Love Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester | Amazon Music

In partnership with filmmaker Lauren Tabak and writer/consulting producer Barry Walters, we dive into the music career of Sylvester, starting from church choir in South Central LA to his early years in San Francisco. It follows his ascent to stardom through his evergreen, international hits "Dance (Disco Heat)" and "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)". Through his groundbreaking career, Sylvester blew open the doors for queer visibility and gender fluidity in mainstream music, leaving a legacy that continues to influence today's pop music. The documentary features candid interviews with Billy Porter, Martha Wash (The Weather Girls, Two Tons o’ Fun), Sylvester’s sister Bernadette Baldwin, biographer Josh Gamson, producer/songwriter James Wirrick, and more. Listen to Sylvester on our Pride History playlist: amzn.to/37D73XG
#AmazonMusic #Sylvester #Pride
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Love Me Like You Should: The Brave and Bold Sylvester | Amazon Music
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[@dancelover020]

Sylvester deserves a FULL documentary or film even! But still, this was very nice. They need to release all those tv performances on a dvd!!

[@rogerbarrett1979]

PREACH!

[@geraintedwards5034]

Yes indeed

[@stephanielewis1305]

Yessssss

[@daviantaylor4565]

I’m trying to work on that, I just don’t know who to get in touch with about it just yet.

[@jonlacey316]

Billy would be perfect to play him

[@delgadoj8]

Listen to his B side records! It shows the depth and talent that is Sylvester! Amazing and one of a kind! Like Billy says; he has not been duplicated! The LGBTQ community owe so much to him! Rest in eternal power!

[@tyralikadiamondstar8960]

You ever hear of Alex Newell?

[@metropressnews499]

Sylvester was amazing. I still dance to his music to this day. His voice was a combination of soul and gospel. I will love him forever!

[@metropressnews499]

Sylvester was one of a kind. Next to my favorite performer James Brown, he (and Adeva) hold icon status in my heart. Their music never gets old! They brought me so much joy throughout the years and I will cherish and continue to play them for years to come. Sylvester was absolutely, truly THA BOMB!

[@GETOSUPASTAR]

Thank God for Sylvester. He sayshayed through many back doors so the Billy Porter's, EJ Johnson's, RuPaul's etc could shante through the front! I only wish he was still here to see how far we've come... ❤😔😪

[@markhall17]

?

[@lindsayneeld3559]

22ul

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

todrick hall. And MNEK bob the drag queen.

[@lindagordon2699]

I saw the Cockettes and Sylvester at The Palace in North Beach San Francisco back in the '70's. I met all of them and fell madly in love! Pride Parades and Sylvester's music is like nothing or nobody had ever seen before. WE all loved Sylvester. I was at the Parade and saw Sylvester proud and ill...it was heartbreaking but we cheered him on and embraced him with love.

[@drewkatchen805]

This was great, but I wish it were 10,000x longer.

[@andreawagner7352]

Me too

[@mimij4660]

Me too

[@bobdavis4848]

Me too

[@bosslady1188]

Me too

[@kuriaki71]

That voice will never be duplicated.

[@kimberlyjordan9023]

NEVER! I was just a kid when he first came out

[@LalaLarrieux]

My mama used to play his music when I was a little girl, and I loooooved it!!! Now as an adult, I have his music on my playlist. Gets no better. 💛🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈

[@Bellissimma]

Same!

[@karinski]

Amazing, inspiring and celebratory. The power of owning your truth and the freedom of being able to live as yourself.

[@rogerbarrett1979]

AIDS has robbed us of many great artists, including Sylvester. He was only 41 and he still had more music to give us. He had a very unique sound. That guy was a bit out there, but he brought us some awesome music. May he rest in peace.

[@Hillers62]

He could have given us so much more...especially today...

[@adonaiyah2196]

Exactly

[@lauren6509]

My goodness. What a wonderful piece on a wonderful man that left his mark on the music industry. RIP Sylvester and fly high 🕊️

[@jeffreyschunk261]

For those wanting a longer look at Sylvester's life and career, there was an episode of TVOne's Unsung series devoted to him. It's available here. Just search for Unsung and then scroll through the available titles (it didn't come up when I searched for both Sylvester and Unsung, for some reason).

