Sylvester: Mighty Real (Music Doc Short)

The feature-length documentary Sylvester: Mighty Real will bring back to life the pioneering performer John Waters calls a combination of "Billie Holiday and Diana Ross on LSD." Sylvester began as a child gospel singer and sashayed past barriers of race and sexual identity to become the definitive anthemist of disco and dance soul. With a vibrant falsetto and genderbending persona, he redefined what it means-on stage and in life-to be "mighty real." This documentary will restore to the spotlight a pivotal performer whose music defined an era and whose influence is still felt by dozens of current vocalists.

[@Janeintheok]

Sylvester wasn't a drag queen, he was himself, and that took guts. Rest well, sweet spirit 🌹

[@saschajarmicki6950]

Ahead of its time. With his backup singers 2tons of fun... Martha wash... Later weather girls und demosong queens who later got the credits ( black box, c&c music factory) to this day he never received a Grammy for his impact in disco music, gospel. Black gay dude who died of aids. Thank you Sylvester. You're the real disco diva.

[@vmg2025]

I’m in tears, amazed to see this beautiful tribute to my dear old friend. I was in high school when we met at a Midnight show of the Cockettes where he was singing as Miss Ruby. I had to meet him and we became fast friends, spending every weekend driving around in his car singing to the radio with the unknown Pointer Sisters in the back seat stunning us with their perfect vocals and 1940s style dresses and flowers in their hair. They were soon booked to sing at Winterland, backup for Joe Cocker and Dave Mason, and the rest is history. Later dancing at Studio 54 to Sylvester, knowing he must be thrilled to have made it the way he wanted to. What a legacy he left us. I feel like Forest Gump having been there during my teens, befriending someone as beautiful, real, and loving as he was. He was my friend, and I was his.

[@keithharris4867]

Virginia MacGregor beautiful story! ❤️✨✨✨

[@missgigip]

Awww what a beautiful story thanks for sharing

[@wonderboyjoy]

Crying. Sylvester. What a star.

[@brandonlewismalone986]

Wow amazing ...such fantastic memories ..many blessing to you ❤💯

[@michaelgaynor6866]

@@brandonlewismalone986 ,Blessed to see the Phenomenal Sylvester twice, once at a club called Tracks in Denver and again at the Bourse Building in Philadelphia, Pa. He made me feel MIGHTY REAL!

[@ericking8661]

"I haven't gotten a phone call yet, but I haven't buried him either" - Jeanie Tracy. He lives on in my soul. One of the best and bravest. One of my true heroes. Sylvester, rest in truth, power, and fabulousness!

[@blueskye6372]

Wonderful quote. Bless you. ✌💕🙏

[@Loiichi]

"I haven't gotten the phone call yet, but I haven't buried him either." Such tenderness.

[@louetttowns9059]

WOW I didn't know that he was a dead man, I just heard his music and started falling in love with it,, sorry to hear about your illness sir I really liked your profile ...

[@pawswithnohome8995]

@@louetttowns9059 He died from Aids.

[@nigelprance2540]

@@louetttowns9059 Just keep loving his music darling! That's what he would want.

[@DERVT]

I sang for a living for the last 25 years as a drag queen and it's this guy's beautiful falsetto that inspired me as a kid here in the England. Sylvester, you and so many wonderful people were taken so brutally and far too soon by AIDS, but your voice, your beauty and your legacy are thrilling and immortal. Thank you for your many gifts. Sleep in sweet peace. Jonathan XXX

[@David-sc2ir]

There are people who cross this earth who are here to inspire and to lay the foundations for the future, Sylvester was one of these people. I cannot imagine the bravery and determination it took to do what he did in a time when he very well could have been killed for being himself. He never faltered from what he was, he was true to himself and what he believed. How many of us can say that? Thank you, Sylvester.

[@eduardofagundes4793]

There would be no Rupaul without Sylvester.

