I wonder if the audience knew back then that they were seeing someone truly special? I had not seen this performance so I thank you Miguel. Sylvester had the audience in the palm of his hand. He was mesmerizing. I loved him so very much and still do.
because he sings inside your soul and it feels right. he was an intuitive tunesmith and we need more special communicators to carry the news from town to town...now more than never...
I love Patti Labelle, but hands down I only love Sylvester and his version of the song, "You are my Friend". I loved Sylvester's disco songs I was introduced to it around the my teenage years 13-16. It would be later on in my mother's home I would get introduced to this song. My mom passed in 2008 and I played this song, in my grief, over and over for hours must have been 100 times. I find myself on my mom's 16th death anniversary playing this song over and over again. I am so happy to view this reenactment footage of the show, now I get to see exactly what I would have loved to see, had I been a member of the concert. Rest Sylvester's beautiful soul and spirit in beloved peace. Your activism regarding A.I.D.S. and unapologetically being just who you are is to be applauded. Thanks for reminding the world that God makes no mistakes. The victims to that dreadful disease are God created human beings, the same for those in and out your community. ❤️ 🙏
Thanks for sharing this pure moment of pleasure and nostalgia. Actually I m reading "The fabulous Sylvester" his biography from Joshua Gamson. It is not easy cause it doesn t exist in french version and my English is not fluent but a dictionary s helping me. He had a very strong personality and he knew exactly what he wanted... Respect !!!
I am reading it now, learning so much, I loved Sylvester, he left far too soon. I am sure he is looking down on all of us and just laughing his asp off and sending love all over the world.
@@sashaashby Bravo, it's an excellent choice of reading, and you will see in this book the only published photo of his boyfriend Rick Cranmer. It's an excellent biography !
Listening in June 2024. This was one of my best friends favorite song. Darwin passed away in 2000. Wonderful memories ❤. You have to be in awe of the beauty and courage of Sylvester ❤❤❤
A big thank you to who ever recorded this and thank you Miguel for sharing this. I get so emotional when I watch this and watch it alot. This performance is simply stunning and beautiful. Sylvester was the Queen of R&B and I sure do miss her.
I keep watching this, over and over again. I really miss Sylvester James. HIS own life style had absolutely nothing to do with me. I LOVED him for the person he was. Even though I didn't know him personally he WAS One of my favorite Singer's. I miss him dearly.😍😣.
THANK YOU MIGUEL, So many memories this Trio Blessed my Life with. So crushed seeing Sylvester rolled in a Wheelchair during the SF Pride Parade. He wouldn't compromise Life for anyone. Traveled entire Parade Route. Believe he passed within Weeks of that journey down Market Street. M.
What a performance!!! It's the Summer of 2022 and this is still a song that brings emotion. Sylvester was ahead of himself. This song is timeless....... ***
He was ahead of the times, he lived by his truth in every essence, he discovered these two talented women (2 tons of fun), he had a gifted voice and ear, his music was his message, is a gift and legacy. Being openly unapologetically queer he endured ridicule but he stormed ahead with his grandmother being his greatest supporter until her death. He lived, loved, and shared himself without restraint or regret, being a bright beacon in a world of darkness void of colourful sexual expression. The world lost an iconic figure who if alive today would be the godfather of creation, of expression, a founding father of pride in its absolute purest form, in a world full of new generations seeking assurance in their sexuality, their identity and their purpose in life. Forever in our hearts, Sylvester you are our friend ❤ and truely missed.
Just reading your comments bought tears to my eyes because I felt the same about him. It seems you knew him on a more personal level. I applaud you for sharing these feelings. I just want you to know that in MY heart I felt that I knew the passion and sincerity in life he had with his real friends. My words aren't as fancy as yours, but I feel the same way about SYLVESTER!!! ***@@homebuddha
@@jaciwhy4041 I appreciate your reply Jaciwhy4041. Like you a regularly return to this video of Sylvester to absorb the raw beautiful message this video embodies. I wish I could say I personally knew Sylvester, sadly for me he passed away when I was only 15yrs old teenage male, with hormones out of control silently and privately knowing I was deeply attracted to males. I had an all female friendship circle, a high voice and deeply sensitive than any other guys my age. I felt my way through the world navigating and surrounding myself with energies that made me feel safe, not judged, where I could expand my own expression of who I was freely without constraints. I admired Sylvester, he was my inspiration, his legacy paved my path of discovering who I am, my truth. I grew up in a difficult upbringing, my Dad was violent, an alcoholic and would come home drunk and hit my mum. At 7yo I learned to jump out our window and run to a safe house to ask them to call the police. I have never forgotten the sound of the wind being punched out of my mum and her struggles to breathe. I felt helpless, terrified. My Dad hated me because I was ‘girly’. I was expressive and deeply bonded to my mum. I have always had an affinity with females, in fact my mum said when my twin brother & I were born (I arrived 15mins after my brother) I was supposed to be a female. I remember choosing my mum to be born to. I won’t go deeply in to it, but I will share we choose our lives, our parents, we have our plans for what we wish to experience, & with who. It’s all preplanned. I knew I was going to be born male but with a feminine energy. No one else had a voice like me but Sylvester. He was what I knew I would be one day, once I found my courage to live in my truth. My friendship circles have been people who nurture and adore my differences. I’m lucky to have friends who accept my unabashed colour and energy and feed off it. I waited until my 21st birthday night, refused to have a celebration at home, I told my mum no, I want to just go out, I wasn’t interested in being stuck catering or hosting. I wanted peace and enjoyment on my terms my way. Mum was great and relieved. So that was it. I found the first gay lesbian bar and discovered others like me, I found my truth and for the first time in my life I felt grounded, alive and free fir the first time. You see, Sylvester’s story gave me hope. I wasn’t as brave, I didn’t have anyone to accept my coming out, in fact it was awfully painful. But I wouldn’t budge. I knew my truth and remained locked to it against my family’s embarrassment. I chose to light my light bright without shame but also he respectful to others sensitivities and beliefs. I knew I could openly be who I wanted in my life without throwing my pride in the face of others. Inspired I researched him over the years because he resonated intimately in me. I am 50yo now. Sorry this is so long. I can’t believe I just shared a deeply private history of my life.
