In Memoriam

In Memoriam : Sylvia Robinson, Sugar Hill Records Co-Founder

The co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, Sylvia Robinson has died.

Published

15 years ago

September 29, 2011

UVM Staff

Sylvia Robinson, the co-founder of Sugar Hill Records, has died.

Passing details

Robinson reportedly died from complications of congestive heart failure.

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Music career

Besides the contributions she made to the music industry as an executive, Robinson also was

a singer, musician, and music producer.

Sugar Hill Records was the label home to many of early hip-hop’s most successful artists, like the Sugar Hill Gang and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five.

Robinson is known in the hip-hop community for taking a sample of “Good Times” with the help of the Sugar Hill gang, and turned it into the classic “Rapper’s Delight”. She also produced “The Message” by Grand Master Flash & The Furious Five.

Sylvia Robinson is survived by her three sons Joseph Robinson Jr., Leland Robinson and Rhondo Robinson.

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Unheard Voices, an award-winning, family owned online news magazine, began in 2004 as a community newsletter serving Neptune, Asbury Park, and Long Branch, N.J. Over time, it grew into a nationally recognized Black-owned media outlet. The publication remains one of the few dedicated to covering social justice issues. Its honors include the NAACP Unsung Hero Award and multiple media innovator awards for excellence in social justice reporting and communications.