UNSUNG: The Sylvers — A Story of Fame, Family, and Tragedy
Originally aired in 2011, the UNSUNG episode on The Sylvers shed light on the highs and heartbreaking lows of one of the most talented family groups of the 70s. Known for hits like “Boogie Fever” and “Hot Line,” The Sylvers were often dubbed the “West Coast Jacksons” — a large, musically gifted family that took the disco and R&B world by storm.
The Rise of The Sylvers
Emerging from Watts, Los Angeles, The Sylvers became household names in the mid-70s with their infectious harmonies and dance-friendly tracks. With nine of the ten siblings participating in the group at various times, they embodied both family unity and raw talent.
Behind the Music: Darker Realities
While their music career sparkled, the UNSUNG episode revealed deep struggles. A predatory manager signed them to a devastating contract, taking 50% of their earnings. The absence of key members during interviews hinted at lingering family fractures.
Olympia Sylvers’ Tragic Story
One of the most emotional revelations was about eldest sister Olympia Sylvers. Once a stunning young woman, Olympia survived a horrific kidnapping and assault during the group’s early fame. The trauma led to lifelong mental health struggles, homelessness, and repeated victimization on the streets of LA — highlighting the ongoing stigma around mental illness, especially within the Black community.
Legal Troubles and Loss
Brothers Ricky and Foster Sylvers both battled addiction and faced prison time due to parole violations. The family’s patriarch, once friends with Ike Turner, abandoned the family in 1964, leaving their mother to raise ten children in public housing.
Remembering Edmund Sylvers
Lead singer Edmund Sylvers, whose voice carried many of their hits, passed away in 2004 from lung cancer. He left behind a large family, including a son who attempted to reunite his siblings — a moment captured in the video below, which could have been the foundation for a compelling reality series.
Videos: The Sylvers’ Legacy and Family Reunion Efforts
The Sylvers’ story is a powerful reminder that fame often hides deep personal battles. Their music remains a joyful legacy, but their behind-the-scenes struggles are a testament to resilience in the face of adversity.
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I just absolutely LOVE the Sylvers! They were one of my favorite groups growing up. They were such a beautiful looking group! They guys were handsome and the girls were pretty! I loved Foster and am so sorry that he and Ricky had a struggle with drug addiction and are locked up. And Olympia…OMG. Now I know why eventually there was one female missing. I am again, sorry that she had to endure that terror by 3 men..just horrible! That just hurts my heart and no one should have to live through that! They still sound great, and if they did a concert tour, I would definitely go and see them!!!! The Sylvers…yes!!!!!
I’ve been an avid fan of the sylvers since the beginning. It’s impossible to tell the’re story in one hour. there were alot of ommissions and errors. for instance leon’s time with the group dynasty. Edmonds departure from the group. fosters group endevure. edmond died at 47 not 45
why did it always seem like olympia and charmaine were interchangable.
I thougtht that the episode of unsung on the Sylvers was great! I have been a huge fan for years. I must say that I was truly saddened once they began to reveal what happened to them especially Olympia. Ricky and Foster being in prison was also sad. I agree that there were parts not mentioned in the show. One of them being that Edmund actually did the voice of Marlon Jackson in the Jackson 5 cartoon series. Somehow this was left out. Also, I know that the father left in 1964 but is he still alive? Does he have any interaction with his family at all? The one common theme that runs through a lot of these documentaries is that the fathers are either never mentioned as being in theirs lives, or they were there at the beginning but left and became another statistic of an absent black father. This troubles me very deeply. I love this family and I am so happy that a whole new generation is now being exposed to this wonderful family. I love them and wish them all the best.