You Make Me Feel Mighty Real - Sylvester
"You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" is a disco classic by American singer Sylvester. Released in 1978, the song became a massive hit and is considered one of the defining tracks of the disco era. The song's theme is about the feeling of empowerment and liberation that comes from being in love and feeling confident in oneself. The lyrics talk about the euphoria and joy that love can bring, and how it can make you feel like you're on top of the world. The song's upbeat tempo and infectious groove make it a perfect anthem for the dance floor. Musically, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" is a high-energy disco track with a driving beat, funky bassline, and catchy horn section. Sylvester's powerful vocals soar over the pulsating rhythm, conveying a sense of freedom and celebration. One notable fact about the song is that it was one of the first mainstream disco hits to prominently feature a male falsetto voice. Sylvester's flamboyant and androgynous image, along with his soulful vocal delivery, helped to break down barriers in the music industry and pave the way for LGBTQ artists to express themselves more openly. Overall, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" is a timeless dance floor anthem that continues to captivate audiences with its infectious energy and message of love and empowerment.
Sylvester
Sylvester James Jr., known simply as Sylvester, was an iconic American singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s as a pioneer of disco music. Born on September 6, 1947, in Los Angeles, California, Sylvester began his music career at a young age, performing in local gospel choirs and honing his vocal talents. In the early 1970s, Sylvester moved to San Francisco, where he became a prominent figure in the vibrant LGBTQ+ community and the burgeoning disco scene. He formed the group Sylvester and the Hot Band, which gained a dedicated following for their electrifying live performances and unique blend of disco, soul, and funk. Sylvester's solo career took off in 1977 with the release of his self-titled album, which included the hit singles "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" and "Dance (Disco Heat)." These songs became anthems of the disco era and solidified Sylvester's status as a trailblazer in the genre. His flamboyant style, powerful voice, and fearless embrace of his queer identity made him a groundbreaking figure in the music industry. Throughout his career, Sylvester released several critically acclaimed albums and singles, including "Step II" and "Stars." He collaborated with legendary producers and musicians, such as Patrick Cowley and Martha Wash, and toured extensively, bringing his electrifying performances to audiences around the world. Sylvester's impact on music extends far beyond his chart-topping hits. As an openly gay Black artist, he challenged societal norms and paved the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ musicians to express themselves authentically. His music continues to inspire and uplift listeners, with its message of love, acceptance, and liberation. Tragically, Sylvester's life was cut short when he passed away from complications of AIDS in 1988. However, his legacy lives on through his timeless music, which remains an enduring influence on the disco, dance, and LGBTQ+ communities. Sylvester will always be remembered as a fearless trailblazer who broke boundaries and changed the face of music.