Sylvia Lee Barton (June 14, 1941, Wabbaseka, Arkansas - February 28, 1992 Chicago, Illinois), was a Chicago blues bassist and vocalist. She learned to play the piano as a girl, encouraged by her Gospel music-loving grandmother, who tried to curb her granddaughter's bursting passion for Chuck Berry and Lloyd Price. While still underage joins the professional gospel group called "The Southern Echoes Gospel". In the early 60's she decided to move to Chicago where she started working in some clubs.
It was there that she met guitarist Johnny Embry, who taught her the basics of the electric bass. She began to sing in Johnny's band, "The Blues Kings", with whom she recorded the album "Troubles". At the same time, she met bluesman Lefty Dizz, who was a regular guest at the Checkerboard Lounge, who asked her to join his show.
She took part in the Willie Dixon Mississippi Festival in Greenville where she performed with Sam Myers, 'Honeyboy' Edwards and Robert Jr. Lockwood, then she joined guitarist Jimmy Dawkins with whom he toured the USA and Europe. In 1983 her solo album "Midnight Baby" was released.
Sylvia even appeared in a film, Mississippi Delta Blues. She
returned to gospel music but her health declined and she died of cancer
February 28. 1992.
