Singer Foster Sylvers, a member of the chart-topping 1970s family band The Sylvers, has died at the age of 64. The former child star rose to fame as the bassist for the group, which enjoyed a string of hits including Boogie Fever, Hot Line, and Fool's Paradise.
Sylvers' daughter Erin confirmed the news of his death on social media. On Facebook, she shared a photo of her father with the caption: “Rest well, Daddy. I love you so much.” In a separate post on Instagram, she wrote: “My Daddy. You fought a good fight and ran your race the best you could. I’m happy you’re no longer suffering. You’re finally with God. Thank you for all the lessons and laughs. For teaching me how to rely on God and walk in faith. This is hard, but I will be okay. Your boys and I love you love you. Give Grand Nannie a hug and kiss for me. Rest well Daddio.”
The Sylvers family consisted of 10 siblings, nine of whom performed in the band at various times. They were often compared to The Jackson family. Before becoming The Sylvers, the four eldest members—Olympia, Leon, Charmaine, and James—recorded as the Little Angels.
Sylvers released his first solo album, Foster Sylvers, in June 1973 when he was just 10 years old. It featured his first hit single, Misdemeanor, written by his brother Leon Sylvers III.
Actress Holly Robinson Peete, best known for her roles in 21 Jump Street and Hangin' with Mr. Cooper, was among those paying tribute. She wrote: “Foster Sylvers was my very first celebrity crush. And when I say crush, I mean CRUSHHHH. When I was 13 years old, I got the assignment of a lifetime: interviewing Foster and his siblings from the Sylvers for a show called Kidsworld. They were performing at Magic Mountain in LA and I showed up with a camera crew ready to be a professional journalist. The problem? I was so hopelessly in love with Foster that I completely tanked the interview. I mean, that face was just so ridiculously cute. I couldn’t focus, couldn’t get my questions out, and spent most of the time just staring at him. I was so bad, I ended up getting fired from the assignment. Years later, I had the chance to tell Foster that story, and we laughed about it together. He was gracious, kind, and every bit as charming as my 13-year-old self remembered him to be. Sending love and condolences to the entire Sylvers family. Thank you for the music, the memories, and for being part of the soundtrack of so many of our lives. Foster, you will live on forever in the heart of that starstruck puppy love sick 13-year-old girl. Rest peacefully.”
