Soul Drippin': Syl Johnson

I spent one recent weekend afternoon with legendary R&B artist, Syl Johnson for an editorial project running this week.


Cover of Chicago Reader




I started the shoot at his home on the near south side of Chicago (where he tends an amazing organic vegetable garden) then over to my studio to shoot the cover. His house is lined with gold and platinum records on which his music has been sampled.


Me and Syl Johnson


Syl's been playing since the 50's but his work has most famously been sampled by everyone from Michael Jackson, Cypress Hill, Wu Tang Clan to the The Beastie Boys.


"Severio. Good Job. Peace, Love, Happiness. Syl Johnson."
Cover of Different Strokes 67-69 featuring a platinum record from Wu Tang Clan.

Syl's energy for a 70 year old is vibratory and had me keeping pace with his erratic moves. We shot while playing his song Right on Sister from his record, "Is it Because I'm Black?", on continuous loop because it's the jam!

Your number is up.



This is my last post about a favorite annual project of mine, the Illinois Lotto Halloween Raffle. If you bought a $20 ticket and didn't win, feel good that you're supporting public education with your donation to the state.

Agency-Energy BBDO
Art Director-Tim Mikus
Art Buyer- Laura Feeney