When thinking about "Pride anthems," a few tracks immediately spring to mind — and among them is the timeless 1978 hit "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester. Now, 35 years after the passing of the disco legend, Adam Lambert has taken the stage to pay homage to this influential figure who paved the way for LGBTQ+ music. Collaborating with renowned producer Sigala, Lambert has infused the track with a dance-driven remix, seamlessly melding his falsetto stylings into the song's fabric. He hits every musical note but intends not to imitate the late star; instead, he respectfully celebrates his legacy through this heartfelt cover.
On June 23, Lambert took the stage to deliver a live performance of the song during the Good Morning America
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To delve into the heart of the matter, let's begin by discussing the singer of the original track: Sylvester.
Sylvester James rose as a somewhat unconventional sensation: a gender-fluid, openly gay, African American artist with a distinctive falsetto voice. He fearlessly embodied a flamboyant persona that drew inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences, including church women, black blues vocalists, drag performers, hippies, and the LGBTQ+ community. And while breaking through racial, gender, and sexual boundaries was not his ticket to stardom, his fearless embrace of them made him an international disco sensation and an enduring symbol of empowerment for the queer community.
Throughout the 1970s and 80s, Sylvester's unique identity propelled him to the forefront of the mainstream music scene.
And in 1978, "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" came into existence. Written by Sylvester and fellow singer/musician Patrick Cowley, the song soared to global recognition. It snatched the top spot on dance charts in the United States and the United Kingdom, solidifying its status as a phenomenal hit. Widely regarded as a pinnacle in the disco genre, the track frequently garners acclaim as one of the finest compositions ever