Soul and funk legend Syl Johnson will come to Australia for the very first time next month.
Johnson’s best-known song is ‘Take Me To The River’. Al Green and later Talking Heads recorded it.The 72-year old legend played with blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Junior Wells and Magic Sam in the 50s before making his own record for the first time in 1959.
More recently, Johnson discovered his song ‘Different Strokes’ was being used without his permission on a Cypress Hill record. He sued and won.
Now he licences his music for samples. Wu-Tang Clan, MC Hammer and Geto Boys have used his music on their songs.
Johnson will perform at the Corner Hotel with Melbourne’s own The Bamboos backing him.
The date is Feb 14.
