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Sylvia Robinson Obituary
Sylvia Robinson, who had a hit as a singer-songwriter with the sexually charged "Pillow Talk" but was later known as one of hip-hop's early founders as the record label owner that put out "Rapper's Delight," rap's first mainstream success, died Thursday, according to publicist Greg Walker. She was 76.
Robinson, born Sylvia Vanterpool, died of congestive heart failure at the New Jersey Institute of Neuroscience in Seacaucus, N.J.
Along with her late husband, Joe, Robinson was the owner of Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, it released the song that would become widely known as rap's first hit, "Rapper's Delight," by the Sugar Hill Gang.
The song was released as hip-hop was just beginning to emerge as a genre; for the most part, it was a budding phenomenon bubbling on New York City streets. Robinson recognized the potential of the music and wanted her struggling label to capit alize on it.
"She saw where a DJ was talking and the crowd was responding to what he was saying, and this was the first time she ever saw this before," her son Joey said in a 2000 interview with NPR. "And she sad Joey, wouldn't this be a great idea to make a rap record?"
It turned out she was right. After gathering three rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike and Big Bank Hank) to record the 15-minute song, the party groove became a sensation. The condensed version was considered the first rap song to get radio play and reached the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
The Sugar Hill Gang faded into rap history, not recording other songs that would match its original flourish. But Sugar Hill Records would continue to play a part on the early years of hip-hop with a roster that included Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.
Robinson's roots in the record industry were deep. She was a blues singer in the 1950s, recording for Columbia and Savoy Records on son gs like "Chocolate Candy Blues." Later, she was part of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia."
But she had perhaps her biggest hit as a solo artist with "Pillow Talk," a seductive song released in 1973. Robinson was also a producer and songwriter for others.
She is survived by three sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
195 Entries
DeLinda Young
June 5, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Hopeless Romantic
July 13, 2016
Still mesmerized by Ms Robinson's very popular hit Pillow Talk. Never been another song or will there be another to match this song. Adorable lady, amazing talent.
LadyTee Williams
January 31, 2015
She was the reason for many groups and singers and rappers today to beable to have sexy voices and sexy video today. Rest in Heaven Ms. Sylvia Robinson.
How you can show support
Phyllis Shepherd
November 11, 2014
I know that it's very, very late to post this, but I really remember Ms. Robinson for "Love is Strange". I guess I am partial to the guitar. May she rest in peace. Such a talented woman.Condolences to the family. She will not be forgotten.
Clive Swaby
August 31, 2014
C, Swaby
You will always be my sweet stuff
January 23, 2014
And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”(Isa 65:19) Wonderful promise and heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends of a music enthusiast as Sylvia Robinson.
Chris M
December 15, 2013
Rest in peace Mrs. Sylvia, you will always be remembered by myself and my others. God bless your family!
yvonne west
June 21, 2013
Sylvia, you were the best. Pillow talk will always be my theme song. R.I.P. Sylvia---Jerolyn West
DJ TONEY B. from Mt. Airy
November 10, 2012
I just realized that the Mother of Hip-Hop was one and the same as one of my favorite childhood songs "Pillow Talk", even as a young boy listening to that song and seeing her album cover through my dad's collection-it was no secret that she was very sexy-sound & sight.
Thank you for seeing what many blow off as noise and or a fade to give it a voice to be carried to the masses, Love you for that, may your soul be blessed with paradise.
DJ TONEY B. (PHILLY, PA)
September 19, 2012
Before Beyonce, Rhianna, Cierra, there was SYLVIA, a true SEXY DIVA, talented with the most unique voice ----PILLOW TALK will be forever rendered in our Hearts R.I.P. SYLVIA ---- Diane Hodge, Bedford Hts. OH
BOB THORPE
August 24, 2012
YOU AND MIKEY BAKER WERE ONE OF MY FIRST FAVORITE ARTEST BACK IN THE MID TO LATE FIFTIES. YOU WERE A STAR LONG BEFORE YOU INVENTED RAP MUSIC ABOUT 30-35 YEARS LATER
RONNIE ELLISON
March 20, 2012
rest in peace sylvia i had no idea that she had past away i've been using the pillow talk song as my ring tone because i enjoy listening to the song.
love you sylvia
R.I.P
kim white
March 10, 2012
rip sylvia, love ur music pillow talk......xoxo
Tandra Watts
January 12, 2012
Ms. Sylvia was so sexy & just a Beautiful lady & I heard she was so sweet, her song Pillow Talk was off the Chain =o) May God Bless you & Keep you. RIP
J Spice
December 12, 2011
Just learned a few seconds ago that Sylvia died. I was talking to a legendary rapper and I was telling him that he should drop by Sylvias and rock a hip hop track and he said that Ms Robinson died. Wow, first Joe now Sylvia. She was always very respectful. I remember her saying: "You want some chicken" she loved to cook (or have the Jamaican home assistant, Cynthia, cook). RIP Sylvia. Your Bahamian hip hop friend. Spice
Doreen Ambrose
December 5, 2011
God bless you, Mrs. Robinson.
