones 1 year ago
I am dancing as I watch this video. This was my favorite Sylvester song of all time! He sung his face off!!! He left us too soon. Catch his story on Unsung. I thought it was very good.
sanandjazree 1 year ago
I just saw a show of him on Unsung.....and it was sad, even how his mate should've checked himself. I gets me how some people still today, can be infected or have suspicions that they might be...yet they will deal with someone regardless. His lifestyle, or his sexuality was his preference and yet, when do you hear of his music being played on the radio nowdays? was a good talent.
RaceIsOpen 1 year ago
Wow. Give Sylvester credit for being the 1st to be way out there during a time when it was blasphemous for a black man to be an openly gay entertainer. He wasn't on the low like a lot of brothers were then (and now). He was quite a talent. And Charles Nelson Reilly...yeah, I think the Jim Beam was what beat him down. He looked half lit in this clip. And Joan Rivers! She looked so much better then. Now she looks like Avatar...
hmsheppard 1 year ago 2
would love it if he and aretha did a song together
RUTHE1ONE 1 year ago
Love him!!!!!
FlightTherapy 1 year ago
Sylvester could really put that thing on it. He was great live, just hear it here. Everybody else dubs it now and again.
falsepride 1 year ago
I saw this cause Im Johnny Carson fan, and when Joan Rivers was hosting, I'd watch for sure, and when he came on to perform, I was shocked, and all I recall saying was "is that a man dressed like a woman"? LOL ANd the audience loved his performance too!! THis was a club floor burner back then.
cnote4461 1 year ago
Fire, Sylvester RIP !
amauney12 1 year ago
Joan Rivers: "what did you say to your family when you decided that you wanted to be a drag queen"?
Sylverster:"I'm not a drag queen!!"
Joan Rivers: "Well you are some times!!"
Delicious interview!
ursomtl 1 year ago
sylvester a true legend , a voice like no other true talent , xx
KAVBOY 1 year ago
Having big girls singing background is so unheard of these days now. They'll have the big girls voices RECORDED, and have skinny mut bitches lip syncing it. They don't make music like they used to. Love Sylvester! RIP Sylvester James.
MzTJones80 1 year ago 3
I just love Joan Rivers she is crazy and wild even to this day...Sylvester was off the hook he was bad as in good....His voice was amazing and he use to live a very expensive life style while he was alive....Rest In Peace Sylvester...
carmendecor 1 year ago
ah!!! i love Sylvester!!! He is just amazing!!! One of my all time favorite songs from him!!! AH!!!!! "Summer nights" and "Sooner or later"!!!!!!!!!
mrchepe91 1 year ago
wow
TRUCKIE504 1 year ago
Ha! When I saw this performance when I was a kid I didn't understand what the fuck was going on....like.....What the hell was Sylvester? Awesome song!
snipercheez 1 year ago
"Someone Like You" was always my favorite Sylvester song. I remember watching this Joan River segment when it first aired. I believe I read somewhere that Sylvester knew that he was HIV positive when he was recording and promoting this particular album (his last). How sad.
maxtheknife 1 year ago
Sylv looks like something from a dark alley you don't want to go down at night!! AND I FUCKING LOVE IT!! I remember walking past some bar when i was a kid, and they were cranking this, & it was love!!! I actually stood there.. Loved the beat and especially the voice. We love our Sylv and Patrick Cowley.......... So fucking over the top it's great, unlike half the boring fuckers that are meant to be entertainers today (More like $2 hookers) xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!!!!
HaightStreetGroovy 1 year ago
Work-It,BITCH,Diva!!!! You are FABULOUS you Fuckin' WHORE!!!!
HaightStreetGroovy 1 year ago
@HaightStreetGroovy Ha ha ha you donkey!!! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx You made me laugh you silly twat xx
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
@HaightStreetGroovy thats the way sexy!!!! We love Sylv!! He has a big doodle!!
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
I have immortal on white vinyl... Everytime i get the record out, I have a laugh!!! Sylv in stilletos GRRRRRR!!!
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
aw that is so sad and It does not seem like that was 20 years ago! Man time flys fashions change and people change. I watch his story on TV one last nite and they thought AIDS was this deadly flu so I guess you are right they didnt know what it was
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
chile.......sylvester better give me BIG RED HAIR!!! do it lady!!!---RIP
daehan2k9 1 year ago
@daehan2k9 the mane of attraction!!!!!!!!! WOOF WOOF!!!!!!!
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
lol'ing at you!!!
daehan2k9 1 year ago
I dont care what any of my buds have to say... Sylvester is a loose canon/gun.... Bring it on BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
I thnk he knew he had AIDS cuz he thinked her for supporting the AIDS event. I think he just didnt want to go public with it
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
Comment removed
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
@sexyrexysexy NO bitch you hurry up and die faster from AIDS you ugly piece of shit! Thats what you do bitch!
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
Comment removed
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
o you better be joking miss girl honey!?!!? I was going to have to get you together..lol
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
@nickelwindow53 xxxxxxxxxx You'll keep handsome xx
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
I love SYLVESTER! He was a bit eccentric; but I appreciate his music and personality. He seemed like a great person; probably a lot of fun to hang out with! Rest in peace, SYLVESTER!
Peace and love...
