Main content

Mighty Real - McAlmont Sings Sylvester

4 Extra Debut. David McAlmont visits San Francisco to tell the glittering yet sad tale of Sylvester James and his hit Mighty Real. From 2016.

Gay black diva Sylvester James is famed for his disco hit 'Mighty Real'.

David McAlmont travels to San Francisco to tell his glittering, but sad tale.

Sylvester's short life says much about US civil rights movements, the politics of the American music business and the devastating effects of AIDS.

David talks to Sylvester's sister, friends and fellow performers.

He also visits the San Francisco Opera House, where Sylvester recorded his renowned live album 'Living Proof'.

Producer: Debbie Kilbride

First broadcast on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 in June 2016.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Jun 2024 00:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra

Jeanie Tracy

Jeanie Tracy
International recording artist sang with Sylvester and they became lifelong friends

David McAlmont

David McAlmont
is a celebrated singer who has collaborated with many artists and is best know for his work with Bernard Butler and their hit 'Yes'

Joshua Gamson

Joshua Gamson
Writer and professor Β is the author of The Fabulous Sylvester: The Legend, The Music, The Seventies in San Francisco

GO BANG!

GO BANG!
Every September pays tribute to their icon & the symbol of San Francisco, the spirit of disco - Sylvester

Scrumbly Koldewyn

Scrumbly Koldewyn
is a founder member ofΒ radical genderqueer San Francisco performance group .

Love Center Church

Love Center Church
was established in Oakland, California in 1972 by Pastor Walter Hawkins, formerly a member of The Edwin Hawkins Singers, an internationally acclaimed gospel group

GLBT Historical Society and Archives

GLBT Historical Society and Archives

focuses its collections on gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer life in the San Francisco Bay area and Northern California

Steve Fabus

Steve Fabus
Steve Fabus is one of the first nationally recognized DJ's that originated during the disco era in San Francisco

Broadcasts

  • Thu 23 Jun 2016 11:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Tue 25 Jun 2024 10:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 25 Jun 2024 16:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 26 Jun 2024 00:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4 Extra

Featured in...

Seriously...

Seriously...

Discover more seriously interesting radio documentaries.