Cynthia Johnson
| Cynthia Johnson | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Cynthia Maria Johnson |
| Born | April 22, 1949 |
| Genres | Funk, disco, R&B |
| Occupations | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals, saxophone |
| Years active | 1977–1986 |
| Associated acts | Lipps Inc. |
| Notable instruments | |
| Saxophone | |
Cynthia Maria Johnson (born April 22, 1949) is an African American singer, best known to many as the lead singer for the late 1970s/early 1980s band Lipps Inc.
Contents |
[edit] Musical career
[edit] 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 saxophone 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).
[edit] Lipps Inc.
She was the lead singer of the popular Minneapolis-based band Lipps Inc., best known for their 1980 song "Funkytown." Other hits include "Designer Music" and "Rock It." Lipps Inc. stopped recording in the mid-1980s.
[edit] 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 Blackness.