[@kimberlyrush3891]

Amén Marcus xxxs ✌💜😀💯

[@JLPerryTV]

Which is sad because he rarely acknowledges it

[@timothyypearson]

Sylvester had talent but there would be no RuPaul no lil Nas X no Jermaine Stewart he kicked down those doors

[@ZipLineFine]

Sylvester James was truly " Mighty Real ". Truly one in a million. I saw him live in concert in the late 1970's as he was becoming more well known. His performances were all the way live - NO backing vocal tracks, NO crappy Auto-Tune,no electronic enhancements ; just him, the microphone and I think Izora Armstead & Martha Wash aka Two Tons o' Fun , accompanied by the pioneering , incomparable Patrick Cowley on keyboards. Sylvester and Patrick have influenced and continue to influence numerous (too many to count) musicians /singers since. I'll always remember that concert as one of my all time favorites; for sure in my Top Ten concerts of all time.And I to this day remember all of them as true entertainers - giving everything they had in each performance. Their energy was palpable and electrifying. A long time fan..

[@asiba2]

I am a contemporary song writer and a sometimes performing artist and he is influencing me listening to his songs and that voice

[@MW-oh7ig]

He broke boundaries. I wish I could have seen and heard him in person. This guy was the fabulous. Authentic and soulful.

[@LIVEFRMNYC]

Now that's what you call COURAGE!!! Live your life to the fullest as yourself, cause you never know when your number will be called upon.

[@antoinettetaylor9556]

SO TRUE!

[@knockshinnoch1950]

He was a force of nature who steamrolled through the barricades ensuring the mainstream couldn't ignore him. They didn't know how to react- he was THE original long before Boy George and the other gay performers emerged. Amazing to think he would've been 70 this year!

[@ninosimone]

he was so ahead of his time!!!!!! r.i.p beloved

[@aliadidondiaa8024]

he was very the time

[@tototita413]

he was ahead of is time like Mae West and sadly so underrated

[@06eric]

i had the privilege to hear him sing live in the 80's... it was great

[@sabreenamohr330]

Great tribute!!!!! Unsung did his story and it very verrrryyyyyy touching. Rest well Disco Queen.

[@williamrookstool6162]

I love, love, love Sylvester. Honest to God, my all-time favorite song in the whole world is You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real). To me, it's just a song about someone else making me feel MORE myself; just being in touch with your Authentic Self and someone else giving you permission to do so. And it doesn't matter the person's sexuality, race, gender, etc. To me it is a quint-essential song documenting that very short-lived time period of when we all gave ourselves permission for that flamboyance from within to be aroused. Disco music as a genre was really about diversity and everyone getting along - or maybe the music just gave us permission to be that way. Talk about freedom; I have never felt more real than when I listen to the song You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real) and the fact that Love and Music when fused together cannot be tamed! It MUST be wild and out! (Again, NOT referring to sexuality, race, or gender here in the slightest).

[@bobbyserrato1949]

Hands up n tha air

[@thickbrianq]

Oooh I miss this MAN! God Bless him, a young Crow Indian born gay and with tourettes syndrome and moved from Montana to California in 67 and a few years later running away to San Francisco and seeing and listening to Sylvester, OhMyGaaaaH!!!!! He was and is and forever will be a Super Stellar Soul!!!!

[@DJCCIvar]

I was just a kid who fell in love with him as an artist. I loved him just as much as I did Kool & The Gang, EW&F, Donna Summer, The Alan Parsons Project, Bee Gees, etc. I thought at such young age that he had this incredible voice and the songs were just FANTASTIC to say the least. He was just as talented as any other of his colleagues and embraced by everyone who is a music enthusiast. I love it how he said he wasn't a (so-called) "drag queen" and that he was just Sylvester. That was a HUGE statement then, it is today and ALWAYS will be. So he liked makeup, dressing in women's clothes, men... Big deal! Those were entirely his own ways (even choices if you will), but he "made it" in the music industry because of his TALENT alone in the end. Many seem bent on focusing on the "outrageousness of his persona" rather than on his musical talents. I am ever so glad that I liked "just Sylvester" as a kid because all I enjoyed, saw and understood in those years was this amazingly talented individual with such a distinctive voice and super cool songs that made this kid a fan for life. And my life and the world is a better place because of him.

[@stangondzar120]

THIS WORLD WE ALL LIVE IN IS A BETTER PLACE BECAUSE OF THE JOY HE HAD AND SHARED!!