[@Rachelleluluful]

Thank you!!!!

[@dawnlee866]

It's been deleted

[@Jasmine-ot8br]

@@dawnlee866 smh that's bs

[@LeoPichara]

It made me cry tears of joy! Thank you Sylvester for being so talented, brave and bold! I wish it was 2 hours long. 💜

[@innocenteventiorbetello]

LEGENDARY. Thank you Tabak and Walters for this. The live album captured on that night with the "glittered" San Francisco Symphony is one of my absolute favorites ever.

[@clyde642006]

I’m a very straight man, but Sylvester was a very beautiful, talented black man. 🌹What a fabulous voice.🎼🎶 Why hasn’t this man had a true documentary on his life and his contribution to music? I never even knew that Sylvester performed at the San Francisco Opera with the entire symphony!

[@simonewilliamsjannou7230]

Best way to close out Pride month is when we play "You Make Me Feel" all around the world their homes. R.I.P. Sylvester (one of the OG RuPaul of its decade) and will always be a awesome diva👑🏳️‍🌈

[@Nyasiamonique]

How come am just hearing about this fabulous person 💖🌈✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

[@dancelover020]

It's never too late! Beter late than never I say !

[@kenyawalls2255]

Me too

[@TheErokk725]

Such a trailblazer who paved the way for the likes of,Boy George,Lil' Naz x,Sam Harris...to name a few.Still listening!R.I.H.,musical genius!!!🕺🕺🕺🎧🎤🎛🎶🎵🎙

[@bosslady1188]

Thank You so much for this right here Those small clips doesn't come close to unpacking such a pioneer. Rest Easy Sylvester ❤

[@brandonkjackson]

Beautiful Documentary! I wish it was much longer. Sylvester was a trailblazer and icon. He helped pave the way for Black LGBTQ artists. He deserves more recognition!

[@garwynoaksunitedneighborsa4112]

We need a Sylvester BIOPIC!

[@Hope-wd7wx]

Yes! Sylvester means so much to so many!

[@LeroybrownLR3mk02]

Would be amazing. But the only person who could play Sylvester would be Sylvester. One in a billion.

[@theonly1258]

Yes we do

[@jmfia2391]

No.

[@riojordan3659]

Yessss Sylvester definitely needs a BIOPIC 💯 and miss Lawrence needs to portray Sylvester in the biopic…👌🏾💯

[@johnboily3515]

Got so emotional while watching this. The highs, the lows, such a consistent positive message to send the world. Thank you Sylvester. Thank you Barry.

[@PalmSpringsKev]

Long Live Sylvester

[@brucebosch9362]

Tears in my eyes, my heart bleeding. A beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Thank you. Least we forgot ❤

[@bekit7131]

Sylvester was an amazing talent. I love his falsetto voice. Thanks for sharing. 👏🏻👏🏽👏🏾💯💕💕❤️💄

[@rondumurphy4447]

Loved it wish it were longer

[@nakialindsey5684]

Yass Sylvester 😍 still giving me life in 2020 nobody can touch his music and falsetto give Sylvester his due👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 he was way beyond his time🕣. I'm forever singing MIGHTY REAL 🤣🤣🤣.

[@deaneawilliams2272]

Yes I'm totally am obsessed with him ❤

[@stradedellabassa-videodica1185]

All my LOVE to Sylvester, an icon of art, humanity and passion for life. Thank you Syl for your music and your courage to be exactly like you should. An example for many others. And thank you for this documentary, please make more like this and even longer with many more performances and interviews of our unforgettable Diva. YOU MAKE US FEEL MIGHTY REAL

[@bosslady1188]

Well spoken ❤

[@dougbarnes5564]

One of the greatest artist of our time. His timeless music filled my dance floor for many years. RIP Sylvester.... With love from your many fans.

[@christyt3848]

So wonderful and inspiring. Thank you!!!

