Happy Birthday to singer supreme, Syleena Johnson!

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    Happy birthday to singer extraordinaire Syleena Johnson, born September 2, 1976

    The daughter of legendary singer Syl Johnson, Syleena Johnson took to music early, growing up not only with a musical father, but also listening to influential artists such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Tina Turner, The Dells, and Mavis Staples. But it was a chance meeting with a talent scout from Jive Records at a 1997 charity basketball game that gave her her chance to really be heard. She used that connection to submit a demo tape, and she was immediately signed by the label -- what she would call "a miracle."

    Happy birthday to singer extraordinaire Syleena Johnson, born September 2, 1976

    The daughter of legendary singer Syl Johnson, Syleena Johnson took to music early, growing up not only with a musical father, but also listening to influential artists such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Tina Turner, The Dells, and Mavis Staples. But it was a chance meeting with a talent scout from Jive Records at a 1997 charity basketball game that gave her her chance to really be heard. She used that connection to submit a demo tape, and she was immediately signed by the label -- what she would call "a miracle."

    An abusive relationship with a boyfriend gave her the theme for her debut album, Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness, and gave the world the first glimpse of a star in the making -- one who could not only sing, but could write relatable, melodic songs that were brimming with authenticity. While the first album was not a hit, it helped Syleena develop as an artist and set her up for future success.

    Her featured vocals on Kanye West's "All Falls Down" was a boost, and began a period where Syleena was putting out such hits as "Guess What," "I Am Your Woman" and "Tonight I'm Gonna Let Go." She was winning fans, even when her record company wasn't always fully behind her.

    By the 2010s, Syleena was an independent artist, still laying out truths to music, even as she expanded into television with R&B Divas Atlanta and a series of talk shows and documentaries. She is a one woman entertainment business, and has stayed in front of her millions of fans consistently for more than two decades.

    Happy birthday, Syleena!