The Sylvers - Fool's Paradise

[@traceymallard]

They had the most beautiful Afro's ever in the history of music!!!!!

[@smoothcandi1]

DEFINITELY

[@garealemcgill1865]

lol ikr but the girls afro are actually wigs but it's beautiful tho

[@traceymallard]

Yes , the girls wore wigs.. but they probably didn't have too.

[@KaiEliLove]

COMMON SENSE Not wigs it's theirs

[@garealemcgill1865]

KaiEliLove no some had wigs the gis wear wigs cuz Olympia hair was straight and long

[@guesswhodunno5955]

The Sylvers never got their due recognition. They were a great singing group - one of the best!!!

[@roseeze166]

I preferred them to the Jackson's

[@donalddavis6689]

The Sylvers Needs To Get Their ( Hollywood Star 🌟. )

[@larrymartin9606]

GuessWho Dunno ,you ain’t never lied!!!!

[@larrymartin9606]

That family definitely had it together!!

[@YaoEspirito]

Super talented, but as far as actual songs, pretty lightweight.

[@michaeljones2925]

Who ever thought that a song like this back in the day would speak today's troubles and pain

[@mzyotruthnlove8263]

They were so polished. Their harmonies and voices blended so well. Amazingly talented family and group.

[@aminahshabazz9905]

This song is Black Power BRILLIANCE! Pretty Leon was a Senior in High School when he wrote this song! Timeless Classics like this will forever be true for fools!!! I ♡ The Sylvers!!! :-)

[@coachrobinson9958]

Leon said that "Fool's Paradise" was a motif that his high school history instructor promoted in class. :))

[@NkrumahTure]

Pretty Leon?

[@basquait1]

Cats really dont know how talented Leon was and is.

[@HoSoandDivine]

This song is so profound. How is it that Leon as a teen had the intellectual capacity to pen lyrics that are more relevant today than in 1971? People today pride themselves on being "awake" to the system will all live under which is now showing its cracks. Leon was singing about this hypocrisy when I was only 8 years old. "Never...will they fight their own wars"...truer today than ever. Really an amazing piece of music and of course incredible harmonies. Thank you Leon, again, profound.

[@jacbro33]

This song is simular to Stevie Wonders Passtime Paradise which would be release a few years later....Leon sylvers was a freaking Genius.... This performance proves that The Sylvers was not a Jackson 5 knock off... They were the real deal. If they had the corporate push and promotions as the Jackson... They really couldve gave them a run for their money.

[@Maegymini1317]

AGREED!! No they weren't a jackson 5 knock out. I thought they didn't even need to say that. 🤔🙄

[@titoadarylljackson7036]

Yeah ok keep talking

[@titoadarylljackson7036]

The "ReAl deAl" headass

[@NkrumahTure]

They were a distinct group from the Jackson 5 that had their own style. No copy cat there.

[@mercylago4744]

The higher up people didn't want more than one successful, loving and talented black family taking up spotlight at a time. That's how I look at it sadly because their talent is undeniable!

[@Jugivadi]

That bass line is just totally perfect. Leon III, was the heart and soul of The Sylvers. He's still relevant to this day. Love 'em.

[@jpenn311]

They were out long before the Jacksons, just not as "the Sylvers," but as the "little angels"

[@bkrider19]

Apart from the superb singing and compositions - the Sylvers had the best choreography and execution in the history of popular music. It's art.

[@blackgoliath962]

THIS SONG IS TOO REAL! Still relevant and full of substance Beautiful family....beautiful music

[@melliemel32]

True!! ~~Jesus is Lord~~

[@melvinpruitt3907]

Full of substance is right on the money. This and the J5s Man of war are both groups most political statements ever.

[@teetee616]

To this day The Sylvers are one of my favorite groups with their harmonies and choreography one of the best in the business! This song is hot!

[@melliemel32]

DUDE! They are getting it!! This is a prime example of why I love 70s music. Plus, I was born in '75! :)

[@TheDebgirl12000]

I remember growing up and my friends and I would talk about them all day at school! We had their records, albums and posters on our walls! I am so glad to have grown up back then. The best groups!

[@matildadhumxoxo5801]

We did too. They lived on my street in the Nickerson Gardens housing projects. Success street .

