Not surprisingly, the only available biography of transvestite disco superstar Sylvester (born Sylvester James) is entitled THE FABULOUS SYLVESTER, as no other word captures this unique figure better. With a flamboyant sense of style and sexuality, and a breathtaking singing voice, the California native and veteran of San Francisco's legendary drag-queen performance troupe the Cockettes became underground disco's first homegrown superstar. His uplifting collaborations with producer Patrick Cowley revolutionized dance music and paved the way for its transformation into a predominantly electronic, synth-driven genre. Sadly, Sylvester succumbed to complications from AIDS (as did Cowley) in the 1980s, yet he remains an icon and an inspiration in the black gay community.
































