Cynthia Johnson
Encyclopedia
Cynthia Maria Johnson is an African American singer, best known to many as the lead singer for the late 1970s/early 1980s band Lipps Inc.
player, although it is unclear whether she is the one playing the signature saxophone riff in Lipps Inc.'s major hit "Funkytown
." She also briefly utilized her saxophone talents in an early incarnation of another well-known Minnesota band, The Time
(who were then known as Flyte Tyme
).
song "Funkytown." Other hits include "Designer Music
" and "Rock It." Lipps Inc. stopped recording in the mid-1980s.
.
Beginnings
Prior to joining Lipps Inc., Johnson had already become well-known locally for winning the 1976 Miss Black Minnesota pageant. She completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Minnesota, Morris in 1978. She is also an accomplished saxophoneSaxophone
The saxophone is a conical-bore transposing musical instrument that is a member of the woodwind family. Saxophones are usually made of brass and played with a single-reed mouthpiece similar to that of the clarinet. The saxophone was invented by the Belgian instrument maker Adolphe Sax in 1846...
player, although it is unclear whether she is the one playing the signature saxophone riff in Lipps Inc.'s major hit "Funkytown
Funkytown
"Funkytown" is a 1980 disco hit song by the disco band Lipps Inc. The song expresses the singer's pining for a metaphorical place that will "keep me movin', keeps me groovin' with some energy". It reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Dance charts in 1980, also reaching number 1 in Germany,...
." She also briefly utilized her saxophone talents in an early incarnation of another well-known Minnesota band, The Time
The Time (band)
The Time is a funk and dance-pop ensemble formed in 1981. They are close Prince associates and arguably the most successful artists who have worked with him.-Prince, Formation and Success:...
(who were then known as Flyte Tyme
Flyte Tyme (band)
The band known as Flyte Tyme began life as a Minneapolis funk unit, taking its name from the Donald Byrd song. The group featured Alexander O'Neal on vocals, Jellybean Johnson on drums, Tony Johnson on lead guitar, Jimmy "Jam" Harris and Monte Moir on keyboards, and Terry Lewis on bass. It also had...
).
Lipps Inc.
She was the lead singer of the popular Minneapolis-based band Lipps Inc., best known for their 19801980 in music
This is a list of notable events in music that took place in the year 1980.-January–March:*January 1**Cliff Richard is appointed an MBE by Elizabeth II.**The Zorros audition drummer Greg Pedley....
song "Funkytown." Other hits include "Designer Music
Designer Music
Designer Music is the third album by Lipps, Inc., and the last featuring Cynthia Johnson on vocals. It was released in 1981 on Casablanca Records.The single "Designer Music" became a hit in 1981.-Track listing:Side one# "Designer Music" – 5:43...
" and "Rock It." Lipps Inc. stopped recording in the mid-1980s.
Sounds of Blackness
She has continued her singing career and remains active in the Minneapolis music community as a member of the gospel group Sounds of BlacknessSounds of Blackness
Sounds of Blackness is a Grammy Award-winning vocal and instrumental ensemble from Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota who perform music from several genres music including gospel, R&B, soul, and jazz. The group scored several hits on the Billboard R&B chart and Billboard Hot Dance Music/Club Play...
.