We are very excited about this release, an epic unveiling of the musical career of one of the recording industry’s true unsung heroes; meticulously researched, archived and reissued for all of us to enjoy in the sure shot box-set format, the true fan’s companion.

81 tracks, 6LPs, 4CDs of unadulterated Syl Johnson lovingly reissued by the dons at Numero Group. This is undeniable music that everyone should have in their collection, but never before has it been so accessible and in the context of Syl’s entire career, Chicago blues to Memphis southern soul.

He claims to be the most sampled R’n'B artists of all time, Syl embodies an era of true entertainers from his humble beginnings in Blues to his more successful years as a R’n'B singer. A man who is very aware of his talent and given the moment will tell you why he is as funky as James Brown and as sweet as Al Green (the artist Syl has been most likened to and an artist whom he was in the shadow of commercially, but talent-wise, Syl is of equal measure to Al as they both have incredible voices in their own right – both were produced by Willie Mitchell at Hi Records). But Syl never attained the popularity, recognition and household familiarity that Al reached.

“Looking back over my false dreams
that I once  knew
Wonder why my dreams never came true…”

While he maybe under the radar for more mainstream soul fans Syl Johnson  is still responsible for incredible tracks that charted when they were released, songs like ‘We Did It‘, ‘Is It Because I’m Black‘, ‘Different Strokes’, ‘Take Me To The River’, ‘Come On Sock It To Me’ are classics from the golden era of rhythm and blues

Syl is without doubt one of the artists that never received his accolades or the financial success he deserved. With this box-set the listener will be able to connect with a man who strived to be in a better place than he was, someone who you could immediately feel was giving his all throughout every note he sang.

Of course the voice was assisted by truly great music and without doubt his best work was in the studio with Willie Mitchell in the Hi Records studio of Mississippi, the signature sound of strong drums and lush strings over the rhythm section created some of the richest tracks of the 1970s.

When you mention your favourite artists in the top echelons of recorded soul music, the name Syl Johnson must be included or at least mentioned, his political commentary on Is It Because I’m Black summed up the Afro-American experience in America way before Marvin Gaye and the fact he is still gigging to this day is testament to his enduring career and voice.

The first 350 pre-orders will be signed by the man himself so book your pre-orders, release date is penciled for October 19th 2010 – go to the Numero Group website to book your box-set before they are all snapped up.