2009.1.14

Image of musical performer Narada Michael Walden clapping while holding an image against his chest of Sylvester Johnson at Johnson's memorial service. Walden is wearing Ray Ban sunglasses, a bandana headband, and a collarless white shirt and has a trimmed beard. Around Walden's neck hangs a small leather packet (like a wallet) on a leather cord. It is a tight shot from just above his waistline to just over the top of his head. In the background is another individual (also in sunglasses and white shirt). On verso is the stamped date, "Nov 23 1992" and the photographer's stamp, "Gary Reyes." In black ballpoint pen is the notation, "Singer Michael Narada Walden [sic] [reversing first and middle names] holds a picture of Sylvester Johnson as he sings a song during a memorial service."

No background information could readily be found for Sylvester Johnson. But Narada Michael Walden is well know within the popular music world. According to Wikipedia (5/15/2009): Narada Michael Walden (born Michael Walden, April 23, 1952, Kalamazoo, Michigan U.S.) is an American producer, drummer, singer, and songwriter. He was given the name Narada by guru Sri Chinmoy in the early 1970s and his musical career spans three decades, in which he was awarded several gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards. Michael Walden has also owned and operated Tarpan Studios, a well-known recording studio in San Rafael, California, since the mid-1980s.

Used: Oakland Tribune