Syleena Johnson on Chicago Soul, ‘The Chi’ Supergroup, and Honoring Her Father’s Legacy

Given her accomplishments, longevity and gifts, there is ample evidence to declare Syleena Johnson as “one of one,” a rarity, a distinguished singer-songwriter of the highest caliber who embodies the term “soul survivor.”This Chicago area artist who hails from Harvey is most known for vivifying Kanye West’s runaway hit “All Falls Down” with her supple vocals. But she has enjoyed quite the career herself as a recording artist, actress, author, daytime talk show host, reality star, and health and wellness devotee, someone who still owns the deed to one of the most soulfully abundant voices in music that feels like a hug or a hearty stew for our brittle bones when we hear her.In a homecoming of sorts, Johnson will be performing at City Winery in Chicago this Friday and Saturday (Feb. 28 and March 1).Days before she was set to take the stage, Johnson spoke with The Chicago Defender about her influences, love for Chicago, and why she is pausing her solo projects to work with the supergroup The Chi, with fellow hometown artists Dave Hollister and Carl Thomas. Johnson also reflected on the passing of the legendary Roberta Flack, her commitment to holistic wellness, and what fans can...