[@craigdavis5407]

Mr.Sylvester was way ahead of his times man. True Legend!!!/R.I.P.🙏🙏🙏💚💚💚🌹🌹🌹♥️♥️♥️✊✊✊

[@alvarovaldovinos6836]

I loved him! I grew up with his music and I still adore him. RIP Gehrl!!!!

[@malakia98]

“I’m shopping for Jesus gurl” 😂❤️ I LOVE IT!

[@tototita413]

Sylvester is so underrated he was the Diva of the Divas I did have a chance to meet him few times at the Palace in Paris he was w Patrick Cowley and in SF Castro street fair Gay parades he was the DIVA of the Divas always love Thomas

[@jodypen]

I had the pleasure of seeing him perform in 84 at Roosters in West Palm Beach. Tickets were only 8 bucks, we sat on rented folding chairs that filled the dance floor and Sylvester danced and performed countless songs on an unpainted plywood stage built that day. We had very close front row seats, bright blue spandex thighs were my memories most. We were blessed!

[@AlanPhotosVideos]

tears falling, what an amazing talent, FEARLESS and FABULOUS! BOLD and BRAVE! thank you Sylvester! NO ONE does it better. YOU were the icon of the gay community, and remain so in many of our hearts!

[@joeymontepiedra]

Oh, wow! My early aerobics teaching music in the mid to late 80s, was all about Sylvester (and Lime) but mostly Sylvester music - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real), Dance(Disco Heat), Do You Wanna Funk, Hard Up, Trouble in Paradise (one of my all-time favorites), Call Me, Take Me To Heaven, Loving is Really My Game....

[@95KIPPIE]

He was the real deal! Lots of respect for him as a person, and singer! What a voice, and I love all his music

[@Kallah_DaughterOfYAHUAH]

mark my words! HOLLYWOOD BETTER do a movie on this mans life! someone’s guna do it! ii FEEL it coming! iidk who will star. but it will be legendary & EARTH-SHATTERING! it WILL change the game of storytelling!

[@cherylb5680]

Sylvester is joy great energy and a magical voice.... then add in "two tons of fun" and it's on!

[@kamelpratt9851]

I'm a Straight Male, and from a musical, as well as social/politial stand point, I actually look up to Sylvester!!! She was a trailblazer!!!! and as funny as it may sound, you can actually hear the spirit of the lord in the music! I believe She was put here for some particular purpose!!!

[@sharondamilburn5272]

You know what you'll are right 10000000% everything you said and I appreciate you saying calling her not to many called or said or say that and thank you God bless you🙏✌.

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Kamel Pratt,saw the Amazing SYLVESTER in Denver and again at the Bourse Building here in Philadelphia, Pa. ( early eighties) He made me feel MIGHTY REAL! If he couldn't get you jumping...nobody could! Rest in Peace SYLVESTER. June 2019

[@KittieKatt4life]

So accurate!! ❤️❤️

[@randycox3232]

SHE was an ANGEL!

[@sleepyccs]

He was a gay MALE.

[@crcsoon]

What can be said when you've lost a Beautiful Diamond. They're very rare and almost impossible to find. I'm so very, very sorry we lost you Sylvester. You were definitely a Lovely Irreplaceable Diamond. We will NEVER stop crying over your loss.

[@carlrussify]

Thank you for posting this. In 1984 I was 21 and tending bar at the now defunct Phoenix bar one Sunday afternoon when Sylvester who was an occasional patron got up on the bar and sang Mighty Real. They were the most memorable, happiest, saddest, scariest, and confusing days of my life. Thank you for posting this video. The gay community has come so far since, and I would not want anyone to have to live through those days, but it is great to be reminded of the strength and spirit of so many of my gay brothers and sisters in darkest days of the 80's.

[@rogerbarrett8978]

Sylvester's music is still so full of energy! Makes me wanna get up and dance, but I can't to save my life.

[@wonderboyjoy]

I adored him. He was way ahead of his time. But he was just perfect for his era. Loved him.

[@PilarCelinaCamaChamorro]

He wasn´t a drag queen, he was a star, amazing voice full of light.