@@jaciwhy4041 Sorry I got lost in my story of my life. This song of Sylvester’s takes me on a journey through my past, the pains, the tribulations, I re-live the emotional journey all over again. While I was castrated for a period from my family because I chose my own truth over what my parents preferred, it was friends who helped me through my identity crisis. I had a ‘mother’ (in gay terms it’s a mature gay man who takes you under their wing to teach you about a lifestyle that you can either grow in or perish. Drugs, diseases, safety, stimulant & alcohol dependency, health, community safety. The most valuable lesson he gave me was ‘I didn’t need anyones approval other than my own’. And he was right. We were playing Sylvester’s You are my friend at that time. That’s why I return. To remember him, my friend, my ‘mother’ in coming out. I’ve always associated my ‘mother’ as being like Sylvester, the energy was identical. So partially by research, I also relate him to my friend, my reminder of my ‘mother’ who passed away from AIDS 3 years later. This song holds a biography of emotions and memories, diamonds in my heart who are buried but will never be forgotten
This was a lip sync performance people. I respect Sylvester with my creative soul. Respect me and my group by keeping your negative comments to yourself. Please and thank you.
When I was young, this was the encore for the drag performers, The Illusions, who consisted of Candi Cabarini, Diane Nicole and the leader, Bettye Moore. The house would be brought down each time they did it. I truly miss those days...
I honestly think you and your group did an amazing job recapturing the spirit of this iconic performance. and I personally thank that this was uploaded on youtube
Actually it’s my group. Malik diamond and diamond dust in Philadelphia. I’d say 2012 In the little jazz spot on Broad Street. Thank you very much for your comments
I can't thank y'all enough for bringing this song back to life in this reenactment. I've listened to the record for decades . . . now I can imagine how it may have been performed.
I was 12 or 16 when this song came out but don't remember falling in love with it until I was 19 or 20 Young and innocent but it was something about Sylvester that touched my soul and this song like fire to my being I love love this song could not remember the name of it so I had to Google Sylvester these girls can find y'all my favorite line may you continue to rip
this made me cry,.sylvester Wass a big part of my growing up Gay,..one of the first Discos I "snuck" into in SF WAAAYYY before I was out played "you make me feel" and "Disco Heat",..and ever since then I was in love with everything Sylvester sang,..this athletic white boy from the East Bay loved this Black Disco Queen,..I remember years later seeing him play a little show at Faces Bar in Sacramento and I was standing next to him as he sang a little number ,..then I remember being at the Castro Street Fair when he was sick and the performer stopped the show and prompted everyone to yell "Hey"to Sylvester who was living near by,..but was too sick :( to be at the fair,...Sylvester will always be near and dear to me,..truly one of a kind
This song was meant for Slyvester to sing it. He sing with so much compassion and love. He was a Extraordinary Artist. Two tons of fun did a Excellent job as well. Thank you so much. You are truly missed. Rest in Peace 🙏💔
I have to strongly admit, that this live version of the song really helps me to appreciate Sylvester's sing ability. This should now be the go-to video for the song "You Are My Friend" thank you for posting this video.
Thank the Lord i had the opportunity 2C Sylvester in concert before he went to Glory in the 1980s RIP, he was a True Original & could never be imatated. its nice to keep him memory alive though.....
What does being gay have to do with Sylvester’s talent? I mean seriously you would have to be Stevie Wonder to not know he was gay! Why does being gay have to have so much of an emphasis on it today? Who cares who you are sleeping with? You don’t hear heterosexual people saying “that’s the greatest heterosexual performer ever!” You know why? because it sounds ridiculous just like your comment!
To pc amin, You're right, it is a drag show, BUT that is Sylvester James Jr. Better known as just Sykvester and he is singing with Ms. Martha Wash & Ms. Izora Rose better known as The Weather Girls or Two Tons of Fun who famously sang "It's Rainin' Men" You do remember them LIP SYNCING THAT ONE, don't you? ha-ha!!!
I lived thru the era thank God but where has the talent like this gone we need it to come back and take the industry by storm we need reasons to escape dance all night and and let our worrys go long lived the days where people lined up each night to get to a club and dance dance dance
Remember how we danced till last call, go outside so club could convert to non alcohol, change up the DJ, flood back in to dance till Sunrise. Go back next night do it again !!! M.
@@martyturner6638 When the sun came up, folks would then go to a nearby diner for a serious breakfast! I can't remember ever hearing the word "Brunch"? HA!
i grew up listening to this song, my Mother played it all the time. Today somehow it has a greater meaning, bless you for sharing this to the world !!!!!
