American blues and and soul singer Syl Johnson

American blues and and soul singer Syl Johnson
Syl Johnson at Numero Group's Eccentric Soul Revue at the Lincoln Theatre presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of the Wexner Center for the Arts
American blues and and soul singer Syl Johnson
Syl Johnson at Numero Group's Eccentric Soul Revue at the Lincoln Theatre presented by the Wexner Center for the Arts. Photo courtesy of the Wexner Center for the Arts

American blues and and soul singer Syl Johnson

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One of the latest box sets from Numero Group is a big one –more than 80 songs on four CDs or 12 sides of vinyl: It’s up to you - both formats are included!

Syl Johnson: Complete Mythology” is a collection of the Chicago soul singer’s early work, from the years 1959-1972.

The set includes many of Johnson’s early hits including the often sampled “Different Strokes.” There are also some once-lost or forgotten, never before released treasures. All of the material is being saved from media deterioration.

Saturday, a 17-piece band will join Johnson in a concert at the Old Town School of Folk Music.

Syl Johnson and his longtime bass player Bernard Reed recently stopped by Eight Forty-Eight to chat and perform.

Join the show again on Friday when we bring you Part Two of the interview and performance with Syl Johnson and Bernard Reed.