[@Varenge239]

i SAW sYLVESTER SINGING IN A CLUB IN PARIS FRANCE AT THE END OF HIS LIFEAND EVEN IF HIS BODY WAS.....DIFFERENT, HIS VOICE WAS STILL AMAZING. LOVED HIM

[@djromero5780]

OMG just awesome!!! As a DJ I spin his music and still, his music moves the crowd!!

[@antonioperez8908]

Thank you so much for posting this. I absolutely love Do Ya Wanna Funk, like, I love it. I just really do, it was ahead of its time.

[@torinowens6103]

A real poineer! It's so sad he passed so soon. 1love

[@kyanderson3989]

Sylvester Forever! ❤

[@KyOte13]

This needed to be longer... Sylvester, next to Jobriath, is one of the most important gay figures in popular music history

[@michellemitchell38mm]

Thank you SO much for this. Sylvester is an Icon we should never forget. He was the embodiment of "Realness"and living your truth. Whenever I'm down his music lifts me up. Just a beautiful, genuine and caring human being. The world is a richer place for having been blessed with his spirit. Gone but NEVER forgotten. Love you always Sylvester and thank you for everything.💋♥️💯

[@TheMysteryMachine]

if this doesn't make you cry i don't understand. Love Sylvester SO. MUCH.

[@rosemaryrogers1478]

Sylvester made me feel mighty real at twenty, and now at 63, I feel mighty real even more🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@michaelburgess9707]

There is nothing that he did that did not bring joy. I was fortunate to see him once at the Blue Parrot in West Hollywood. He wasn't in all his fabulous regalia but there was no mistaking our Fairy Godmother was in the house. I miss you, I miss all my long departed way too soon friends and can't wait to join that party. Thanks for posting, it made me happy and sad at the same time.

[@tamaraallen215]

My mother says I would climb up on the coffee table and dance every time Sylvester (and Natalie Cole!) came on the radio! Thank you SO MUCH for this!!

[@nellienell9746]

I was wondering when they are going too make a biopic about him. 🥰

[@windnchgo]

Words cannot express how much I love Sylvester. The next logical step is a full- bio-pic. This is what is needed now. Please!

[@williambasolene2120]

Bill Durling Hajji Vbbbbbbbbbbxffffffggbn Bbjjjjjbbbbjjftttyyhhyyyyy. Gggggfgvlswwpeeiiiicbhhj

[@msrhdes76]

Agreed

[@JohnWJones]

Clearly those "thumbs down" were for this being too short. This excellent documentary needs to be much longer. Loved it!!

[@joycelyntaylor3136]

I loved Sylvester's style and music back in the days when I was a child. Distinct voice impeccable style flawless complexion...... I'm grown up and I still listen to his music. I'll always BE a fan.

[@anything5247]

You make me feel mighty real!

[@Daethaqt3000]

I HAVE EVERY VINYL!! This made me emotional!!

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Sylvester looked just like his mother and sister!! Wow!!

[@marcrand3249]

I LOVVVED this. Barry Walters, you make me feel mighty real!

[@ChicanoPhD]

I hope someone makes a biopic about one of the legendary pioneers of the LGBTQ+ community. Long live Sylvester!

[@lupeortiz9466]

Love this doc...but there MUST be a 'Sylvester' movie!!!

[@yasinradee]

My Icon👸🏿 His story needs to be told Asap💜

[@bluemanzanita]

Magnificently human, truly an angel.

[@willreid55]

Fabulous, but too short! A pioneer! 💜

[@tylerfriedrich4097]

Sylvester holds a special place in everyone’s heart.

[@dgpolizzi]

SYLVESTER was a true friend. He was generous sweet kind & loving. I use to design hand painted wearable kimonos robes & long panels of painted silk that he would wrap & tie into wearable art. We 1st met at the COCKETTES shows. I will ALWAYS LOVE SYLVESTER ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@novaluxurious]

Discovered him in the 90s and it all made sense

[@lehliladevandria5712]

A LONG TIME COMING!!!

[@CrystalCountess]

40 years later and no one has come close. This music, yes, THIS music has stood the test of time. This singer and artist stands the test of time and transcends his death. I wonder how many other music acts of that time can claim the same.

