MICKEY & SYLVIA

Mickey & Sylvia est un duo de guitaristes et de chanteurs américain de rhythm and blues, fondé et actif à New York de 1955 à 1965.
Carrière

Le duo Mickey and Sylvia se constitue au milieu des années 1950. Le guitariste Mickey Baker se joint à une de ses anciennes élèves, Sylvia Vanderpool, qui a déjà enregistré des titres comme chanteuse sous le nom de « Little Sylvia ».

À partir de 1955, ils enregistrent des morceaux où ils chantent et jouent tous deux de la guitare électrique. Leur plus grand succès est le titre Love Is Strange pour le label Groove Records. Leur style mêle rhythm and blues, rock 'n' roll et doo-wop.

Le duo se sépare à la fin de la décennie mais continue en réalité à enregistrer sporadiquement jusqu'en 1965. Mickey Baker quitte les États-Unis et continue sa carrière en France. Sylvia Vanderpool, mariée, continue sa carrière dans le monde de la musique sous le nom de Sylvia Robinson. Elle fonde avec son mari, à la fin des années 1970, le premier label de rap, Sugar Hill.

In the mid-1950s, music instructor Mickey Baker was inspired by the success of husband-and-wife musical duo Les Paul & Mary Ford to form a duo with one of his pupils Sylvia Robinson.[3] They released their first record together, "Fine Love," as "Little" Sylvia Vanderpool with Mickey Baker and His Band on Cat Records in 1954.[4][5]

Baker and Vanderpool released their first record, "I'm So Glad," as Mickey & Sylvia on Rainbow Records in 1955.[6] They recorded for the RCA label subsidiary Groove Records in 1956. While sharing the bill with Bo Diddley at Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., Vanderpool was inspired by his song "Love Is Strange." With his blessing, Mickey & Sylvia recorded their own rendition.[7][8] Their single was released in November 1956. It became their biggest hit, topping the US R&B chart and peaking at No. 11 in the US pop chart in January 1957.[9] The record sold over one million copies and was awarded a gold disc by the RIAA.[10]

In 1957, Mickey & Sylvia recorded for Vik Records. They had two other singles chart in 1957 with "There Oughta Be A Law" and "Dearest."[9] In 1958, Mickey & Sylvia split up because Vanderpool wanted to pursue a solo career.[11] Vanderpool married Joseph Robinson in 1959 and thereafter went by Sylvia Robinson. Baker replaced her with singer Kitty Noble.[12] Mickey & Kitty released three records on Atlantic Records in 1959.[13] Baker also released his debut solo album, The Wildest Guitar, in 1959.[14]

After a two year hiatus, Mickey & Sylvia were reunited by Hugo & Luigi at RCA Victor in 1960.[15] They also established a publishing company. In 1961, they formed their own label, Willow Records, distributed by King Records, which produced the singles "Lovedrops" and "Baby You're So Fine."[9] That year they contributed to Ike & Tina Turner's hit record "It's Gonna Work Out Fine." Robinson produced the track and played guitar while Baker played the role of Ike Turner.[7] The single earned Ike & Tina Turner their first Grammy Award nomination.[16] Ike Turner wrote Mickey & Sylvia's song "He Gave Me Everything," which was released as a B-side single to "Since I Fell For You" in 1962.[17]

A second studio recording of "Love Is Strange" in 1962 featured now-legendary drummer Bernard "Pretty" Purdie, on his first paid session gig.[18][19]

After the duo split, Baker recorded a successful instrumental solo album, The Wildest Guitar. He moved to France in the 1960s, where he worked with various French musicians. Baker died at his home in Montastruc-la-Conseillère, France on November 27, 2012, at the age of 87.[20]

Sylvia Robinson had a hit record in 1973 with "Pillow Talk," and was subsequently a driving force in the creation of the Sugar Hill rap label. Robinson died in 2011, at the age of 76.[21]

Albums

• 1957: New Sounds (Vik LX-1102)
  