I was 17 yrs old when heard this song on the radio. This video is on point which isn't easy to do. Yall killed it....it really looks like you worked hard to pull this off!!!! This old dude is impressed.
Man, if I didn't know any better, I would've thought this was the actual performance. You guys reenacted this performance to the tee. I'm sure Sylvester and those two young ladies would be very proud of this performance.
Awesome. Just awesome. Always loved the live version of this song and wish it had been recorded to see. So thank you for the visual presentation we all needed. Powerful stuff. Got me a lil bit lol. Shows the artistry and brilliance of this song that a lip synced version could move the crowd to give you guys a standing ovation at the end. Well deserved.
I remember hearing this song by Sylvester when I was little, and then somewhere in my early twenties I heard the Patti LaBelle version. I don't know who sang it first, but Sylvester definitely saying it best!
@@anythingcanhappenhere Armstead Edwards ,Bud Ellison and Patti LaBelle wrote this song. It was on her first solo album... release 1977 .The great Sylvester recorded his, live at "War Memorial Opera House " in San Francisco... Year 1979. He did take it to another level with the Two Tons of Fun. Later called the Weather Girls when they split. Its Raining Men,was there biggest hit.
I got a message that I left an offensive comment about this video- That never happened, I love this version and all three of their voices, they tore it up. What r u talking about?🌹🌝🌹And now that I'm revisiting I just found out this is not the actual original performance 🤣🤣🤣
There is always space in many hearts including mine respectfully,. Year on Year for the incredible talent that was and will always be Sylvester. We know he is singing with the angels and forever our friend. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I so wish you get more subscribers and a very happy year and as always… BE SAFE!!! And not to mention who doesn’t like SYLVESTER!?! I love love LOVE SYLVESTER! Fave song is You make me feel ( mighty real) R.I.P. Sylvester! I miss you!
WHAT IS WITH THE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS BEING A LIP SYNCED PERFORMANCE. Sylvester and the Ladies still sang the song which is how they were able to LIP SYNC! This is a great performance of this song and rivals that of Patti LaBelle!!! Sylvester was a once in a lifetime performer and we should be honored that we are able to discover this unique talent with the help of Mr. Osborne and for those who were fans of SYLVESTER gets another chance to relive his performances. JUST RELAX AND ENJOY VIEWING and HEARING this incredibly gifted artist!!! You will never see another unique and incredibly brave artist who was secure in who he was (in the later 70's no less) and just celebrate him instead of complaining about lip synching. Today some singers perform a whole concert lip synching!!! RELAX and ENJOY!!
Hi, I am not a hater, but Please don't take credit for Sylvester's talent by saying your video is "Sylvester". Title it "Lip-Synch Performance of Sylvester's "You Are My Friend"". Some of the comments are indicating that people think this is actually Sylvester singing & you are Not Sylvester. There is no indication of when this video was recorded, only when it was posted. Please clarify for viewers that you are trying to honor Sylvester's Legacy by lip-synching to his music; otherwise the title of this video constitutes fraud.
I did read the comments, and there are a many. They date from today and back 10 years. In some comments, it seems clear that the person knows your video is a lip-synch performance and in others, they seem to think you are Sylvester (& that the back-up singers are actually Martha Wash & Izora Rhodes). Being that it is actually Sylvester's voice singing, people may automatically think this is some long-lost footage of that performance of him singing "You Are My Friend". I appreciate your response, but I still think you should change the title of your video. If you search "Sylvester" on TH-cam, your video pops up, and you are Not Sylvester. Sorry to be a stickler for authenticity. I would hate to see you get sued by Sylvester's Estate for misrepresenting who you are and for fraud. If someone came to your drag show performance in person, they would absolutely know you are not Sylvester because they are at a Drag Show. For someone watching your video on their tiny phone screen, it is not obvious at all (unless you look at it full-screen and know what Sylvester really looked like). After what happened with Black Box (Strike It Up) and C+C Music Factory (Gonna Make You Sweat/Everybody Dance Now) in the late 80s & 90s, taking Martha Wash's voice & having their thin front dancer chick lip-synch to it during concerts and music videos (and Not giving M.W. her due credit), the music world is now well-aware of voice theft and purposeful misrepresentation after she sued the pants off them. Rest in Peace, Sylvester! Long Live Martha Wash! Carry On, Miguel! but please be upfront & honest about what your video is, by changing the title to say that it is a lip-synched performance by you (and not Sylvester Live). Thank You!
I think you guys did a great job, the fact that you are obviously quite young and know who Sylvester is great. I don't know the performance of this song by Sylvester at the Opera House in San Francisco was every filmed, if it was I have never seen it but would love to!!! I Saw Sylvester and Martha and Izora at Hammersmith Odeon in London 1979 and it was truly amazing!!! I ran backstage after the show with my friend and the posters and photos we tore from the walls in the auditorium, we had Sylvester sign them,and he was so nice as we're the girls. I still have them after all these years...wonderful memories, I was 15 years old ha ha!!! For anyone that has'nt you have to read the book by Joshua Gamson 'The fabulous Sylvester'it is such a great book, a must for any fan of Sylvester and his life.
You did a great job with your respectful performance. I loved Sylvester so much and The Weather Girls. RIP I am so happy that I was so into dancing back in the 70's and 80s. My Gay friends showed me how to truly have fun, enjoy life, never stop dancing, and never take anything for granted. I'm forever grateful. Life is too short for the okey doke.