[@jamielim5059]

1st was Sylvester than came Rupaul 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@khiadaniels8451]

Oh how I wish this documentary was longer😔😔😔 I was gluedddddd in every moment. Thanks Amazon

[@marysueellis2614]

We want, and need, a full length Sylvester doc!

[@natedawood1697]

Oxox. Qq

[@mariekanu3203]

I think TV One did an Unsung on him if I’m not mistaken.

[@khiadaniels8451]

Marie Kanu yes I’m hoping they release it on here. A lot of episodes have been uploaded this week 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@mariekanu3203]

Khia Daniels I’m not sure if you can find the episodes on TV One’s website.

[@soulfulvoices2341]

Sylvester and Martha Wash are so great !!

[@enzo-orion-og]

Thank you beautiful Sylvester for sharing your music, your heart, and yourself with the world. You are still impacting lives

[@DennisPastorizo]

This was beautiful. I didn't know much about Sylvester before this. Well done!

[@fareedg6703]

I saw Sylvester and the two tons of fun at Shea's Theater in Buffalo NY when I was 14 y/o. He wasn't the artist that I went to see. However, I was and still am one of his biggest fans after that concert. It's unfortunate that they used Bill Porter in this dedication to Sylvester. He is so obviously a bitter person. He doesn't embody nor is he a good representation of the spirit or personality of Sylvester.

[@ianandrews-careless3266]

One of the best artists of all time , love his voice

[@Ohmboi76]

Amazing!!!

[@angeliahines4323]

Been waiting on this moment. 🤗

[@stephennpa]

Sylvester was an icon for the lgbtqi and more in the world! Groundbreaking, not afraid to be who he was and not care what anyone thought. He made music and lived his life and as he said towards the end, he didn't regret a thing. Hoping that the youngers today find out about Sylvester and explore lots of his music so they can enjoy it too.

[@ElijahLukeMusic]

I love him, Marvin Gaye was a Sylvester fan as well sharing the same producer.

[@losgreensborogboro5804]

Wow i did not know that,but now i listen i can here it.

[@ElijahLukeMusic]

@@losgreensborogboro5804 Too Hot to Sleep album

[@marcelsm1562]

His life must be told in a film! Urgently!! We can't forget it, we must celebrate our culture!

[@craigbonney1411]

A fabulous icon!

[@LACEMSK1980]

i learned so much, mad respectz to Sylvester ♥️💯

[@justme-tj3jt]

This really suger coats Sylvester's life. Wish his family loved him more when he was alive rather than after his fame. However, so happy he is finally being recognized.

[@MARCIE12ification]

Thank u so much.🖤🖤🖤✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@bohemoth1]

Sylvester still lives in the hearts of every single person who wants to be completely different without any type of regrets. He was the Epitome of JUST BE YOURSELF AND LOVE WHAT AND WHO YOU ARE ALWAYS!❤👍🇵🇷❤

[@awesomepetah]

This is so COOL

[@ismaelrasul9421]

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH FOR THIS DOCUMENTARY I LOVE SLYVESTER & HIS MUSIC. HE WAS SO REAL AND TRUE TO HIMSELF, A TRUE TRAIL BLAZER WITH SUCH A BEAUTIFUL VOICE & SPIRIT. HE STOOD UP AND STOOD OUT AMONG US MER MORTALS ON EARTH. MAY HE REST IN BEAUTY & JOY💖💓💃😎👑🎤

[@instantapp3242]

S Lbo

[@Hillers62]

Sylvester was one of the greatest singers ever...I have all of his albums...I believe the best one was "Stars"...he put his entire soul into it...

[@stanharry3722]

Sylvester was bold and brave in a time when being gay was forbidden to Express. Being black and gay would have been a very big challenge but doing what he did was very brave not to mention bold. It paved the way for many singers at that time to do the same. And to top it off Sylvester was the first to do this. And no one can claim that but Sylvester. It's sad that he is no longer with us but May he rest in peace...

[@liroso]

Very moving, and not just dance. His legacy will live on and on.

