R.I.P. Shirley Mae Sylvers, mother of The Sylvers

We’re sad to inform SoulTrackers of the death of Shirley Mae Sylvers, matriarch of one of the most talented family acts of soul music. The following notice was posted today on the Sylvers’ Facebook page:

It is with heavy hearts that the Sylvers Family announce the passing of our Mother, the extraordinary Mrs. Shirley Mae Sylvers. She made her transition surrounded by family love and will always be in our hearts and truly missed! Thank you all for respecting our privacy during this difficult time. We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
2 Corinthians 5:8

The Sylvers were among the most talented – and complicated – musical families of the 70s. They are best known for their pop/soul hits like “High School Dance” and “Boogie Fever,” but those who dig deep will find a treasure trove of unsung releases by the group that never got the shine they deserved outside the confines of their heavily produced, orchestrated heyday. Brother Leon Sylvers went on to become one of the most important music producers of the 80s and 90s, guiding many of the biggest hits on the SOLAR label. Read more about the Sylvers

Over the years, the group and family experienced extreme highs and lows, including addictions and death, but mother Shirley Mae Sylvers,who was herself a talented singer, remained steadfast through it all. She helped build and nurture one of the most popular musical families in soul music, and we celebrate the life and mourn the passing of this important family matriarch.

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