[@jamesmebaby]

Sylvester, was a great performer and I loved his music and listening to his music makes me happy. RIP

[@IMSTRAIGHTUP150]

I LOVED SLYVESTER… I was Dancing on my feet, in the disco in the disco heat, dancing through the night, the morning light, shined on me and, HIS MUSIC MADE ME DANCE-DANCE-DANCE DANCE, I danced in total freedom, I was being myself and, I stomped my feet and, I kept with up with everybody. Swinging, swaying, I moved grooved while I was sliding and, gliding, rocking, realign. I LOVED SLYVESTER!!!🥰😍😘

[@wtfjayhawks]

Had the blessing of seeing him twice....oh boy......Before there was Boy George, there was this man.....love, ya buddy, and miss you.

[@LiquidShivaz]

Ultimately he/she/they imprinted my heart and coloured my soul. I still listen to the music on a daily basis. I’m 59, they’ll grow old with me. Such an unique soul. May they rest in peace.

[@SuV33358]

You make me feel...miiiiighty real 🎵🎤❤️❤️❤️

[@jerryo1228]

Amazing singer and performer. ‘Mighty real’ was one of the greatest songs in the disco era. So good!

[@bestdisco1979]

I loved watching this. Sylvester was one of a kind , a truly talented man. Always in my heart and soul.

[@googlepigs7027]

This man should be far more famous and recognized than he is. His singing and soul have depth and beauty that are uniquely powerful and touching.

[@CMaher-po7tl]

This is a beautiful documentary, about a very beautiful person!

[@rubenzamorano3431]

SYLVESTER. NUMBER ONE FOREVER. DISCO.. DISCO... DISCO.

[@johnhiram1207]

I saw him live in Boston at 15 Lansdowne and he blew us away! Amazing voice.

[@syncopate.]

Christ I feel so ignorant. How have I lived 20 some odd years of life and never heard of sylvester til now?!!! What a talent!

[@johndifrancisco3642]

You are FAR from ignorant if you are (were) here watching this.

[@mrfunky1768]

YOUNGIN.......don't fret cause now you know go tell it on the mountain.....and in valley to all the other 20 somethings

[@luvluvbooboo4043]

@@mrfunky1768 🌟💃🏿🌟💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋baby now you no it's 💋ok baby💋thank the 💃🏿creator for utube💃🏿 from SYLVESTER 2 you.💝💋💝😘🥰😘🥰🤣🤣

[@francesminder5601]

Don't feel like that. It's up to people like my 65 year old ass to introduce you to him. Want to know more? Read the book The Fabulous Sylvester it is AWESOME. I still have it. You will love the friendship between him and Patti Labelle

[@marknorthwest93]

Sylvester was "Mighty Real" and a true original talent who left us much too early, but his recorded legacy will have us dancing well into the future! I was at the Trocadero Transfer in S.F. in the mid 80's and and D.J. started to play a medley of Sylvester's hits. A large figure in a flowing caftan and a headress floated into the club. As he sailed by, I asked, "Are you Sylvester," and he stopped and extended a jewel encrusted hand in my face. What else could I do, but kiss it! I miss his spirt and joie de vive greatly. Thanks for posting this tribute!

[@deontebrewer3133]

He would be so proud of the more acceptance of LBGT individuals today. Sylvester's spirit is still present. I smile when I think of how he prevailed at that dangerous period in history!!

[@wdsftygt]

De'Onte Brewer he would hate it because it is anti Christianity and Marxist

[@sharondamilburn5272]

No he wouldn't

[@Discotub]

Lovely. We need more Sylvesters in the world.

[@nelsondejesusconstantinoni1243]

Simple beautiful !!!!!! i like you very much

[@damianmorrison209]

Yes

[@jackglez7982]

And Patrick Cowley!!!

[@victorevans6845]

Discotub I am sure we do lol

[@170newyork3]

You will be missed R. I.P Sylvester You’re the Biggest ICONIC person ever your style, your hair, Your clothes was amazing. We love you.

[@brianhenry9799]

Sylvester was one of a kind and so underrated. Step 2 and Stars contain some of the very best music of the disco and R&B genre of 1977 - 1982.

[@Ambrosia369]

I would love to see his live performance at the San Francisco Opera House with the two tons of fun

[@beamillan93]

The one singer I wish I met...you and your talent are missed!

