Remembering Roberta Flack and Honoring Her Legacy
Syleena Johnson is a Chicago soul sensation, known for her powerful voice and captivating stage presence. With a career spanning over two decades, she has earned her place as one of the most respected and beloved artists in the Chicago music scene. Her latest album, Legacy, is a testament to her commitment to her craft and her city’s rich musical heritage.
Remembering Roberta Flack
Johnson’s music is deeply rooted in the city’s soulful traditions, and she has always been drawn to the rich musical legacy of Chicago. When asked about the passing of Roberta Flack, she reflected on the significance of her music and its impact on her own career. "Her writing and the timeless sound of her voice—Roberta Flack is a household name in African American music," she said. "Her staying power, her connectivity, and who she’s worked with… she’s a legend. We’re losing one of our great, great artists, and that’s always going to feel tragic. But her music is eternal."
‘Legacy’ and ‘The Chi’
Johnson’s latest album, Legacy, is a deeply personal project that pays tribute to her late father, Syl Johnson, and uncle, Jimmy Johnson, who passed away just six days apart in 2022. The album features samples of her father’s music on every track, making it a true celebration of his legacy. Although Johnson has hinted that this might be her final solo album, she is taking a break from solo projects to focus on her work with the supergroup The Chi, alongside Dave Hollister and Carl Thomas.
The Sound of Chicago Soul
When asked about the essence of Chicago soul, Johnson explained that it’s not just a genre, but a reflection of the city’s rich musical history. "Soul comes from circumstance. Soul comes from pain. Soul comes from progression. Soul comes from whatever you’ve gone through," she said. For Johnson, Chicago’s sound is a seamless evolution of its musical heritage, from the blues and gospel to house and jazz. "Chicago does a good job of staying true to its core," she said. "You say Chicago, and you say house music, the blues, good gospel. We’ve been able to have a soundtrack for our city, and that soundtrack stays true to who we are."
A Father’s Influence
Johnson’s father, Syl, was a significant influence on her musical journey. He played guitar every day, and she would watch his bands rehearse and listen to albums in the basement. "My dad played guitar every single day," she recalled. "As a little girl, I watched his bands rehearse. He had a little recording studio in the basement. We listened to albums in the basement. It was just a very music-filled home."
The Freedom to Create
As she grew older, Johnson’s musical tastes evolved, and she began to explore R&B and other genres. "Some of the sounds in me subconsciously come from that kind of instrumentation, as well as the sound of the blues," she said. "But as I got older, it evolved into R&B." When she started hanging out in the city, she was drawn to the clubs that played house music and other Chicago sounds. "It was nothing I could do to ever escape it, even though I had tons of different other interests and things that I’m really good at. But it always comes back to the music," she said.
Health, Wellness, and Holistic Living
While music remains at the forefront of her life, Johnson is equally passionate about holistic wellness. She has stepped back from bodybuilding competitions but remains committed to her health and wellness journey. "I’m always on a total wellness journey," she said. "Mind, body, spirit—the whole package. Yoga, strength training, sauna every day, stretching, eating right, taking vitamins, drinking water, reading my Bible. The people around me have to give off wellness, too. If not, none of this matters."
City Winery: An Intimate, Raw, and Real Experience
City Winery audiences can expect an authentic and raw performance from Johnson, with a focus on her raw, unfiltered voice and guitar playing. "We use an acoustic set," she said. "There’s no auto-tunes and plug-ins and all that stuff. We try to be as raw as we possibly can." She encourages fans to expect a high-energy show with a mix of songs from throughout her career. "We have a great time at my shows," she said. "Absolutely authentic and organic."
For More Information
Syleena Johnson performs at the City Winery (1200 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL) on Friday, Feb. 28 (7:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 1 (6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.). All three shows are sold out as of this writing. Interested parties can join a waiting list for the March 1, 6:30 p.m. show. For more information, visit citywinery.com/chicago.
