22. Sylvester
Known around the world as the “Queen of Disco,”Sylvester was an American disco singer who rose to international fame in the late 1970’s with hits such as “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” “Dance (Disco Heat),” and “Do You Wanna Funk.” Known for his falsetto voice and his exotic costumes, Sylvester got his start as a drag performer in the San Francisco nightlife scene. His sophomore album produced the hits “Dance (Disco Heat)” and “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” both of which ruled the American Dance Charts for 6 weeks. In 1979,Harvey Milk invited Sylvester to perform “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” at San Francisco’s Castro Street Fair and in 2004, his same hit was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame. As a result of Sylvester’s ever-growing fame, his label began to pressure him to “butch up” his image – in defiance Sylvester began showing up to label meetings in full-drag. Tragically, in December 1988, at the age of 41, Sylvester died from complications due to AIDS. He stated the year prior to his death: “I don’t believe AIDS is the wrath of God. People have a tendency to blame everything on God.” In 2005, Sylvester was inducted into the Dance Music Hall of Fame for his achievements as an artist.
21. Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
Frankie Goes to Hollywood were a British dance-pop band popular in the mid 1980’s most notable for their debut single “Relax (Take It Easy)” which spent five consecutive weeks at the top of the UK singles chart and became the 7th best selling UK single of all time. Their follow-up hits “Two Tribes” and “The Power of Love” also climbed the UK charts to No. 1, making FGTH the second act in UK history to have their first three singles reach No. 1.Holly Johnson led on vocals and was at one time rumored to be dating back up vocalistPaul Rutherford. After splitting from FGTH, Johnson went on to pursue a solo career and released his platinum selling number one album Blast that spawned four hit singles. In 1991 Johnson learned he was HIV-positive and in 1994 released his critically acclaimed autobiography, a Bone in My Flute. He is currently working on new material.
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