• 1965: "Love Is Strange" And Other Bests (RCA Camden CAL-863/CAS-863) (LP compilation)
  
• 1973: Mickey And Sylvia Do It Again (RCA Victor APM-1-0327) (LP compilation)
  
• 1989: Love Is Strange & Other Hits (RCA/BMG 9900-2-R) (CD compilation)
  
• 1990: Love Is Strange (Bear Family BCD-15438) (2-CD compilation)
  
• 1995: The Willow Sessions (Sequel NEM-CD-763) (CD compilation)
  
• 1997: Love Is Strange: A Golden Classics Edition (Collectables COL-5833) (CD compilation)
  

Singles

[th]Releasedate [/th][th]Title [/th][th]Label & Cat No. [/th][th]Peak chart position [/th][th]US^[9] [/th][th]US R&B^[9] [/th]

1954	"Fine Love"	Cat 45-102	—	—
1955	"I'm So Glad"	Rainbow 45-316	—	—
	"Rise Sally Rise"	Rainbow 45-318	—	—
1956	"Where Is My Honey?"	Rainbow 45-330	—	—
	"No Good Lover"	Groove 4G-0164	—	—
	"Love Is Strange"	Groove 4G-0175	11	1
1957	"There Ought To Be a Law"	Vik 4X-0267	47	8
	"Dearest"		85	—
	"Two Shadows On Your Window"	Vik 4X-0280	—	—
	"Love Is A Treasure"	Vik 4X-0290	—	—
	"Where Is My Honey"	Vik 4X-0297	—	—
1958	"Bewildered"	Vik 4X-0324	57	—
	"It's You I Love"	Vik 4X-0334	—	—
	"To The Valley"	RCA Victor 47-7403	—	—
1960	"Mommy Out De Light"	RCA Victor 47-7774	—	—
	"This Is My Story"	RCA Victor 47-7811	100	—
	"What Would I Do"		46	—
1961	"Love Lesson"	RCA Victor 47-7877	—	—
	"Baby You're So Fine"	Willow 45-23000	52	27
	"Lovedrops"		97	—
	"Darling (I Miss You So)"	Willow 45-23002	—	—
1962	"Since I Fell For You"	Willow 45-23004	—	—
	"Love Is Strange"	Willow 45-23006	—	—
1965	"Love Is Strange"	King K-6006	—	—
	"Let's Shake Some More"	RCA Victor 47-8517	—	—
	"Fallin' In Love"	RCA Victor 47-8582	—	—

Love is Strange- Mickey & Sylvia on the Steve Allen Show

Mickey & Sylvia - Love Is Strange (1956)
In the vibrant tapestry of 1950s music, where rock 'n' roll was beginning to take root and rhythm and blues was evolving, there emerged a song that would defy convention and become an enduring classic: "Love Is Strange" by the dynamic duo, Mickey & Sylvia.
Mickey Baker and Sylvia Robinson, professionally known as Mickey & Sylvia, brought together a unique blend of skills and talents. Mickey, a gifted guitarist, and Sylvia, with her sultry vocals, crafted a sound that was both innovative and captivating. "Love Is Strange" was a testament to this synergy, combining elements of blues, rock, and pop in a way that was fresh and exciting.


The song begins with a playful spoken dialogue between the two, setting a flirtatious tone that carries throughout. The lyrics delve into the complexities and mysteries of love, suggesting that while love might be strange and unpredictable, it's also enchanting and irresistible. The chorus, with its catchy repetition of "Love is strange," is both a statement and a question, pondering the enigmatic nature of love.
Musically, "Love Is Strange" is a masterclass in simplicity and restraint. The iconic guitar riff, played by Mickey, is instantly recognizable, providing a rhythmic foundation for Sylvia's expressive vocals. The call-and-response structure of the song, a hallmark of many blues and R&B tracks of the time, adds an element of conversation, making the listener feel like a confidant in this intimate exploration of love.
In essence, "Love Is Strange" by Mickey & Sylvia is more than just a song; it's a musical exploration of one of life's most profound emotions. With its unforgettable melody, evocative lyrics, and the undeniable chemistry between Mickey and Sylvia, it remains a beloved classic, resonating with listeners across generations.

