Sylvia Robinson passed away this morning at age 75. If you're not familiar with her work as a singer (her biggest hit was "Pillow Talk"), you've certainly witnessed her effect on the music industry. Sylvia and her husband Joe founded Sugar Hill Records in 1979. The label's first record was The Sugarhill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." She was also a major player in the release of Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five's "The Message."
These days, many music executives are simply trying to capitalize on trends and follow the formulas of proven success. Sylvia was one of those people who came along, took some risks, and changed things forever. She is often given the title "Mother Of Hip-Hop." Her sons have all followed in her footsteps with careers in the music industry.
Rest in peace, Sylvia.
