Sylvia Robinson (n e Vanderpool; May 29, 1935 – September 29, 2011) was an American singer, record producer, and record label executive. Robinson had two R&B chart toppers: as half of Mickey & Sylvia with “Love Is Strange” in 1957 and her solo record “Pillow Talk” in 1973. She later became known for her work as founder and CEO of the hip hop label Sugar Hill Records. Robinson is credited as the driving force behind two landmark singles in the hip hop genre; “Rapper’s Delight” (1979) by the Sugarhill Gang, and “The Message” (1982) by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five; which caused her to be dubbed “The Mother of Hip-Hop”. Robinson received a Pioneer Award for her career in singing and being the founder of Sugarhill Records at the 11th Annual Rhythm and Blues Awards Gala in 2000.
instruments played
Guitar
Vocals
Also Known As
Little Sylvia Sylvia Sylvia Robbins Shirley Robbins Mother of Hip Hop
Associated Acts
Mickey & Sylvia The Moments Retta Young Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five Sugarhill Gang The Sequence Duke Bootee Bo Diddley Bernard Edwards DJ Kool Herc The Magichords
Birth Name
Sylvia Vanderpool
Genres
Blues R&B rock soul funk disco hip hop
Labels
Savoy Columbia Jubilee Cat Groove Rainbow RCA Vik Willow Records King All Platinum Stang Vibration Sugar Hill
Occupations
Singer record producer record label executive
Origin
Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Years Active
1950 2011
Name
Sylvia Robinson
Nationality
United States of America