I met Syl at the Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos after this period when he was producing his friends as The Weather Girls. They were the most talented artists!
As there is no live footage of the San Francisco concert, I have always had to picture it in my mind to the music. Thanks for bringing some brilliant visuals to the audio. It must have been very similar at the concert! A grand tribute indeed.
I know everyone has their little nuances, their likes, and dislikes, so much so that we don't always see things similarly in many cases..and that's a good thing!! this was a good effort on their part, and He did have a good if brief career... but throwing around all the superlatives like he performed this song better than Patti is simply @#!$%*. Giving him his due for seizing his time to shine he also had the heavenly good fortune of having background singers who smoothed out his rough edges, they made that group!!! it was a good rendition Of Patti's song overall, and a favorite with me for quite a few years now...but hey we've got to be real...THE qUEEN OF r&b?...i dkat!!!
WELL!!! AWESOME PERFORMANCE FROM ALL 3!!! Got damn they did it!!! You are my friend. I been around, searching everywhere. And you been here all the time.🥰👏🌹💞👍🔥🎤🎶
I wonder if the audience knew back then that they were seeing someone truly special? I had not seen this performance so I thank you Miguel. Sylvester had the audience in the palm of his hand. He was mesmerizing. I loved him so very much and still do.
What an incredible reenactment of a truly moving song.
Ummm, this was not a re- enactment. It was a very unique and iconic performance second to none!
@@elena2426 it’s a lip synced performance but totally fabulous!
@stevenreichertart definitely not lipsynced because Patti Labelle doesn't sound like them. Patti wrote and performed it first.
This a beautiful song delivered by a truly amazing vocal talent . PERIOD
You hit the nail on the head when you deemed that era, "a truly amazing vocal period".
@@afroblue6711 victory earned just rights
Tons of respect to these performers.
No one could sing like this QUEEN..R.I.P.SYLVESTER JONES
Like many, I knew Sylvester. He would've loved this. Great performance.
Scott thank you
This song is the anthem for me and my best friend of 30ish years. This performance gave me chills 🤦🏽♀️
My Lord, they sang that song and their voices are so moving.
One of the best musical performance from the 1970s.
That's not Sylvester. It's a lip-sinking performance. Malik Diamond and Diamond Dust.
The voice is Sylvester's.
I loved the hell out of this performance!Sylvester would of been proud. How do I know he was my friend.
because he sings inside your soul and it feels right. he was an intuitive tunesmith and we need more special communicators to carry the news from town to town...now more than never...
@@ericpeterson6766 Wonderful. 🤟☺️💗
I know that's right ✅️
I love Patti Labelle, but hands down I only love Sylvester and his version of the song, "You are my Friend".
I loved Sylvester's disco songs I was introduced to it around the my teenage years 13-16.
It would be later on in my mother's home I would get introduced to this song.
My mom passed in 2008 and I played this song, in my grief, over and over for hours must have been 100 times.
I find myself on my mom's 16th death anniversary playing this song over and over again.
I am so happy to view this reenactment footage of the show, now I get to see exactly what I would have loved to see, had I been a member of the concert.
Rest Sylvester's beautiful soul and spirit in beloved peace. Your activism regarding A.I.D.S. and unapologetically being just who you are is to be applauded.
Thanks for reminding the world that God makes no mistakes.
The victims to that dreadful disease are God created human beings, the same for those in and out your community. ❤️ 🙏
Thanks for sharing this pure moment of pleasure and nostalgia. Actually I m reading "The fabulous Sylvester" his biography from Joshua Gamson. It is not easy cause it doesn t exist in french version and my English is not fluent but a dictionary s helping me. He had a very strong personality and he knew exactly what he wanted... Respect !!!
I am reading it now, learning so much, I loved Sylvester, he left far too soon.
I am sure he is looking down on all of us and just laughing his asp off and sending love all over the world.
@@sashaashby Bravo, it's an excellent choice of reading, and you will see in this book the only published photo of his boyfriend Rick Cranmer. It's an excellent biography !
What’s a queen to do? Be royal, @@kevinblackfrench words to live by…
This put tears in my eyes.
Author G D Grace awww, Bless you. That means a lot to us.
That was a beautiful tribute. I do t know why I teared up. Sylvester broke so many barriers. 😢
Thank you for keeping our beautiful Sylvester alive. Fabulous!
Incredible song , this is good music ,this is what I miss.
Listening in June 2024. This was one of my best friends favorite song. Darwin passed away in 2000. Wonderful memories ❤. You have to be in awe of the beauty and courage of Sylvester ❤❤❤
A big thank you to who ever recorded this and thank you Miguel for sharing this. I get so emotional when I watch this and watch it alot. This performance is simply stunning and beautiful. Sylvester was the Queen of R&B and I sure do miss her.
100 percent agree.
i love this damn version of this damn song so damn much, y'all!
and these queens did Sylvester proud.
No, i don't think she actually was...r&b goes way past what she was capable of doing...
D Noe awwww. Thank y’all for you comments. We loved Sylvester as well and they wanted to do him justice I’m glad you all enjoyed the performance.
ANEN!!! I was around 8 when I 1st heard a Sylvester song & IMO he was not only an amazing artist but truly a trail blazer!!!
