Who I am...defines why I wrote this book!

Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre coming late November 2009. More details to come but check out my bio created by Tamekia Singleton!

What more can a woman do once she has done about everything within her field of work? “Anything” can be done, according to Dr. Syleecia Thompson and she has set out to prove it. With three degrees, a BS in Economics, MBA and a Doctorate in Business; Dr. Thompson is inspired and driven by the belief that anything is possible if you work hard and think big. Based on these credentials and a ‘multi-task with a multi-purpose’ mentality, Dr. Thompson set out to seek her greatest passion: teaching. She has taught everything from Algebra, Public Relations, and Leadership; all at college level. “I really love the classroom, teaching new concepts, and watching others learn,” Dr. Thompson says, who currently is a full-time Professor in Business, Management, Organizational Behavior, Managing for Change, Music Business Management and Project Management for a college in New York.
As the daughter of legendary soul singer Syl Johnson and older sister of Grammy-nominated R&B singer Syleena Johnson, it was natural for Dr. Thompson to incorporate her teaching and leadership skills into music. “I have a strong passion for music too,” says Thompson, who began managing Syleena Johnson’s career in 2005 and is currently the President of Aneelys Records; Syleena Johnson’s independent record label. Dr. Thompson gained a deep passion for R&B music watching her father and sister record, but became disturbed by the lack of respect for the genre and artists who contribute great music to the art form, including Syl and Syleena Johnson. Driven by passion and fueled with a go-getter attitude, this scholar decided to seek out the soul of a fading genre. Dr. Thompson wanted a resolution to the music she loves the most.
Rhythm and Blues has been greatly overlooked in the mainstream and leaves Dr. Thompson asking, “How can R&B be living in an industry that does not support it, respect it or promote it?" This question is the foundation of her first book, “Rhythm Without Blues: The Dichotomy of a Music Genre”. This rhetoric rooted in R&B delves into the reality of the cutthroat industry and debunks the myth that talent is all you need to make it in the music business. "Talent is the last thing you need", according to Dr. Thompson. Dr. Thompson goes beyond giving her opinion in her book and shows a broad perspective with interviews from industry insiders; singers, songwriters, executives and producers such as R. Kelly, Larry Khan, Toxic, Mickey “MeMpHitZ” Wright, Nicci Gilbert of Brownstone, Syleena Johnson, and more who all share the same passion for music. She sets out to expose the unchallenged rules of the R&B music industry and propose ways of bringing balance back to the genre. “I do believe there is a way to make money in this industry and act like a decent human being,” Dr. Thompson says.
As a teacher, manager, president, and author Dr. Thompson shows no signs of slowing down. Dr. Thompson recently wrote for the Encyclopedia of African-American Music soon to be published under Greenwood Press. Her entry focused on black music in Chicago from 1942 through today and covered several genres of music. She even looks forward to publishing another booked titled “The Leader Who Follows: Successful Strategies for Leading in Any Capacity”. Respectfully, Dr. Thompson has proven she can apply herself to any situation with precision. And although Dr. Thompson has proven herself four times over, she still feels her work is unfinished. ”I’m inspired daily to leave a legacy that has meaning and purpose,” says Dr. Thompson. She is sure to leave a legacy of leadership and inspiration that will ignite passion in everyone she touches.