This Day In History: September 6th
In addition to being popular singers and entertainers, Sylvester and CeCe Peniston share the commonality of being born on September 6. The talented Virgos spanned the music genres of disco and dance and were able to reach fans around the world.
Disco singer Sylvester was born first on Sept. 6, 1947. He was born Sylvester James in Los Angeles and his musical abilities were evident from a young age. He joined a group of Black drag queens called the Disquotays before relocating to San Francisco. While in San Francisco, Sylvester joined the Cockettes and the group would perform old jazz and blues songs.
Sylvester released his first album in 1973, but he did not reach superstar status until the end of the decade. He had hits such as “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real),” “Dance (Disco Heat),” “Can’t Stop Dancin” and “Mutual Attraction.” Despite pressure to tone down his flamboyant image, Sylvester remained true to himself.
Even as the love of disco went on the decline, Sylvester continued to make dance music for his fans until he was diagnosed with AIDS. Sylvester was awarded a key to San Francisco by former Mayor Diane Feinstein in 1979. He died on Dec. 16, 1988, as a renowned performer and AIDS advocate. The Dance Music Hall of Fame posthumously inducted Sylvester in 2005.
Sylvester’s birthday twin was born Cecilia Veronica Peniston in Dayton, Ohio, on September 6, 1969. Peniston spent much of her youth in Arizona and got her start by singing at church. She learned how to play the piano and would perform in plays and musicals.
In 1989, CeCe Peniston was crowned Miss Black Arizona and also won the title of Miss Galaxy in 1990. Her career as a singer took off during the ’90s and Peniston signed to A&M Records. Her hit song, “Finally,” was #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and #2 in the UK.
Her success continued throughout the 2000s, with her most successful singles being 2001’s “Lifetime To Love,” which charted at #2 in the United States of Dance, her 2005 “Deeper Love,” which ranked at #14 for a few weeks before her 2007 “Shame Shame Shame,” which charted at #23 in the United States of Dance.
She is the recipient of awards such as Best New Artist, Best New Dance Artist and Best Dance Solo Artist. Peniston became a known figure in the industry following the success of her music and has enjoyed a career that spans more than three decades.
Listen to Karen Hunter’s interview with the Grammy Award-winning artist below.