[@Jason78857]

Charmaine is just beautiful!!

[@tubucoco]

Classic Fro's and great times! I miss those days! Another great and talented famous Black American family!

[@stassman75]

Whoever owns the master recordings to The Sylvers Pride/MGM recordings needs to get them remastered and reissued. Ray Parker Jr & Debarge had their back catalogue re-released on the back of their UnSung episodes. It's their time.

[@BigDapPacino]

So many producers have sampled their music...I hope they get their money!

[@theacarter8205]

This song speaks volumes. They were my first concert at the Manhattan Center along with Kool & the Gang and Black Ivory. Will never forget it.

[@jonthomas8569]

I loved there were more of them taking lead vocals. This is a truly underrated gem.

[@polotrey]

Charmaine is so beautiful. Just cant take my eyes off of her. If was around back then I would try to marry her. Women back then were on another level

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

polotrey BEFORE THE BLACK WOMEN BECAME OBESE OVERWEIGHT FAT BLACK FEMALES BACK THEN TOOK CARE OF THE WHOLE PACKAGE WORKED OUT ATE FRUITS VEGETABLES NOW I CAN NOT GO ANYWHERE WITHOUT SEEING A 150 TO 600 POUND BLACK FEMALE #SAD

[@YaoEspirito]

That's a body, for a 18 year old! Lord have mercy.

[@titoadarylljackson7036]

Lies

[@hollidayevery]

Cholly Atkins choreographed them. For those who don't know, Cholly choreographed Gladys Knight &the Pips, the Temptations, the O'jays, and a lot more. In fact Berry Gordy tried to get him to choregraph for Motown exclusively and basically Steal him away from Gladys and the Pips, BUT Cholly considered G&the Pips as his kids and refused to stop working with them. GK&the Pips even called him Pops. He must've loved THE SYLVERS also. They were always sooooo good.

[@melvinpruitt3907]

True statement, glad to know somebody else is in to the nuainced history of the music industry.

[@corneilmadison9436]

Jackson 5 choreographed there own that's the difference

[@BigDapPacino]

@@corneilmadison9436 Wrong...they knew how to dance...mainly Micheal from emulating Jackie Wilson and James Brown but they were probably coached by Motown better than anybody on the roster because of their youth...everybody on the label was coached on how to dance, how to conduct interviews, and the stage outfits were chosen to best suit their images that were created by the think tank at Motown...Micheal has said this in countless interviews...the Sylvers were better singers ...they had more experience ...the oldest 4 were opening up for Ray Charles and appearing on local variety shows before the age of 10...just when Micheal Jackson started to appear in club venues with his older brothers Marlon, Jermaine , Tito, and Jackie...to be honest, they all could harmonize but other than Micheal...Jermaine was the best singer in the group...he was singing lead before Micheal...Leon Sylvers was far more advanced as a songwriter and vocal arranger in his teens before any of the Jacksons had the freedom to write and produce their own songs...even then, Papa Joe had the last word...Leon helped make Solar Records a powerhouse from the late 70’s to mid 80’s!

[@marstonfobbsentertainment]

Look at all that healthy hair! 💕

[@feliciawoodw2027]

i remeber when this came out this was beautiful song by the sylvers my youth growing up never will forget this song

[@smoothcandi1]

Brilliant R.I.P MY LOVE EDMUND😢

[@theguyonthecouch42024]

I feel like I found a piece of buried treasure, or digging in the crates covered in dust in my grandparents attic. beautiful.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

BEST COMMENT EVER MY FRIEND👊

[@bashiradennis1258]

What ever happened to the silver's😏

[@guesswhodunno5955]

I have'nt heard this song in years. Man, I wish they would play these old songs on the radio.

[@aminahshabazz7068]

Such a talented, attractive and socially conscious Family!!! And the Afros are REAL too! Right on!!! ✊🏾

[@MelodyMaker151]

And in 2016, the words still ring. Says a lot about our world.

[@sashejames6949]

Forget EVERYTHING about this video and LISTEN to what they're saying!!! Its SO REAL.

[@vondaking5494]

+sashe james...You are correct!! This song is deep & the words are awesome!!

[@harryfrazier974]

yep!