@@miguelosborne365 is this from the Broadway show?
Wow... Great Performance. Great song 👌
I keep watching this, over and over again. I really miss Sylvester James. HIS own life style had absolutely nothing to do with me. I LOVED him for the person he was. Even though I didn't know him personally he WAS One of my favorite Singer's. I miss him dearly.😍😣.
thanks for the positive comments... Too All you haters out there I cash my check with a smile.
THANK YOU MIGUEL, So many memories this Trio Blessed my Life with. So crushed seeing Sylvester rolled in a Wheelchair during the SF Pride Parade. He wouldn't compromise Life for anyone. Traveled entire Parade Route. Believe he passed within Weeks of that journey down Market Street. M.
❤
They knocked it out da ball park!!
I LOVE THIS PERFORMANCE
I love the songs. You are my friend is a song that is what people need to hear and be that friend. When I am down sometimes I just play that song!!!❤
I was just a little kid hearing Sylvester! What could've been! What a joy to watch and listen! Love ya and RIP You were and still the Queen!!
I’m here in 2020... Such a beautiful and powerful performance of the Original song... Thank you 💪🏽
What a performance!!! It's the Summer of 2022 and this is still a song that brings emotion. Sylvester was ahead of himself. This song is timeless.......
***
He was ahead of the times, he lived by his truth in every essence, he discovered these two talented women (2 tons of fun), he had a gifted voice and ear, his music was his message, is a gift and legacy. Being openly unapologetically queer he endured ridicule but he stormed ahead with his grandmother being his greatest supporter until her death. He lived, loved, and shared himself without restraint or regret, being a bright beacon in a world of darkness void of colourful sexual expression. The world lost an iconic figure who if alive today would be the godfather of creation, of expression, a founding father of pride in its absolute purest form, in a world full of new generations seeking assurance in their sexuality, their identity and their purpose in life. Forever in our hearts, Sylvester you are our friend ❤ and truely missed.
Just reading your comments bought tears to my eyes because I felt the same about him. It seems you knew him on a more personal level. I applaud you for sharing these feelings. I just want you to know that in MY heart I felt that I knew the passion and sincerity in life he had with his real friends. My words aren't as fancy as yours, but I feel the same way about SYLVESTER!!!
***@@homebuddha
@@jaciwhy4041 I appreciate your reply Jaciwhy4041. Like you a regularly return to this video of Sylvester to absorb the raw beautiful message this video embodies. I wish I could say I personally knew Sylvester, sadly for me he passed away when I was only 15yrs old teenage male, with hormones out of control silently and privately knowing I was deeply attracted to males. I had an all female friendship circle, a high voice and deeply sensitive than any other guys my age. I felt my way through the world navigating and surrounding myself with energies that made me feel safe, not judged, where I could expand my own expression of who I was freely without constraints. I admired Sylvester, he was my inspiration, his legacy paved my path of discovering who I am, my truth. I grew up in a difficult upbringing, my Dad was violent, an alcoholic and would come home drunk and hit my mum. At 7yo I learned to jump out our window and run to a safe house to ask them to call the police. I have never forgotten the sound of the wind being punched out of my mum and her struggles to breathe. I felt helpless, terrified. My Dad hated me because I was ‘girly’. I was expressive and deeply bonded to my mum. I have always had an affinity with females, in fact my mum said when my twin brother & I were born (I arrived 15mins after my brother) I was supposed to be a female. I remember choosing my mum to be born to. I won’t go deeply in to it, but I will share we choose our lives, our parents, we have our plans for what we wish to experience, & with who. It’s all preplanned. I knew I was going to be born male but with a feminine energy. No one else had a voice like me but Sylvester. He was what I knew I would be one day, once I found my courage to live in my truth. My friendship circles have been people who nurture and adore my differences. I’m lucky to have friends who accept my unabashed colour and energy and feed off it. I waited until my 21st birthday night, refused to have a celebration at home, I told my mum no, I want to just go out, I wasn’t interested in being stuck catering or hosting. I wanted peace and enjoyment on my terms my way. Mum was great and relieved. So that was it. I found the first gay lesbian bar and discovered others like me, I found my truth and for the first time in my life I felt grounded, alive and free fir the first time. You see, Sylvester’s story gave me hope. I wasn’t as brave, I didn’t have anyone to accept my coming out, in fact it was awfully painful. But I wouldn’t budge. I knew my truth and remained locked to it against my family’s embarrassment. I chose to light my light bright without shame but also he respectful to others sensitivities and beliefs. I knew I could openly be who I wanted in my life without throwing my pride in the face of others. Inspired I researched him over the years because he resonated intimately in me. I am 50yo now. Sorry this is so long. I can’t believe I just shared a deeply private history of my life.
@@jaciwhy4041 Sorry I got lost in my story of my life. This song of Sylvester’s takes me on a journey through my past, the pains, the tribulations, I re-live the emotional journey all over again. While I was castrated for a period from my family because I chose my own truth over what my parents preferred, it was friends who helped me through my identity crisis. I had a ‘mother’ (in gay terms it’s a mature gay man who takes you under their wing to teach you about a lifestyle that you can either grow in or perish. Drugs, diseases, safety, stimulant & alcohol dependency, health, community safety. The most valuable lesson he gave me was ‘I didn’t need anyones approval other than my own’. And he was right. We were playing Sylvester’s You are my friend at that time. That’s why I return. To remember him, my friend, my ‘mother’ in coming out. I’ve always associated my ‘mother’ as being like Sylvester, the energy was identical. So partially by research, I also relate him to my friend, my reminder of my ‘mother’ who passed away from AIDS 3 years later. This song holds a biography of emotions and memories, diamonds in my heart who are buried but will never be forgotten
One of my absolute favorites.
