Sylvia Robinson

Sylvia Robinson (née Vanderpool; May 29, 1935 – September 29, 2011), known mononymously as Sylvia, was an American singer, record producer, and record label executive. Robinson achieved success as a performer on two R&B chart toppers: as half of Mickey & Sylvia with the 1957 single "Love Is Strange", and her solo record "Pillow Talk" in 1973. She later became known for her work as founder and CEO of the pioneering hip hop label Sugar Hill Records.

For the country singer, see Sylvia (singer).

Sylvia Robinson
Robinson in 1976
Background information
Birth nameSylvia Vanderpool
Also known as
  • Little Sylvia
  • Sylvia
  • Sylvia Robbins
  • Shirley Robbins
  • Mother of Hip Hop
Born(1935-05-29)May 29, 1935
Harlem, New York, U.S.
OriginEnglewood, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedSeptember 29, 2011(2011-09-29) (aged 76)
Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • record producer
  • record label executive
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1950–2011
Labels

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, both of which she produced. At the 11th Annual Rhythm and Blues Awards Gala in 2000, she received a Pioneer Award for her career in singing and for founding Sugarhill Records. Several publications have dubbed her the "Mother of Hip Hop". In 2022, she was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Ahmet Ertegun Award category for being a major influence on the creative development of hip-hop's early successes, and is the first woman to receive the award unaccompanied by another person.

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