[@kaywashington2769]

Leon Sylvers is a Genius!!!

[@RJNumber45]

for real!... way ahead of its time...Leon Sylvers lll is one of the most underrated musical geniuses EVER.

[@littleelsa323]

Nice Afros X) SO Awesome!

[@leftcloud9]

yeah yeah yeah.... Afros are amazing.... I am MORE BLOWN AWAY AT THEIR 4 ALMOST PART HARMONIES.... constantly comparing them to j5 does do their talent and Leon songwriting prowess justice

[@Imisstheseventies]

I "LOVE" The Sylvers, but Edmund & Ricky, my two favorite!! Rest In Paradise Edmund Baby!!

[@843Nappy-Jey]

They were gorgeous.

[@silvrliit]

I’d forgotten about this awesome song! Some seriously beautiful people if such a thing:)!🙏🏽

[@tiffanylandry8669]

The message in the music is absolutely timeless, true still today. They are an amazingly talented family that had some hard knocks and have yet to get the recognition they deserve.

[@trinareeves9815]

I was listening to "Misdemeanor" the other day! What a coincidence. The Sylvers rock!

[@ericrainey8224]

That song was meant for Edmund to sing before his voice changed

[@ronaldlawrence2229]

THEE Sylvers! Loved them THEN, and ever MORE now! "FOREVER YOURS!"

[@ronbsmoov]

This song is sooo relevant TODAY!

[@JustGod7]

true i think olympia was the best dancer out of all of them. her steps were sharp and on point especially when they were dancing to jams like this.

[@ronbsmoov]

I never tire of this JAM...! Great harmony, arrangement and then some! Very underated...!

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

HANDSOME FAMILY I LOVE RICKY GROWING UP I HAD J5 THE JACKSONS PRINCE QUEEN DEBARGE POSTERS ON MY WALL MAGAZINES I STILL HAVE MY COLLECTION OF THESE PEOPLE TALENTED PEOPLE AND I MISS MY GENERATION OF REAL TALENT MUSICIANS AND SINGERS NO AUTO TUNE NEEDED OR SEX IN PERFORMANCE REAL MUSIC SO MUCH ITS NOT GOIN ON E BAY OR AMAZON ITS MNE TILL THE DAY I DIE ✊🏾

[@Frostgrl681]

Besides being crazy talented, they were some of the most beautiful people, I ever saw in my life, and if that was not enough, the fellas are tall. Video does them no justice. They were positively gorgeous in person.

[@audreydavis6500]

How tall was the man's i keep try32 pyll up there height but it want tell there height i really would like to know

[@sidneyvadale]

The messages behind this song man "...so busy trying to ahead that he starts to forget how to live." "...but never will they fight their own wars."

[@jamalgraham4561]

the silvers stave steps were outstanding, love thier choreography

[@djceejaay]

Forgot about those dope ass dance steps they used to do. Saw this episode of Soul Train as a shortie...all the fellas talked about the show was them fine Sylvers women....had us feenin...

[@wingchundragon]

Lawd Charmaine at the right end was some kinda fine!!

[@corneilmadison9436]

You ain't never lied

[@RJNumber45]

WORD!

[@jaymanix39]

I gotta admit even though I was crazy about Patricia ,Charmaine was fine.

[@h2d127]

My favorite group. Still in March 2019

[@Rhiaanon]

They are doin the thang and their fros were flawless!

[@robertvelez8485]

I had a big crush on Charmaine and she really has a very soulful voice and I am happy that she is keeping well!

[@carmenhayes8680]

There was so much talent back then. I hate these brothers and sisters were not allowed to reach the high point that they could reach. So happy God put me in this era of music. This crap they have now is PATHETIC. Back then there was no plastic surgery. No fake bodies and some hell of talent. My FAVS...THE SYLVERS.

[@Se7endipity77]

omg, they OWNED them fro's! perfect.

[@jerrywashington8788]

The Sylvers overcame a lot to make it to top.The unsung series on tv one,revealed some of their experiences as they navigated thru the mazes and the obstacles that came their way. I will always remember and cherish the Sylvers! :)

[@dougconley]

That's one funky tune right there.

[@eternalthruchrist1]

I like the way Ricky dances on this one, and Wish That I Could Talk to You...

