Syleena Johnson

Johnson is the daughter of '60s R&B/blues singer Syl Johnson, who penned the hit song
"Take Me to the River." She grew up listening to Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Tina Turner,
the Dells, and Mavis Staples. Early on, she developed a love for music. She performed in
local bands in Chicago. She sang in her church choir at Greater Christian Unity. She
worked in classical and gospel choirs as well as jazz ensembles at Drake University and
at Illinois State University, where she majored in music. After having nodes removed
from her vocal cords, she took two years of speech therapy. She has seven years of vocal
training.
The powerful songstress actually started her first album at age fifteen with her father's
help; it wasn't picked up, and she didn't get to finish it. Next, she did an album with her
cousin - same story. Third, she made an underground album called Love Hangover which
got sold on the internet.
When brought to the attention of multi-platinum phenomenon and labelmate, R. Kelly, he
immediately recognized Syleena's unbridled talent and penned the debut single "I Am
Your Woman" specifically for her. His impeccable arrangement and production provide
an ideal vehicle to establish Syleena's distinctive voice as the rightful heir to the
airwaves. "I Am Your Woman" is just the first step in the emotional journey into passion,
betrayal & redemption that is her Jive debut album, Chapter 1: Love, Pain & Forgiveness.
Johnson wrote all the songs on the album except her first single, "I Am a Woman".
Johnson began writing songs for this  CD at age 20 in 1997 and sent her demo to
Wayne Williams, V.P. of Artist Development at the Chicago office of Jive Records. He
signed her and paved the way for the release of her album in May 2001.