[@liroso]

@@lorenzoestrada7784 ?

[@lacrishamarie8600]

@@liroso t.cdamuvbrfguu

[@lacrishamarie8600]

Xda

[@dariomargeli]

Hey! Wish they would have also covered his "All I Need¨ album, still I'm thankful for Tip Wirrick being in the video and the rare footage.

[@blkmaverick03]

I am so surprised that there seems to be no video footage of him at the Opera House. I would have loved to see that performance.

[@nancypryor4004]

Man I do love me some Sylvester.

[@marthashepherd935]

He was bold and so happy with his self love Sylvester😊

[@Bellissimma]

Well done! 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@talitaprado4250]

Que coisa linda, gente. Sylvester é lenda ❤️💜♥️💙💚🖤

[@jincks277]

My fav song of his is "Hey thats no way to say Goodbye". His vocals were crazy!!

[@boyroyboy226]

Great mini doc. Sylvester. Mighty Real. We are still feeling Mighty Real whenever we hear your anthem.

[@oscarlopezventuro8125]

I LOVE YOU, SYLVESTER. YOU MADE MY CHILDHOOD. SALUDOS DESDE PERÚ...

[@nice-hm7lg]

THIS IS INCREDIBLE. Barry Walters does it again :')

[@stanharry3722]

This is so awesome and the video is great it just shows how real he was with himself and you should be that way with your self..

[@nickmason1469]

Amazing, I was lucky enough to see him perform in "Heaven" night club, London, way back in the 80s, legendary queen!

[@islahlaim5907]

Pmk

[@marthashepherd935]

He was out loud and proud and bold to be his self in the time when it was too dangerous to be gay he was a warrior didn't let no one dim his shine due to his life love me some Sylvester still listening to him July 2nf 2020. Sylvester sung like he was a Gospel singer and could rock you😊

[@jawkneekat]

This was a great 15 minutes. I could've sat through much more but am grateful for such a thoughtful power packed film.

[@TheDetroitblack]

I sorely miss Sylvester.... Dance with me in the Disco Heat!! There's Only One You🎙️♥️🌟

[@TheMarapasa]

Lovely film, condragulation to the film makers but once again only half the story is being told ...Sylvester came out of a "tribe" of fabulous black trans women and black drag queens of which is where and how "Thee Sylvester" was trained by the girls many are still living left wondering why they are never asked their opinions, they have fabulous never seen publically photos of Sylvester, when well meaning white people only tell their part of the story, no tea no shade, the most interesting part of the story of the real Sylvester gets left untold....

[@joshuagamson]

Andrea, hi! Sending you warmth and affection from here. I still remember our meeting back in New York back in the day. I hope you've been well.

[@bsquared4604]

let's hope someone tells it.

[@respektmyname15]

So why don't YOU tell that part of the story

[@joshuagamson]

the first couple chapters of my book tells that part of the story, to the degree I could get it (as well meaning white person)...

[@Hope-wd7wx]

It's time to get their stories told, if they are open to that.

[@ms.martiegallego8834]

Billy Porter is good, but don't have the voice that Sylvester had !!

[@dancelover020]

He never said he does!

[@Bbcream342]

It would need to be a male Patti Labelle. Who is that now?? After Sylvester we had Luther and that was that.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

@@Bbcream342 ....there was Prince...and of course the media tried to make him feel bad about the success of Prince...and BOY GEORGE...and MICHAEL JACKSON...for their androgyny...high voices ETC....they were thriving while he was being seen as a novelty fading disco act...he had wonderful things to say about all of them...then he said...AS FOR ME...YOU WILL ALL HAVE TO CATCH UP....and he was RIGHT...he was the 1st...and on a social political level...THE BEST...

[@riojordan3659]

Sylvester definitely needs a BIOPIC 💯 and miss Lawrence needs to portray Sylvester… if you don’t know miss Lawrence look 👀 miss Lawrence up …. Can sang and act as well …. He was in the tv series (STAR) on fox ….💯👌🏾🙌

[@morganlynch1]

Give Sylvester all of his flowers! All of the recognition!