[@melodysanger103]

HAPPY 63RD BIRTHDAY CHARMAINE SYLVERS (MARCH 9, 2017)

[@geoffreyr2356]

This is a song that is on my daily playlist as we as a nation struggle through this current political climate. I believe Leon was 17 years of age when he penned this.

[@DennisAllums]

18, he decided he wanted to get out of his family's current situation and bought a base guitar. one month later he wrote a hit song. He called it "Fools Paradise" = genius.

[@Crissy991]

Gorgeous family

[@dme1016]

The oldest of my 3 older sisters had that Olympia pretty. Still does. Love all 3, of course.

[@solo5373]

2018, homelessness, drugs, and the poor. We can thank the rich, and the government for this mass. In God We Trust yeah right!

[@afrosensuous]

Always remember that back then it was common to have "family groups' in soul music. From J5 to Tavares to sylvers to Five Star. People listened to way more than the J5.

[@jarrettcone8949]

That's cool But the Jackson still dominated they sold 200 million records Where are the other Guys record sales

[@sharonsOff]

I love love these ppl!! So talented and beautiful!!

[@willjack835]

so underrated

[@HoSoandDivine]

Without a doubt, the very best family act in music history.

[@annettenorris412]

Thank you❤✌🏿✊🏾🙏🏾

[@TheReneex]

Leon and Olympia probably had their own mini fan club during high school!

[@PinkCashmere25]

Wish I was back during this time, The Sylvers are too cool.

[@RememberTheTime09]

@ESSENCEOFEACHTHING That man has written/produced so many songs!

[@crazydaysful]

I believe The Sylvers did not get their due recognition is because back in the 1970s the Jackson 5 were hot, and then The Sylvers came out with their big Afros and as a family group and so people wrongly compared them to the Jackson 5 saying they were trying to be them, when they should have only been compared to themselves because they were unique and they could sing better than the Jackson 5, and wearing Afros was the black hairdo back then - they were stupidly compared to the Jackson 5 and that is what lessened their recognition. The Sylvers were a great song writing and singing and dancing group.

[@titoadarylljackson7036]

Bruh delete your comment.

[@kyronacox]

The beginning is so tight! My mom got me on this. Good music

[@imbees2]

Yess baby. Great music. Sylvers.

[@4zmusic]

Classic R&B. One of my Favorites songs of ALL TIME. Profound lyrics that one can relate to in 2012. Fools Paradise.

[@PineapplesCoconut]

"living your life in a fool's paradise" sing it charmaine!!!!

[@SonniBlack180]

Man I love those afros!

[@imbees2]

NOW THIS WAS THE JAM!!!!

[@mrmaxxx94]

The Sylvers had a strong black Anthem and harmony here,classic vocals and routine respect

[@ronmills1504]

Simply perfect and tight... end of story

[@imbees2]

They tore it up!!!

[@gustea2008]

really listen to the the lyrics, this song is so under rated,listen to the message about the tricks that were going on back then and that still exit today, regardless of my view, great song !!!

[@kristieyoung6392]

I love this song.

[@chico7469]

Charmaine 👀👀

[@delfra70]

Remember my friend the Jacksons we're performing way before they ever hit it big as well. The we're not always the J5 either, they used to be called 'Ripples, Waves & Michael'. Both the J5 & Silvers started performing as far back as the early 60's. Those groups certainly didn't just come out of nowhere like some people think, it was a lot of rehearsing and performing around local clubs and talent shows for them, which explains why those groups we're so well seasoned at such young ages.

[@samanthagrantpopsoulrbdoow115]

love the 70s. love the afros. love this group.

[@sablesenegal7488]

Wow the Sylvers were so cool!costumes & afros were so on point!along with their voices foster was my favorite singer too cute for words!🎤🎸

[@bassistdc]

I saw them live in Chicago back in the 70's. They played instruments for part of the show while singing. Thsy sang and danced with a backup band for the rest of the show. They were very good.

