Died On This Date (December 16, 1988) Sylvester / Disco Star
themusicsover Sylvester James
September 6, 1947 – December 16, 1988
Sylvester James, who generally went by just his first name, was a disco-era star who had hits in the late ’70s with “Dance (Disco Heat),” “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” and “Can’t Stop Dancing.” Born and raised by a music-loving family in Los Angeles, James was encouraged to sing at an early age. During the late ’60s, he moved to San Francisco where he became part of the gay and transgender entertainment community, with most notably, the Cockettes. Over the next few years, James began making a name for himself throughout the Bay area and in 1977, he signed with Fantasy Records, who teamed him up with legendary Motown producer, Harvey Fuqua. James quickly became a disco star by releasing numerous hits and appearing on television and film. His last hit came in 1984. On December 16, 1988, Sylvester James, 41, died of complications from AIDS.
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