Saturday, April 16, 2011

Song of the Day - Do You Wanna Funk - Sylvester


There is something,
I wanna ask you
There is something,
That I want to know


Today's "Song of the Day" is an old favorite of mine. I remember it being one of those songs that you couldn't help but dance to every time you heard it. The song was performed by a relatively obscure, androgynous disco singer named Sylvester. Sylvester is best know for his big dance smash "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)," and although that one was good, I think this one's so much better.

"Do You Wanna Funk" was a hard song to find back in the day and it still is. I remember hearing it in the club for the first time and not being able to find the record (yes, back in those days we had these vinyl thingys called 'records')anywhere. I don't remember where or how, but I think it was years later before I found the version that's presented here, which is definitely the best. The song was featured in the party scene from Eddie Murphy's 1983 movie, "Trading Places." If you like, you can see the scene right here.

Anyway, Sylvester was much like a RuPaul in his day, making good music and having a pretty respectable underground following. Sadly, the singer was diagnosed with AIDS and passed away in 1988. He was only 40 years old. Though he's gone from this world, he's left us some great songs to enjoy forevermore, including this one. So watch the inimitable Sylvester performing "Do You Wanna Funk" on an Italian TV show in 1983:


Do You Wanna Funk ('91 Remix) - Single - Sylvester

For more on Sylvester, the man and his music, check out this website here.


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