This was a lip sync performance people. I respect Sylvester with my creative soul. Respect me and my group by keeping your negative comments to yourself. Please and thank you.
When I was young, this was the encore for the drag performers, The Illusions, who consisted of Candi Cabarini, Diane Nicole and the leader, Bettye Moore. The house would be brought down each time they did it. I truly miss those days...
So, why mentioned that it was lip synced.!!!!! So What Idiot.!!!!!
I honestly think you and your group did an amazing job recapturing the spirit of this iconic performance. and I personally thank that this was uploaded on youtube
Actually it’s my group. Malik diamond and diamond dust in Philadelphia. I’d say 2012 In the little jazz spot on Broad Street. Thank you very much for your comments
Miguel Osborne 🤮
I can't thank y'all enough for bringing this song back to life in this reenactment. I've listened to the record for decades . . . now I can imagine how it may have been performed.
I was 12 or 16 when this song came out but don't remember falling in love with it until I was 19 or 20 Young and innocent but it was something about Sylvester that touched my soul and this song like fire to my being I love love this song could not remember the name of it so I had to Google Sylvester these girls can find y'all my favorite line may you continue to rip
this made me cry,.sylvester Wass a big part of my growing up Gay,..one of the first Discos I "snuck" into in SF WAAAYYY before I was out played "you make me feel" and "Disco Heat",..and ever since then I was in love with everything Sylvester sang,..this athletic white boy from the East Bay loved this Black Disco Queen,..I remember years later seeing him play a little show at Faces Bar in Sacramento and I was standing next to him as he sang a little number ,..then I remember being at the Castro Street Fair when he was sick and the performer stopped the show and prompted everyone to yell "Hey"to Sylvester who was living near by,..but was too sick :( to be at the fair,...Sylvester will always be near and dear to me,..truly one of a kind
Sylvester would have loved this.
This song was meant for Slyvester to sing it. He sing with so much compassion and love. He was a Extraordinary Artist. Two tons of fun did a Excellent job as well. Thank you so much. You are truly missed. Rest in Peace 🙏💔
I feel the same way that's why I continue to listen to it over the years.
*****
A wonderful and beautiful performance!!!!
listen at the clarity in Martha's voice... I've been around and around... I miss Sylvester. Long live the queen.
Dana T.
I miss her too!!!!!
Ohh me TOO. Long live tha QUEEN!!
SORRYTO BUST YOUR BUBBLE!! BUT THAT'S A DRAG SHOW!! DRAG QUEENS LIP SYNCING!!
pc amin we know.
Yrs!
An human like Sylvester shows to everybody how to be oneself and accept all differences
I have to strongly admit, that this live version of the song really helps me to appreciate Sylvester's sing ability. This should now be the go-to video for the song "You Are My Friend" thank you for posting this video.
Thank you ☺️
Thank the Lord i had the opportunity 2C Sylvester in concert before he went to Glory in the 1980s RIP, he was a True Original & could never be imatated. its nice to keep him memory alive though.....
This help me threw my depression and I'm loving life again....
My favorite song Sylvester had so much talent,,🥰🥰
How many more times am I going to watch this video before I get tiered of it .
I think ive passed 50 times allready..RIP Sylvester 415 Forever
One of the greatest gay-out performer and singer there ever was. RIP
What does being gay have to do with Sylvester’s talent? I mean seriously you would have to be Stevie Wonder to not know he was gay! Why does being gay have to have so much of an emphasis on it today? Who cares who you are sleeping with? You don’t hear heterosexual people saying “that’s the greatest heterosexual performer ever!” You know why? because it sounds ridiculous just like your comment!
For me one of the greatest performers and with Martha and Isdora untouchable!!!!
THEY DID A GREAT JOB CAPTURING THIS ICONIC PERFORMANCE... TWO THUMBS UP!!
To pc amin, You're right, it is a drag show, BUT that is Sylvester James Jr. Better known as just Sykvester and he is singing with Ms. Martha Wash & Ms. Izora Rose better known as The Weather Girls or Two Tons of Fun who famously sang "It's Rainin' Men" You do remember them LIP SYNCING THAT ONE, don't you? ha-ha!!!
Ow martha wash
What a beautiful trio! With voices of pure Gold! Thank you, Miguel for uploading this. Timeless! New subscriber. ❤️
Rest in Peace 🙏💔 Slyvester. Great Music. I love this song. You sang this song so powerful. And tons did a remarkable job as well.
May 2024 and This Song has me in "TEARS"😢😢, But Good TEARS!!! ❤❤❤🧓🏿🧓🏽💋💋💋!!!
you are my friend is for those affected by the shooting in Orlando FL b strong love u all life is good remember that peace
8r
best voice before wh
i
AND for all of us that survived the 1st AIDS wave 1980 -1990. Losing so many, many Ppl, I listen to this often in their Honor. M.
I lived thru the era thank God but where has the talent like this gone we need it to come back and take the industry by storm we need reasons to escape dance all night and and let our worrys go long lived the days where people lined up each night to get to a club and dance dance dance
Remember how we danced till last call, go outside so club could convert to non alcohol, change up the DJ, flood back in to dance till Sunrise. Go back next night do it again !!! M.