Cecelia CC Johnson
November 29, 2011
my deepest condolence to the family. I, too, remember Sylvia at the Blus Morocco,
Bronx,New York.I used to go there just to
see her and how beaautiful and graceful
she was.May she rest in peace.
Dr. Adrian Magee
November 18, 2011
This lady was indeed a class act. I remember "Pillow Talk" back in 1973 and also seeing her for the first time on Soul Train singing the song. I was 13yrs. old and fell in love with her and the lyrics of the song as it was suggestive but in good taste. I also remember exactly what I was doing the first time I heard "Rapper's Delight". I was coming from Howard University and heard some elementary kids singing along to the song on a wintery afternoon. I had never heard anything like it before and I can very vividly see those children singing, Soon we were all singing it. Until her death, I did not know her association to the song, label, or contribution to the introduction of Rap music as a marketed genre'. This was truly pioneering but this is the story of her contributions as she was also a female guitar player with a hit song from the 50's. I have been touched by the life of this woman and so have we all. My condolences to her family. We have lost a great performer, singer, writer, and producer.
Dr. Adrian Magee
MIchael S
November 15, 2011
I fell in love with Sylvia's satin voice the first time I heard it in 1973. After so many years I finally rediscovered her a few years ago. I would watch her Soul Train performance whenever I needed some lovin and the memories of my youth. I am terribly saddened to learn of her passing at this moment. To all her family, my deepest condolences. And let it be known, Sylvia's music brought so much love to this world and at a time we needed it most. God bless you Sylvia, your life was a blessing, may you rest in peace.
Aliccia Neal
November 3, 2011
God bless you Sylvia you made being sexy look, classy! my prayers to her family r.i.p
SYLVIA DEVOE
November 2, 2011
SYLVIA I REMEMBER PILLOW TALK & LOVE IS STRANGE FROM THE 60'S; MAY THE LORD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOUR FAMILY AND I KNOW HE HAS THE WHOLE WORLD IN HIS HANDS! YOU HAVE JOINED THE CHOIR WHERE THE SPARROWS SINGS;DAVID IS THERE TOO!FAMILY & FRIENDS SHE WILL REMAIN FOREVER IN YOUR HEARTS UNTIL YOU MEET AGAIN! MAY THE LORD KEEP ALL OF YOU IN HIS ARMS;PRAYERS'S THE COMFORTER WILL MAKE THE WOUNDED HEART'S HEAL!AMEN!AMEN!AMEN!
MS. C. MAE BURTON-JOHNSON
October 25, 2011
TO THE FAMILY OF SYLVIA ROBINSON,
I WAS SO SHOCKED AND SADDNED TO HEAR OF HER PASSING.SHE WAS A BEAUTIFUL AND STYLISH WOMAN. YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY AND PRAYERS.
MAY HER MEMORY LIVE ON THROUGH HER MUSIC.AND THE LIVES SHE CHANGED AS THE "MOTHER OF HIP-HOP,AND THE BEAUTIFUL PERSON WHO BROUGHT US MY FAVORITE SONG"PILLOW TALK"
SHE WILL BE MISSED.
MAY GOD KEEP AL OF YOU STRONG.
SINCERELY,
MS. C. MAE BURTON-JOHNSON&FAMILY
Stanley Watford
October 21, 2011
May God bless the family of Mrs. Sylvia Robinson one of the first Queen of Hip Hop. She was down to Earth type of person. D.J. Sammy D BK Finest DJ
Mary Clark-Dean
October 15, 2011
Our condolences to you and your family. You are in our prayers.
Maureen Sheridan
October 15, 2011
Love and blessings from Jamaica to Joey, Rhondo and Leland. We have wonderful memories of your mother - she left an indelible mark on our lives. Glad we had the privilege of knowing her.
Reggie Mack
October 13, 2011
My condolences to Joey, Rhondo and Leland. Your family is in our prayers.
