- published: 02 May 2007
- views: 2405589
Syleena Johnson (née Thompson born September 2, 1976, Harvey, Illinois, United States) is an American Grammy Award nominated R&B and soul singer-songwriter and actress.
Johnson took to music early, growing up not only with a musical father but also listening to influential artists such as Aretha Franklin, Al Green, Tina Turner, The Dells, and Mavis Staples. She would later apply her taste for soul music as a member of her high school gospel choir.
Johnson attended Thornridge High School in Dolton, Illinois. Her music career was inspired by her music teachers, who are still working there as of June 2007.[citation needed]
Johnson's road to music was hardly easy. Her father, Syl, was not encouraging, as his own lackluster success with his craft led him to think little of the music industry. On top of that, Johnson suffered from vocal nodules and had to go through speech therapy. And when Johnson was fifteen, her parents split up. Despite these setbacks, Johnson's relationship with both her parents and her music remained strong: she contributed as a singer and songwriter on her father's 1994 album Back in the Game. After having nodes removed from her vocal cords, she took two years of speech therapy. She has seven years of vocal training.
I don't know what you've been told, baby
But, there's definitely something wrong with you.
This s**t is getting kinda old baby, staying out all night and acting like a fool.
You don't come home at night.
All we do is fuss and fight.
Steadily, hangin' with the boys
When I'm the only one employed
Can't buy me diamond rings.
Can't buy a damn thing
Pager beeping nine one one
I thought I was the only one.
Ain't no love, ain't no joy
Ain't no times left to enjoy
Ain't no love, ain't even no lust
Ain't no kindness baby, ain't no trust.
Lately, you been kinda bold, darlin'
Getting pages and calls all night through
I guess it's time for me to fold darlin'
'Cause there's nothing left to hold on to
Ain't no love.
Ain't no love, ain't no joy.
Ain't no times left to enjoy
Ain't no love, ain't no lust
Ain't no kindness, ain't no trust.
Through all the pain that you caused me I was there, I was there.
Through all the times, that you didn't see, I was there, I was there.
Through all the gambling debts you had, I was there, I was there
Now I'm gone and it's too bad