Syl Johnson is an influential American blues and soul singer and musician. Known for his raspy, fervent vocals and bluesy guitar riffs, Johnson made significant contributions to the soul genre in the 1960s and 1970s. He is perhaps best known for hits such as "Is It Because I'm Black" and "Take Me To The River", which highlight his ability to blend soulful melodies with socially conscious lyrics. Despite his relative obscurity, Johnson's work has been widely sampled by hip-hop artists, testifying to his enduring influence on contemporary music.