October 13, 2011
My Heartfelt Sympathy to Joey, Leland and Rondo (& their families). RIP Blessed Lady. I'm glad to have known & loved you. and was part of your family for over 50 years. You were a very special part of my and my family's lives. GOD BLESS YOU.
Michele M. Vanderpool - Davis and Family.
{Joy D. Vanderpool; Delano W. Vanderpool Jr.; Todd L. Vanderpool;
& Mrs. Helen Morgan}.
Sylvia Brown
October 13, 2011
What a sexy and gifted woman. So proud to have been named after her. My late mother Carol Brown and she were best friends as kids in New York. Now they are both gone. God Bless. Thank you.
jeffrey c
October 12, 2011
you have always been a sweet person even like a mom we will always miss you, as well as always keep you in our prayers
NeeNee
October 12, 2011
I have her song pillow talk and hits by the group THE MOMENTS what a group what music / songs
October 11, 2011
Rondo, Leland, Joey ours prayers go out to you and the entire family stay strong and May God Bless You.
Sean Kearney (Kearney Family, Williamsburg VA)
Eleanore Mills
October 11, 2011
All Platinum was responsible for my legitimate entry to the music industry with the release of my first solo album "This is Eleanore Mills". Wonderful memories of Sylvia, Joe, The Moments, The Rimshots, and a host of friends and family that supported the artists at All Platinum will never be forgotten and forever cherished. Eleanore Mills
Shonda Smith
October 11, 2011
Leland Robinson and Family you are in my prayers.
Michele Bowman
October 11, 2011
My sincere condolences to Leland, Rhondo and Joey on the loss of your Mother. May God bless and keep you and your families throughout this difficult time.
thomas gibson
October 11, 2011
May god bless the family
Darlene Taylor
October 10, 2011
To The Robinson Family, I always loved the song Pillow Talk, but since she has passed I've learned so much more. What a beautiful lady, she reminds me of my mom when she was young. God bless and keep you.
Butch Mackey
October 7, 2011
Sylvia was a lady with the talant and for sight of a few who didn't think hip hop was coming of age. May the family relish in the knowledge that she was truly talanted in more than a singer. May God sustain you through your time of grief Butch Mackey
Akil(Johnathan) Taylor
October 6, 2011
My condolences to the Robinson family.I am so sorry for your loss.Your mom wa a great pioneer in the music industry and she will always be remembered.Peace
You have our Deepest Sympathy in the loss of such a wonderful woman may our Father comfort and keep you all in your grieving hours.
October 6, 2011
Popsie Beckham
October 4, 2011
You are a beautiful angel in heaven.
I remember when my mother brought me my first album back in grammer school. RIP Beautiful
October 4, 2011
So sorry for your loss Scutchie, and the rest of the Robinson family! She was well loved and appreciated!
October 4, 2011
We send our condolences to the family of Sylvia. She will live again. God will awaken the dead to life on a pradise earth. That time is yet future. God can awaken those who have died just as surely as you can awaken a person from sleep. Stone Mountain, GA
Elijah Postell
October 3, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
KEVIN THOMAS
October 3, 2011
my beloved sylvia,may you rest in peace.i've loved you and your fantastic contributions to each&every music project you were a part of.I've always wanted to meet you,though I never did,your music and the music of your other production acts will forever keep your memory alive in my heart. respectfully your #1 fan, KEVIN THOMAS,OF Chicago,IL.
Keith Knight
October 3, 2011
Thanks for all you gave... Bless you and your family.
Jody Katz
October 3, 2011
Dear Joey, Leland and Rhondo - so sorry to hear about your mom,many memories are tucked away in my heart - sending much love and comfort.
TAMEKA ALSTON
October 3, 2011
R.I.P MS. ROBINSON SHE IS ONE OF ENGLEWOOD FINEST ... TAMEKA ALSTON ENGLEWOOD
Jon Doss
October 3, 2011
I only knew Sylvia from the radio, i'm sure she will be missed.
DC
October 3, 2011
To the family of Sylvia Robinson, our family has fond memories of dancing and singing to Rapper's Delight an all time favorite karokee song. I am sorry for you loss. May the God of comfort help you.
J Jackson
October 3, 2011
Sylvia left a wonderful legacy with her song "Pillow Talk". I think I was 12 at the time. Family, may the God of all Comfort strengthen you in this time of sorrow as spoken of at Isaiah 61:2.
ms
October 3, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Robinson family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time and may your loving memories of Sylvia bring you comfort as well. Her talents she brought to the music industry will always be cherished.