@@martyturner6638 When the sun came up, folks would then go to a nearby diner for a serious breakfast! I can't remember ever hearing the word "Brunch"? HA!
i loved this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
His voice just give me chills. RIP
i grew up listening to this song, my Mother played it all the time. Today somehow it has a greater meaning, bless you for sharing this to the world !!!!!
Ya did a excellent job- Sylvester would Be pleased.
Wait, this is not Sylvester? Absolutely Breath Taking and Emotional! I loved it!!
Thank you so much. That's how it all started. The original creation of "That" song.
Wowwwww!!!! Excellent performance and I know Sylvester is smiling down on all of you 🥰💕💖
2023 who’s listening? Sylvester could sing y’all
Here in 2024
july 2024
August 2024
My tribute to Betty White forever our friend #RIP #AmericasAuntie
Pure talent. no words, just listen and watch...
I was 17 yrs old when heard this song on the radio. This video is on point which isn't easy to do. Yall killed it....it really looks like you worked hard to pull this off!!!! This old dude is impressed.
Aawww, thank you Donnie. Much love ❤️ from the three of us 💯
This was brilliant, Sylvester would have been proud I believe
Man, if I didn't know any better, I would've thought this was the actual performance. You guys reenacted this performance to the tee. I'm sure Sylvester and those two young ladies would be very proud of this performance.
Thank you very much for posting this video
What a song!!! Thanks for the video
Lip synced for they life!!!ATE
I sorry he didn't
Stay Around to
Get the Awards he deserved.I Loved his music.😍
Thanks for posting this. I've been looking for original video for years.
I'll gladly take this.
IT'S A DRAG SHOW!! DRAG QUEENS LYP SYINCING!!
We know, PC admin, we know. SMH
Awesome. Just awesome. Always loved the live version of this song and wish it had been recorded to see. So thank you for the visual presentation we all needed. Powerful stuff. Got me a lil bit lol. Shows the artistry and brilliance of this song that a lip synced version could move the crowd to give you guys a standing ovation at the end. Well deserved.
I remember hearing this song by Sylvester when I was little, and then somewhere in my early twenties I heard the Patti LaBelle version. I don't know who sang it first, but Sylvester definitely saying it best!
Sylvester wrote this song, Patti just copied it😎
@@anythingcanhappenhere Armstead Edwards ,Bud Ellison and Patti LaBelle wrote this song. It was on her first solo album... release 1977 .The great Sylvester recorded his, live at "War Memorial Opera House " in San Francisco... Year 1979. He did take it to another level with the Two Tons of Fun. Later called the Weather Girls when they split. Its Raining Men,was there biggest hit.
I got a message that I left an offensive comment about this video- That never happened, I love this version and all three of their voices, they tore it up. What r u talking about?🌹🌝🌹And now that I'm revisiting I just found out this is not the actual original performance 🤣🤣🤣
Love this song!!
Only Martha and izora can make that sound y'all. Please. Not them omg
Is that martha wash or
There is always space in many hearts including mine respectfully,. Year on Year for the incredible talent that was and will always be Sylvester. We know he is singing with the angels and forever our friend. ❤❤❤❤❤❤
I play this song everyday 🥲my favorite of all time SYLVESTER I LOVE YOU R I H--
I so wish you get more subscribers and a very happy year and as always… BE SAFE!!! And not to mention who doesn’t like SYLVESTER!?! I love love LOVE SYLVESTER! Fave song is You make me feel ( mighty real) R.I.P. Sylvester! I miss you!
Slay! Loved it!
WHAT IS WITH THE COMMENTS ABOUT THIS BEING A LIP SYNCED PERFORMANCE. Sylvester and the Ladies still sang the song which is how they were able to LIP SYNC! This is a great performance of this song and rivals that of Patti LaBelle!!! Sylvester was a once in a lifetime performer and we should be honored that we are able to discover this unique talent with the help of Mr. Osborne and for those who were fans of SYLVESTER gets another chance to relive his performances. JUST RELAX AND ENJOY VIEWING and HEARING this incredibly gifted artist!!! You will never see another unique and incredibly brave artist who was secure in who he was (in the later 70's no less) and just celebrate him instead of complaining about lip synching. Today some singers perform a whole concert lip synching!!! RELAX and ENJOY!!
Hi, I am not a hater, but Please don't take credit for Sylvester's talent by saying your video is "Sylvester". Title it "Lip-Synch Performance of Sylvester's "You Are My Friend"".
Some of the comments are indicating that people think this is actually Sylvester singing & you are Not Sylvester.
There is no indication of when this video was recorded, only when it was posted. Please clarify for viewers that you are trying to honor Sylvester's Legacy by lip-synching to his music; otherwise the title of this video constitutes fraud.
Thank you for that. If you read the comments you would see that I clarified that it was a lip-sync performance. Again thank you for you comment
I did read the comments, and there are a many. They date from today and back 10 years. In some comments, it seems clear that the person knows your video is a lip-synch performance and in others, they seem to think you are Sylvester (& that the back-up singers are actually Martha Wash & Izora Rhodes). Being that it is actually Sylvester's voice singing, people may automatically think this is some long-lost footage of that performance of him singing "You Are My Friend".