[@melaniebiggins9203]

Sylvester was Sylvester. Accept it or reject it. Rest well Sylvester!!

[@padraiq]

Style, Voice, Energy. Had it all, mad respect.

[@adriantownsend208]

I so wish I'd have had the chance to meet Sylvester, His aura and personality seems as if you'd instantly love him! I wish more people could have that influence during this tie!

[@NATURALDIVA4LIFE]

He was an angel. Mid 70's, I met him, Grace Jones, Stephanie Mills and many others who performed - "Dance Fever Disco Show". It was so much fun and I will always remember that moment. Really trying to find that clip.

[@valetrykimble4177]

Man this documentary is amazing and educational. The 70's and 80's was the real golden years

[@banyera]

Superb quality , RIP Sylvester

[@marcoantoniomedel4606]

Sylvester es una de las mejores personas que pudo dar el high Energy su música es para disfrutarla en una discoteque yo a la fecha sigo disfrutando de ese potencial del género del high Energy, saludos desde Iztapalapa ciudad de México

[@donniehagy5125]

There are TONS of bold people, but few who are bold AND talented! I miss this man so much. It was his music that helped me get through some very tough times in my 67 years on this earth. God bless him.

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Donnie Hagy,I was Blessed to see the Phenomenal Sylvester twice, once at a club called Tracks in Denver and again at the Bourse Building in Philadelphia, Pa. He made me feel MIGHTY REAL! Will be 65 years old in January and know your not alone! Stay Strong and Stay Well from Philadelphia.

[@donniehagy5125]

@@michaelgaynor6866 I envy you! Hell, where I live, had Sylvester ever tried to perform, he would have been hanged! There was just something about his energy that was so contagious. You stay safe and healthy, as well. 'Tis a crazy time we're living in.

[@margerymelvin1621]

What a talent, what a beauty, what a sweet soul.

[@sagala40]

Thank you Sylvester for being you!!! He gave us so much!!! :)

[@opal645]

he had a wonderful voice

[@kellymendez]

He had a great singing voice

[@staceydupree8488]

God I wish I could of met this beautiful man.

[@luvluvbooboo4043]

SYLVESTER💃🏿 you are truly loved ❣and🌟💥 missed❣ by 💔many 💔people💔😢☹💔heart's💔 still💔 break just by hearing your name or listening 2 your music when you was here you set the ☄world on🔥💃🏿💃🏿🔥fire and still do🔥 baby sip 😇angel😇 and 💞💞rip💞💞💞💝💞💞

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Was blessed to see Sylvester twice, once at a club called Tracks in Denver and again at the Bourse Building here in Philadelphia, Pa. He made me feel MIGHTY REAL! God Bless this man. June 2019 If he couldn't get you jumping....nobody could!

[@DavidRoss-lo7kz]

Sylvester James Jr 1947- 88 iconic

[@marylopez6277]

Fuiste un ser único que vino a dejar una inmensa huela que jamas se borrara, fuiste tan bello , tan hermoso, conn enorme carisma, y una voz de ensueño perfecta, única, te ame y te seguiré amando por toda la eternidad marcaste la época mas bella de mi vida, bello ser PERFECTO, no puedo creer que no estas con nosotros, te fuiste muy pronto, los seres como tu son irrepetibles, totalmente un genio con una perfección maravillosa en todos los sentidos.

[@fernandobarreramorales2502]

SIMPLY EXTRAORDINARY..................THANKS

[@kocostamatis3080]

He waaas so MIGHTY REAL!!! RIP❤

[@69lalor]

Great Music !!! Yet when he died in 1988, I was only in the 7th Grade...albeit when I "came out "the Gay Bars were still playing his great tracks. RIP

[@fareedg6703]

I saw Sylvester perform, with the two tons of fun, at the Sheas Theater in Buffalo NY when I was 14 years old. They weren't the act I was going to see. However, after the show I was a fan for life and I don't even remember who the other groups were. Although I think it may have been Ray Goodman and Brown, Atlantic Star, or Stephanie Mills??

[@moonpiemoonpie]

Watching this after work in SF Castro District June 1st 2022 getting a pedicure. RIP Sylvester. You’ll be forever beloved.

[@delishbrown]

i love love Sylvester!