Mattie Elder
October 3, 2011
I'm sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Robinson she had such a sweet and sexy voice when she sang Pillow Talk to this day I still play that song. May she rest in peace.
P Rivers
October 3, 2011
R.I.P Sylvia, I loved pillow talk! My sincere condolences to your family.
Joanne H
October 3, 2011
Thank you Ms. Sylvia for opening up talent and producing much more to follow and believe in those who followed you. Because of you, people who never knew they had talent decided to come forth and show what they could do.Thank you..You will be sadly missed.
To Leland & the entire Robinson family, may the spirit of God and the love of many comfort you at this time. Hold on to Gods hand and live through Ms. Sylvia's memory. Gone but never forgotten!!
TONIA CUNDIFF
October 3, 2011
YOU WERE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO R&B AND YOU WILL BE MISSED.PILLOW TALK MADE ME BLUSH. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
Johanna Velazquez
October 3, 2011
Joey I am sorry for your loss.I know she is watching over you and your
family. With deepest sympathy. Johanna Velazquez and Family.
Shawn Parsons
October 3, 2011
My sincerest condolences to the Robinson Family. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. (Selena's mom-TNeck)
Lynn La Para
October 3, 2011
Joey and family, I'm so sorry for your loss. No words can ever express how much she will be missed by all of you. She will be remembered for ever in your hearts.
Christine Brinson
October 3, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
norma
October 3, 2011
I am sorry for your loss. Sylvia will be dearly missed, along with her music. She is in God's memory. you can go to him because He is called the Hearer of Prayer, this is where you will get your strength and comfort. I wish you and your Family comfort and peace.
Sharon Johnson
October 3, 2011
Joey, Leland, and family - my deepest sympathy to you during this time!..Know that everyday your mom will be in your hearts forever!
Sharon(Bland)Johnson
Veronica Lucas
October 2, 2011
I want to wish the entire family of Sylvia Robinson my deepest condolences. She was a lovely women who inspired many, including myself with her tenderness and open heart.
Thank you Sylvia for being a kind soul while with us.
Now that you are with our father, may you feel love and peace.
Love forever, Veronica M. Lucas
Seneca
Seneca Beecher
October 2, 2011
To The Robinson Family,
You have my deepest condolences for the lost of your love one. Sylvia will always be remembered in my life. God Bless the family.
M. TERRY
October 2, 2011
Condolences to the family of SYLVIA ROBINSON. I loved her song PILLOW TALK. RIP SYLVIA ROBINSON. You will be missed.
Englewood Discount
October 2, 2011
I never had the pleasure to meet Sylvia, but I met her son, and if she was as good of a person Like him, she was an angel.I was supposed to have a friend introduce me to her me thats my loss..
Sylvia Follow the road to heaven..God is waiting with your Paridise...
Englewood Discount
October 2, 2011
Lucinda Appling
October 2, 2011
sorry heard about your lover one my prayer go too the family Lucinda Appling(Lexington GA.)
Lavone Walls
October 2, 2011
my prayers are with the family. my deepest condolences.. may god bless the robinson family.
Will Hargrove
October 2, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Earlie Alford
October 2, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
cheryl hutchinson
October 2, 2011
God is with the family alway she was a wonderful lady and I will miss her dearly.Sorry for your lose.
Harold Cartwright
October 2, 2011
What a beautiful, unique voice you had. Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
October 2, 2011
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Diane Craig
October 2, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Corletta Hardy
October 2, 2011
To the family&friends of Mrs.Robinson we bless God for her talent and her achievement she made own earth.Most of all we bless God for the years he gave her own earth.God was missing an angel she can sing in the heavenly choir own earth this is just a rehersal.Sleep own Mrs.Robinson you will live own through your music and God will sustain your love ones as they take that last walk with you.May your memories bring joy,peace ,and laughter.Sweeping due for a night but joy comes in the morning.
M Clay
October 2, 2011
To The Family and Friends Of Sylvia Robinson:
My prayers go out to you all today and forever. To this day I listen to "My Thing", "Pillow Talk', "Sho Nuff Boogie", "The Moments", and "The Sugar Hill Gang" nearly everyday no matter where I'm at in the world. Your MOM, GRANDMOTHER, GREAT-GRANDMOTHER,was a WONDERFUL TALENT. May GOD give you strength and think of all the memories of Sylvia you'll have to treasure for a LIFETIME.......
From a Devoted Fan.
M.Clay
London England, United Kingdom, Michigan, Anchorage, Alaska
October 1, 2011
May God contiue to comfort you all. We can all look forward to the time when death will be no more and instead of tears of sorrow there will be tears of happiness.
