Sylvester James Jr., known as Sylvester, was an American singer-songwriter. Primarily active in the genres of disco, rhythm and blues, and soul, he was known for his flamboyant and androgynous appearance, falsetto singing voice, and hit disco singles in the late 1970s and 1980s.
What was Sylvester James cause of death?
Sylvester was never shy about his sexuality the way other celebrities do. He was was openly gay, and he tended to enter into relationships with men who were “white, self-doubting and effeminate”.
In 1985, Sylvester’s boyfriend, Rick Cranmer, had become infected with HIV, and with no known medical cure, his health deteriorated rapidly and he died September 7, 1987.
Sylvester knew at that point he was probably infected as well and had refused to have his blood tested.
Eventually, he was diagnosed with AIDS and was hospitalized for sinus surgery in late 1987, before being hospitalized again in May 1988, this time with pneumocystis pneumonia. Returning to his flat, he gave away many of his treasured possessions and wrote his will.
Sylvester, Singer, and Entertainer, died at the age of 42 from complications of AIDS on December 16, 1988, in San Francisco, California, United States