I appreciate your response, but I still think you should change the title of your video. If you search "Sylvester" on TH-cam, your video pops up, and you are Not Sylvester.
Sorry to be a stickler for authenticity. I would hate to see you get sued by Sylvester's Estate for misrepresenting who you are and for fraud. If someone came to your drag show performance in person, they would absolutely know you are not Sylvester because they are at a Drag Show. For someone watching your video on their tiny phone screen, it is not obvious at all (unless you look at it full-screen and know what Sylvester really looked like).
After what happened with Black Box (Strike It Up) and C+C Music Factory (Gonna Make You Sweat/Everybody Dance Now) in the late 80s & 90s, taking Martha Wash's voice & having their thin front dancer chick lip-synch to it during concerts and music videos (and Not giving M.W. her due credit), the music world is now well-aware of voice theft and purposeful misrepresentation after she sued the pants off them.
Rest in Peace, Sylvester! Long Live Martha Wash! Carry On, Miguel! but please be upfront & honest about what your video is, by changing the title to say that it is a lip-synched performance by you (and not Sylvester Live). Thank You!
@@lizk2914 Thank you, I assumed this was Sylvester.
@Camron Gregor I did too for about the 1st 2 ot 3 times I watched it on my phone. It is actually Sylvester's voice, so it threw me!
The original Queen, love you Sylvester
I think you guys did a great job, the fact that you are obviously quite young and know who Sylvester is great.
I don't know the performance of this song by Sylvester at the Opera House in San Francisco was every filmed, if it was I have never seen it but would love to!!!
I Saw Sylvester and Martha and Izora at Hammersmith Odeon in London 1979 and it was truly amazing!!! I ran backstage after the show with my friend and the posters and photos we tore from the walls in the auditorium, we had Sylvester sign them,and he was so nice as we're the girls. I still have them after all these years...wonderful memories, I was 15 years old ha ha!!!
For anyone that has'nt you have to read the book by Joshua Gamson 'The fabulous Sylvester'it is such a great book, a must for any fan of Sylvester and his life.
To sad that this song was never on any of his albums
tell me , is Sylvester died from which disease , someone tell me , he died from HIV-AIDS , Is it true
Yes. That took his Life from us. M.
You did a great job with your respectful performance. I loved Sylvester so much and The Weather Girls. RIP I am so happy that I was so into dancing back in the 70's and 80s. My Gay friends showed me how to truly have fun, enjoy life, never stop dancing, and never take anything for granted. I'm forever grateful. Life is too short for the okey doke.
Whose Listening 2021?
Love this song. Had the album when I was a kid and never forgot this phenomenal voice
I love this!!! Original FlowerChild1967 Fillmore district! 🌻🖤
🙂🙂🙂
Beautiful Sylvester The Great would be proud
I met Syl at the Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos after this period when he was producing his friends as The Weather Girls. They were the most talented artists!
ONE OF THE MOST NATURALLY TALENTED PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.........YALL!!
Silvester was prime in Night life scene and he can sing his butt off! he was fabulous ! I saw him at the Paradise Garage ..he was fun😁😀
Love love love this
this is beautiful, i didn't know Sylvester and what a life ....wow wow wow. amazing human
Kelebohile Mganga Thank you very much
one of my mom favorite songs, miss you mama *
I miss mama also.
And I am mother no more. Hallelujah
As there is no live footage of the San Francisco concert, I have always had to picture it in my mind to the music. Thanks for bringing some brilliant visuals to the audio. It must have been very similar at the concert! A grand tribute indeed.
I know everyone has their little nuances, their likes, and dislikes, so much so that we don't always see things similarly in many cases..and that's a good thing!! this was a good effort on their part, and He did have a good if brief career... but throwing around all the superlatives like he performed this song better than Patti is simply @#!$%*. Giving him his due for seizing his time to shine he also had the heavenly good fortune of having background singers who smoothed out his rough edges, they made that group!!! it was a good rendition Of Patti's song overall, and a favorite with me for quite a few years now...but hey we've got to be real...THE qUEEN OF r&b?...i dkat!!!
WELL!!! AWESOME PERFORMANCE FROM ALL 3!!! Got damn they did it!!! You are my friend. I been around, searching everywhere. And you been here all the time.🥰👏🌹💞👍🔥🎤🎶
Miquel, I know that this is not Sylvester, but nevertheless I fully enjoy watching this over and over. Because you posted it, I thank you....
*
NONE of them were ever given the accolades they deserved. They raised the Bar so high know one has ever come close. M.
Here In 2020, I Love Me Some Sylvester...Still Rocking The Vinyl...
🇬🇹🇺🇲❤️💕💕💜🌈💙CHEVERE SONG💙💕❤️🇺🇲🇬🇹
its 9-8-21 sylvester dies on 12-18-1988 he has been dead for 33 years and it feels like it was just yesterday . I was dancing to his music .
Way too animated and and overkilled. Honestly, did the skinny ones get whiplash? Footage of Sylvester and 2 tons not researched by these clowns.
Great lip syncing, just one thing Martha Wash was always on his right and Izora Rhodes was always on his left.
Wow Sylvester was down to no weight . Must of been one of his last shows . Real tears 😭
Not Sylvester, just an outstanding lip sync performance!
Cat Perez lmaoooooo, No sweetheart, That was Malik Diamond & Diamond Dust Portraying Sylvester for a benefit show