Denise A.
Constance McClenton
October 1, 2011
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family of our precious Sylvia. Her forever precious memories will remain in my heart and in my mind forever. I was just watching Sylvia the other day on the old Soul Train show with the Moments,now I know I'll have toput that on a dvd in case i lose it, I can put it on everytime and anytime I feel like capturing those moments of her soft songs.,whether I'm cleaning or reading a book its always a pleasure to enjoy the music. So, I just know the family have a memory archive. God Bless Your and Remember Sylvia is absent from the body she will forever be with us. Constance McClenton(Albany
Susan Viggiano
October 1, 2011
Joey and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know words can't even make a dent in the sorrow that you are all feeling at this time. Please know that I will remember you all in my prayers and pray for her soul to be ushered into Heaven on Angel's wings.
Susan
Joan Abbott-Dunn
October 1, 2011
Sylvia was a dear Friend of mine. God Bless her.
I used to work for her.
Joan Abbott-Dunn (Bensalem, Pa.)
October 1, 2011
Sylvia and her husband were also very instrumental to the sound of the Moments. Read the liner notes of the Moments Greatest Hits to see what impact this woman had on the sweet soul sound of the 70's.
Barbara Payton
October 1, 2011
God Bless the family of Sylvia Robinson. Rest In Peace.
Marcus rhaney
October 1, 2011
My heart goes out to family and friends during this time of sorrow. Great insight as to the new route of R&B and the founder of todays's Rappers .Let History remember this Lady for her enthusiasm to reach out into this "Rappers Delight"God bless
October 1, 2011
Sylvia, rest in peace, your talent was truly a gift! I remember shaking your hand at the front door to the club, Shula's, back in the day. Your hit "Pillow Talk" was on the charts!
SHERRY HILER
October 1, 2011
My Heart goes out to the Family.....As a child my mother & I would listen to the radio while cooking,cleaning,etc., We would stop & dance to Slyvia's songs, Such a loss & you will be missed. R.I.P.,
Stine
October 1, 2011
Grew up listening to your songs and lovely voice. I hope you are now singing with the angels.
Tom
October 1, 2011
Sylvia, thank you for your contributions to American music. As an 8-year old, I got a thrill every time "Love Is Strange" was played on the radio back in 1957. It remains one of my all-time favorite songs. Bless you, and rest in peace.
C,W
October 1, 2011
Our condolences go's out to the Robinson family.Her music back in the days was fun and we dance to it and had a good time.May the God of comfort and peace be with Sylvia family and friends.Acts24:15.
Kirk
October 1, 2011
God has called home another angel with a golden voice. Her singing was so silky smooth...it won't ever be duplicated. May her soul and all the faithful departed rest in peace...AMEN!
althalene sreicher
October 1, 2011
MAY THE GOD OF PEACE BE WITH THE ROBINSON FAMILY IN YOUR TIME OF SORROW,MAY YOU HAVE THE COMFORT OF HIS WORD,THE FUTURE SURE HOPE.UNDER HIS KINGDOM RULE A PARADISE EARTH SOON.MATTHEW 6:9,10.JOHN5:29,29.
Herb Gonzales, Jr.
October 1, 2011
A voice and artist that is missed but will not be forgotten. My heartfelt sorrow at the death of Sylvia and for her family blessed be.
Sheryl R. Lamb-Davis
September 30, 2011
Thank you Mrs. Robinson for your contributions to the music world. My prayers to Family and Friends. Rest in peace.
Pearl Lopez Delgado
September 30, 2011
OLDSCHOOL
HIPHOP`NATION
Ourfamily of
condolences'
In memory of
SYLVIA ROBINSON
a Neighbor
September 30, 2011
May The Robinson Family receive support from friends and most of all from God during this time. He's always there for us as Psalms 145:18 tells us.
September 30, 2011
To the Family,
Our heart goes out to the family in time of sorrow. Sylvia will never be forgotten. And memories of her will always be in our hearts.
M.Grove, Mphs,TN
Marlene & Kenneth Tinsley
September 30, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
jose olivas
September 30, 2011
beautiful lady inside and out rest in peace..
September 30, 2011
I was just watching an old rerun of Soul Train and "Sylvia" was one of the guests. Amazingly I open the obits here in Houston, Texas and see that she had passed on. I was very saddened. My condolences go out to her family during this time of grief and sorrow. You now have a guardian angel watching over you. May God bless and keep you forever is my prayer.
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