Former child star Foster Sylvers has died aged 64 after a battle with stage four pancreatic cancer, his family has confirmed.
The musician, who first found fame in the 1970s as part of the chart-topping family group The Sylvers, died in hospice care, according to his brother Leon Sylvers III.
Foster’s death marks another heartbreaking loss for the famous musical family, which has already endured the deaths of brothers Edmund Sylvers and Christopher Sylvers in previous decades.
In the wake of the devastating news, Foster’s daughter Erin Sylvers paid tribute to her father with a touching social media post.
Sharing a photograph of the musician on Facebook, she wrote: “Rest well, Daddy. I love you so much.”
Foster’s career began remarkably early. In 1973, at just 11 years old, he released his self-titled debut album, introducing audiences to a young performer with extraordinary talent. The record’s lead single, “Misdemeanor”, became a major success, climbing to No. 7 on Billboard’s R&B Singles chart.
© Michael Ochs ArchivesSupported by his older brother Leon, who would go on to become one of the music industry’s most respected producers, Foster quickly established himself as more than just a child singer. He was also a gifted multi-instrumentalist whose musicianship impressed audiences and industry insiders alike.
Following his solo success, Foster joined his siblings in The Sylvers, one of the most successful family acts of the 1970s. Originally formed by siblings Olympia, Leon, Charmaine and James under the name The Little Angels, the group evolved into a hit-making machine, producing a string of chart successes including “Boogie Fever”, “Hot Line” and “Fool’s Paradise”.
© Getty ImagesTheir infectious blend of soul, funk and disco helped define an era and earned them a devoted fan base around the world. While Foster was best known for his work with his family, his career extended far beyond the group’s biggest years.
An accomplished bassist, he performed alongside notable artists including Evelyn “Champagne” King and Dynasty, building a reputation as a respected musician within the industry.
The Sylvers eventually disbanded in 1985 after releasing a succession of albums, including The Sylvers, The Sylvers 2 and The Sylvers 3. Never one to stand still creatively, Foster later formed the band Hy-Tech in 1989 and continued making music throughout his life.
Following news of his passing, friends and collaborators shared heartfelt tributes celebrating both his musical talent and his warmth as a person. Kevin H. Donan, a Hollywood record store owner and longtime friend, reflected on decades of memories together. “Foster Sylvers and I met at the Sylvers family Bel-Air home when I first arrived in 1978 from Flint, Michigan,” he wrote on Facebook.
© FacebookHe recalled producing demo recordings with members of the family and described the excitement of watching their music progress from rough recordings to commercially released records. “My heart goes out to the entire Sylvers family in prayer,” he added. “Rest in music Heaven my friend.”
Musician Lawrence “LAW” Worrell also shared an emotional tribute on Instagram after learning of Foster’s death. “I watched you fight this thing in the last two times I saw you,” he wrote.
Rather than focusing on his friend’s illness, Lawrence chose to remember happier moments from their years together, including working alongside Foster during a Sylvers reunion project. “Already missing our talks on everything and the way you beamed with pride when I came to town to work with you,” he added.
Foster’s passing is the latest tragedy to affect the Sylvers family. Brother Edmund Sylvers died from lung cancer in 2004, while youngest brother Christopher Sylvers died in 1985 at just 18 years old
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