[@grandpadejay9909]

Rest in heavenly peace my Brother we miss you but you sir will neve be forgotten ❤️❤️👍🏾

[@tomtalker2000]

Hollywood needs too do a biopic on him. And have Jimmie Herrod from AGT play the role. PERFECT FIT in my humble opinion. And i'm a singer saying this.

[@johnzucco3559]

He took drab disco to another level and made it great again!

[@elliotharris9056]

We were blessed to dance with Syl many nites at the PARADISE GARAGE. Nobody will EVER do what this brother did. It will stand the test of time FOREVER.And right Joan he WASN'T a drag queen...he was SYLVESTER!!!!! and we will never forget him..EVER..

[@corduerorose9747]

He would blown the 90s 00s and 10s away if he's was alive great talent sad ending 😔🙏💔😇RIP

[@rdo1231]

pure legend

[@craigdavis5407]

We need a movie about his life man.

[@blueskye6372]

💘 Loved that Sylvester time. Wonderful memories.

[@nyokazafar3350]

I MET SYLVESTER WHEN HE WAS NOT POPULAR, IT WAS LATE 1950'S OR EARLY 1960'S . HE WAS STYLING WIGS AT A STORE DOWNTOWN OAKLAND. VERY NICE, POLITE, AND FRIENDLY MAN. I DIDN'T KNOW HE WAS GAY AND HE NEVER SHOWED IT. I KNEW HE WAS TALENTED BY THE WAY HE STYLED HAIR. HE TOLD ME HE WOULD SING AND MAKE RECORDS ONE DAY TO WATCH OUT FOR HIM . HAS LAST WORDS HE SAID TO ME WAS MY NAME IS SYLVESTER. I NEVER SAW HIM AGAIN. LATER IN YEARS I HEARD A SONG ON THE RADIO WITH A MAN WHO HAD A HIGH VOICE. THE DJ SAID "SYLVESTER" AND I SAID MY GOD, HE DID IT!!!!!! I SAID HE MADE IT. I WAS HAPPY FOR HIM. TODAY I HEAR HE PASSED AND I'M HURT I NEVER GOT TO MEET HIM AGAIN. I LIKE HIS SONGS, AND AFTER TONIGHT I WILL BE LISTENING TO ALL OF THEM. TODAY IS APIL 12TH, 2018 3:54 AM. REST IN PEACE SYLVESTER...THE WORLD WILL MISS YOU AND CONGRADULATIONS FOR ALL YOUR SUCCESS, YOU SAID IT, AND YOU DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@soulonice99]

His star burned fast bright and then out ... what a trip

[@louisdlm]

Bueno soy de México la primera vez que oí de el fue cuando yo tenía 10 años al día de hoy yo tengo 55 años,,y para mí el mejor cantante de música disco que yo haya escuchado desde 1976 asta ahora 2022 el mejor el único y nunca e visto que en realidad le hagan un homenaje a este gran cantante Silvester el mejor desde México para el mundo

[@bskeete]

Simply. Thank you. R.I.P.

[@MacToronto]

Amazing!

[@angellopez8791]

por eso fue su apodo Sylvester el INMORTAL,porque a pasado tiempo y escucho su música y mis pies Dancing Hot.🕺👣👣👣

[@HugoVargas-yk9up]

Beautiful! Extraordinary! Long live Sylvester

[@bobbyserrato1949]

He was an entertainer..and so valuable to society...don't u miss thang

[@jessicalopez5145]

Lo amo el mejor diva de los 70s 💅🏻💜

[@moosebuddyarnie]

Fantastic.

[@8thWonderr1]

An inspiration.

[@josetanzo7697]

Excellent...... well done.

[@marlenedolfi4126]

Beautiful soul. Thank you for your music.

[@VideoMusicManiacPlace]

So many good times. 👍 miss him.

[@luissoares6002]

Artista maravilhoso. Musicalidade impressionante. Obrigado

[@NATURALDIVA4LIFE]

MR T..... thank you for uploading this.

[@antoniofigueroa9557]

I love you then i love you now RIP Sylvester thank you for opening doors for all your gays brothers and sister...

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Antonio Figueroa Opened? He blew em off! He was Phenomenal!