Mickey & Sylvia were an American R&B duo known for their 1956 crossover hit "Love Is Strange." Comprising guitarist Mickey Baker and future Sugar Hill Records co-founder Sylvia Robinson, the duo blended rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and pop, with a distinctive call-and-response style. Despite their split in the late 1950s, their influence on popular music persists.
Mickey & Sylvia's dynamic partnership was more than just a musical collaboration; it was a fusion of two distinct talents that complemented each other perfectly. Mickey Baker, often considered one of the greatest R&B guitarists of his time, brought a raw and powerful sound to their music. His intricate guitar riffs and solos became a defining feature of many of their tracks. On the other hand, Sylvia Robinson's sultry vocals and songwriting prowess added depth and emotion to their compositions, creating an irresistible blend of melody and rhythm.
Beyond "Love Is Strange," the duo produced other notable tracks that showcased their versatility and ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape. Their innovative use of guitar techniques and vocal interplay paved the way for future duos and set a precedent for how two artists could harmoniously blend their individual talents.
After their split, both artists went on to have successful careers in the music industry. Mickey Baker continued to be a sought-after session guitarist and also pursued a solo career, while Sylvia Robinson's journey led her to become a pioneering figure in the world of hip-hop, co-founding Sugar Hill Records. The label played a pivotal role in the early days of hip-hop, introducing groundbreaking acts like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
Mickey & Sylvia's legacy is evident in the countless artists who've sampled or covered "Love Is Strange" and in the duos that have emulated their unique style. Their impact transcends genres, from R&B and rock to hip-hop, testifying to the timeless nature of their contributions to the world of music.
Mickey & Sylvia, an American R&B duo, left an indelible mark on the music industry with their unique blend of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and pop. The duo, comprising guitarist Mickey Baker and vocalist Sylvia Robinson, rose to fame with their 1956 crossover hit "Love Is Strange," a track that showcased their innovative call-and-response style and musical chemistry.
Mickey Baker, considered one of the greatest R&B guitarists, met Sylvia Vanderpool, who would later become Sylvia Robinson, when she was one of his music students. Inspired by the success of Les Paul & Mary Ford, they formed a duo, combining Baker's raw guitar riffs and solos with Robinson's sultry vocals and songwriting flair. Their first record together, "Fine Love," was released in 1954, marking the start of a partnership that would influence generations of musicians.
Mickey & Sylvia's path to stardom was solidified with the release of "Love Is Strange" in 1956. The song, inspired by a Bo Diddley track, showcased their unique style and became a massive hit, topping the R&B chart and breaking into the pop chart. The duo's music was characterized by Baker's intricate guitar work and Robinson's emotive voice, creating songs that were both rhythmically rich and melodically captivating.


Despite their success as a duo, Mickey & Sylvia disbanded in the late 1950s. Baker continued his career as a sought-after session guitarist and moved to France, where he remained active in the music scene until his passing in 2012. Sylvia Robinson, on the other hand, became a pioneering figure in the hip-hop industry, co-founding Sugar Hill Records and playing a significant role in introducing artists like Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five.
The legacy of Mickey & Sylvia is evident in the numerous artists who have covered "Love Is Strange" and the countless musicians who have drawn inspiration from their innovative style. The song's inclusion in films like "Dirty Dancing" and its recognition by the Grammy Hall of Fame further cement their place in music history. Their impact extends across various genres, illustrating the timeless nature of their contributions to the world of music.
Mickey & Sylvia's story is one of musical innovation, artistic collaboration, and lasting influence. From their early days as a dynamic duo to their individual successes in the music industry, their journey reflects the evolving landscape of American music and their pivotal role in shaping it.