ReddzVoice 1 year ago
sylvester was succesful gay artist and was even in drag most of the time and was still for the most part accepted so, why is it 20 some-odd years later, we have an artist like adam lambert who is just a regular gay guy not in drag or anything being criticized for being who he is... time is so backwards nowadays, we are more afraid now, its almost like what did the people before us work so hard to achieve if its not being displayed now
lrwsoreal 1 year ago 2
This has been flagged as spam show
I was way too young and very unaware of SEXUALITY. I'm a straight female but let me tell you, music has no barriers, no boundaries, it does not see color, race, age, wealth or SEXUALITY. Good music can not be denied especially when music like this MAKE you get up and dance. Sylvester was superb, he was a genius and greatly missed by EVERYONE ALL OVER THE WORLD not just GAY peoplein GAY bars. I love who he was and what he represented, trully one of the few who showed his true colors.
pieldeazucarmorena 1 year ago
The spawn of the devil
sexyrexysexy 2 years ago
@sexyrexysexy I don't remember being gay as one of the 10 commandments.
skyiscrying53 1 year ago
Guys... I am joking for fucks sake x Sylvester had a sense of fun.......
sexyrexysexy 1 year ago
Sylvester was the BEST!!! I LOVE HIM!!!!!
carlosmiller 2 years ago 2
I miss, Sylvester..A LOT!. He's never gotten his due. I think the "fabulosity" and the drag, got in the way of people REALLY paying attention to what a great singer, he was. The guy, could REALLY sing...and that LIVE version of, "You Are My Friend" that he does with Martha & Izora, never fails to make me cry...its a jaw-dropping version that would make Patti Labelle, very proud. There is no RuPaul or Boy George, if it werent for Sylvester.
MisterCrazyLegs 2 years ago 36
Well said. he is one of my all time faves. xx
sexyrexysexy 2 years ago 2
the real tragedy aside from the fact that he never got his just due, is that this preformace was in '87, I believe...and a year later, he was dead. Which means that he was HIV Poz, here. Such a vibrant, energetic performer and just a year later, he was cut down. There's so much medication out here now, that there is NO EXCUSE for people not taking better care of themselves. But at that time, it was common for someone ot be well one month..and the next, they're gone.
MisterCrazyLegs 2 years ago 13
XXXXXXXXXXXXX
sexyrexysexy 2 years ago
MisterCrazyLegs, absolutely true. Sylvester even said that Rick Cranmer went very quickly after he was diagnosed. But I agree, he should have spent that £15 to get the test so that maybe he could have lived a little longer. Yet the grim memories of AZT probably weighed on a lot of peoples' minds. Plus Sylvester probably just had to weigh up the odds he was HIV Pos.
I feel for the poor bloke. He was OUT THERE, so unlike todays airbrushed clones.
You read Joshua Gamson's bio?
michaelgadsby 2 years ago 2
have no idea who Joshua is..
MisterCrazyLegs 2 years ago
Oh sorry, he's an American sociological professor I believe. He wrote a fascinating biography of Sylvester, and a great account of the AIDS and pre- AIDS, climate in San Francisco. Really good read.
michaelgadsby 2 years ago
I Have Been Looking For That Book
Daethaqt3000 2 years ago
i am looking for teh book too. Did he have AIDS on here at this time? And why didnt he take the meds? He had money
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
ITs like that today honey! I Am gay and I know alot of people in the gay community that you see one month and the next month they are gone. That AIDS just takes you out with no side effects or anything
nickelwindow53 1 year ago
@MisterCrazyLegs
Yep, and the guy sitting next to him was gay and also died of AIDS just a few years ago. Sylvester was a great artist. Really wish he was still aroud.
MzTJones80 1 year ago
@MzTJones80 ...I know that its easy to assume that someone like Charles Nelson Reilly would have died from AIDS, because he was gay and lived during that time when there was no such thing as safe sex...but the truth is that he died from regular ol' pneumonia, probably brought on because he was still a very heavy drinker at almost 80 years of age. I work in healthcare, so thats the only reason I tend to know these kind of things. I work with a lot of people, Charles' age.
MisterCrazyLegs 1 year ago
@MisterCrazyLegs
That could very well be, but I'm only going by what the news reported. Not trying to start a political debate, but the story was on Fox News, and we know Fox News leans mostly towards the "right" (conservative). I wouldn't expect them to be in love with this guy enough to report the story correctly anyway.
MzTJones80 1 year ago
@MisterCrazyLegs: If he had not been taking it in the ass and putting cocks in his mouth, he would have had a better chance of not getting it.
n0gar 1 year ago
@n0gar / I can't believe my eyes reading this comment... how typically stupid!
universuale 1 year ago
@MisterCrazyLegs
UR RIGHT ON POINT * I THINK THIS WAS HIS LAST LIVE PERFORMANCE FROM MY UNDERSTANDING* BLESSED THAT IT WAS AN INTIMATE MOMENT ON TV FOR THE PUBLIC TO SEE*****
dabomb67 1 year ago
@MisterCrazyLegs sylvester may have Been on meds at the time, But at the time the AZT would Be more deadly than the hiv. people opted not to take the drugs Because they were so toxic.
thedarthflagger 11 months ago
@thedarthflagger yea, I recall "the AZT drama" that a few friends of mine, went thru....geez, that seems like a million years ago. Bactrim, was pretty deadly also, back then. A lot of folks just dont tolerate anything 'sulfur-related', especially in heavy doses. Sorry, for the 'healthcare talk', but Imma a nurse, so its just my nature.
MisterCrazyLegs 11 months ago
@thedarthflagger
Gave them the colloquially termed "pancake ass" too apparently. Sad stuff
michaelgadsby 9 months ago
Patti As Often Said That Said that sylvesters " You Are My Friend" Made Her So Proud
Daethaqt3000 2 years ago