[@soulfunk68]

Even though they had bigger hits in the 76/77 era than the Jacksons did, they could reach the same fame...loved them both!!! Still have the vinyl from back then lol not bad for a little white kid I was in the seventies

[@donalddavis6689]

Amen!! I Used Listen To Them!! Back In 1975-76 / .. Me & My Female Friend - Used To Sing 🎶 🎶 To Their Music 🎼 🎼.. Me & My Friend Shannon, Used To Sing & Dance To Their Hit Song!!! My Favorite Song.. ( Hot Line 🔥 Hot Line 🔥 ) I Used To Have My Somewhat Afro Like Theirs... The Sylvers Are A Powerhouse Class Act & Top Performers As Well.. P$. I Like Your Words Of Wisdom & The Wonderful Saying. Peace ✌ Brother. Soulfunk68.

[@jarrettcone8949]

Agree with the fame part Not even in 76 or77 The Jackson still had bigger hits Show me the way you go And enjoy yourself The other group wasn't Touching that

[@Snyckerbar76]

In some alternate universe, people are lining up to see the second or third generation of this family, and "Leon and Charmaine" are spoken of with the same familiarity as "Michael and Janet." What a family!

[@preciousbash3749]

You are right about that. there a are a few Michaels in this group. What voices the men have. Jeeeez. THIS IS TOUGH!!

[@cinnamonspice6742]

It's time for the sylvers family to have a family show on Bravo.

[@tiffanycurtis4794]

Cinnamon Spice OR UNSUNG EPISODE 😁😁

[@desireebarnes1984]

They had some great moves.

[@jamalgraham4561]

so good , and promising were and are the silvers , very versatile , so different from the groups people try to compare them to, the silvers had thier own style: they were were and interesting group,second to none

[@datnorfsideoflongbeach]

i wish was raised in the 70's....the 80's were cool

[@FeelGoodNetwork]

BEAUTIFUL! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jamalgraham4561]

fantastic stage steps

[@therealsoulproduct]

Ricky's afro was legendary in itself.

[@lenwalker9351]

This stuff is so much better than that Boogie Fever crap.

[@delfra70]

It is indeed bro. I realize that "Boogie Fever" and "Hot Line" we're they're biggest pop hits, but man classics like "Fool's Paradise", "I Wish I Could Talk To You", "We Can Make It", "Misdemeanor" and "That's What Love Is Made Of" puts those songs to shame in my opinion.

[@preciousbash]

SOOOOO TRUE! I like all of the songs you named better too. "Misdemeaner" & "Cotten Candy" were better up tempo songs and the arrangement of the music in "Fools Paradise" is Epic!!! I like BF & HL, but no where near as much as LOTS of their other music!!

[@williamjones6276]

Well Mr. Walker the royalties from that "Boogie Fever crap" allowed The Sylvers children to buy their mother Shirley a home in an affluent neighborhood and enable her to retire from working so when you pen a hit song that will allow you to do that, THEN you can chastise the grind that someone else put in.

[@mrstep2me]

William Jones The Sylvers didn't write Boogie Fever. Freddie Perren did, and despite the high sales, Leon's compositions were better. I don't blame them for going for the money, but the early stuff was better. Hell, Boogie Wonderland was a huge hit for Earth Wind & Fire, but I can name 30 songs by them better than that. Happens all the time.

[@williamjones6276]

Well being a person who loves to learn and know things, thank you Mr.step2me for this information. And you are so correct, Leon's compositions were much better. If you have anymore information about the Sylvers, please don't hesitate to share.

[@HUSTLEMAN2]

JUST FREAKIN' ....AWSOME!!!! Never could get a SYLVERS FRO THO! LOL

[@ccth22]

You guys are right. Although I had a crush on Olympia. Charmaine was fine!

[@NkrumahTure]

All the Sylvers sisters are fine.

[@RJNumber45]

@@NkrumahTure word...every ONE of them...just like their beautiful mother was.

[@johrons]

Charmaine is mine bro. You get her next weekend lol

[@Docmananoff]

@ESSENCEOFEACHTHING Watch the 'Unsung' episode of the Sylvers. They said that this song was written because of a militant teacher that the oldest brother had for history class. That Unsung was a good episode on them.

[@urbancommute5239]

This song is very soulful.

[@RememberTheTime09]

@justincredible214 Yes Charmaine is apart of the trio of lead vocalist on this song.

[@charissew4798]

This group was very underrated