Phyllis Hyman
Biography
Phyllis Hyman began her career as a silky voiced, jazz-influenced singer and gradually moved into slick, heavily produced urban contemporary ballads and light dance numbers. Hyman won a scholarship to music school and then began her professional career with the group New Direction in 1971. When they disbanded after a national tour, Hyman joined the Miami ensemble All the People. She also worked there with another local group, the Hondo Beat, and appeared in the film Lenny. That was followed by a two-year stint heading Phyllis Hyman & the P/H Factor, before relocating to New York. Hyman did background vocals on Jon Lucien's Premonition LP and built her reputation performing in New York clubs. Norman Connors made her his featured vocalist in the mid-'70s, and she was highlighted on a cover of the Stylistics' "Betcha By Golly Wow," which appeared on Connors' You Are My Starship LP. Hyman also sang with Pharaoh Sanders & the Fatback Band while cutting two singles as a lead artist. Buddah released Phyllis Hyman in 1977, but she really began making an impression when she was signed by Arista the next year. The songs "Somewhere in My Lifetime" and "You Know How to Love Me" both made the R&B Top 20.
Hyman got her lone Top Ten hit in 1981 with "Can't We Fall in Love Again," but her albums did consistently well through the '80s. The production teams of Mtume/Reggie Lucas and Narada Michael Walden/Thom Bell gave her material that showcased her skill with sophisticated ballads. Hyman had more success when she left Arista for Philadelphia International in 1986, with the single "Living All Alone" putting her back in the R&B Top 20. She also sang on fusion and light jazz dates by Joe Sample, Ronnie Foster, and Grover Washington, Jr., a more conventional jazz session for McCoy Tyner, and a pop date with the Four Tops. Tragically, Hyman took her own life on June 30, 1995; Forever With You was issued posthumously. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
Selected Discography
I've always been perplexed that Ms. Hyman was not a bigger success as she was certainly one of the most gifted singers of the 20th century...
I was fortunate enough to see her perform live twice - at the Blue Note in NYC and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. She sounded just as good in person. I requested a song at the Blue Note and her band did not know it - so she sang it beautifully a capella! |
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I was very Sad when she commited self imposed death.
Her Music will live forever, Her Vocals are tight that range makes you want to move! We are Blessed:-) Eldridge Baldwin |
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Phyllis Hyman's wondrous singing has kept me mesmerized for many years. I wish she was abnle to give many of today's performer a lesson on vocal ability and class! She is an angel from Philly who is making them sing up in Heaven!
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she,s was the best female artist during her time many compare but theirs only one Phllis.well I used to call her miss SILK.
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There will never be another singer to touch my spirit the way she did, she is still missed to this day. May you RIP Miss Hyman your voice lives on and has continued to inspire and entertain for a decade and many more to come.
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When God made Phyllis Hyman, He threw away the mold. There will never be another singer to match her style, voice or her beauty. Ms Hyman your music still lives in our hearts, it will never die. You are missed.
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I miss her, she was fantastic, among the many loved songs "Old Friend" and "Prime Of My Life" are close to my heart. You are missed Phyllis.
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One if not the best singers of our time!!! There will never be another!! These so called ballad singers today could'nt hold a candle to her!! RIP P.H.
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Meet Me on The Moon!! My favorite Phyllis Hyman song. It is absolutely perfect. Her voice and presence are missed. She was a true diva. Her music will live on!
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Yeah Bro.dmci27 Thank God for internet,But singers today really need to study a little longer about these Sisters before they come out with a record, alot less shaken an more good quality music.P.S. NOT ALL OF THEM. But take notes Sisters. These SISTER's still got OLDE BRO's listening. PEACE
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i remember the year she died, 1995, i was watching video soul or midnight love. i always fell in love with the song "living all alone" i enjoyed her cameo in the movie school daze. her voice was very soothing, mellow.
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there was talk that Phyllis had some problems but we never realized the depth of her despair - I don't think she realized/bel i e v e d how beloved and admired she was. Her talent is not to be denied but she was not as commercially sucessful as she deserved or earned. WE MISS YOU LADY PHYLLIS !!!
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Phyllis had it all......bea u t y , a voice that could never be duplicated, but her mental health took it all away........ . s o sad & lonely, only now does the medical industry realize that depression is cancer of the soul and spirit.
Its wonderful this thing called the "internet".. . . . w e all get to hear her everyday.... . . . . |
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I have been under her spell ever since I heard Phyllis Hyman sing, I fell. May her memory live forever.
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Everything i hear this SONG it bring tears to my eyes.Phyllis had the most beautiful voice you don't hear this kind of music any more. It was tragic that she took her life. I pray that she is with God. Thank You Phyllis for all the great music you made it will always have a special place in my heart. Niece of Compton, CA.
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I have listened to her music since 1979 and her death tore me apart. She one of two who's music I can listen to each day. I miss you Lady P.
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I miss the Lady, the music and the voice. I had the privledge of seeing her in a smoke filled nightclub, the perfect setting for her.
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Unfortunatel y , I began listening to her music after her death... A legacy...
China |
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I miss her smooth beautiful voice. One of her songs "Living All Alone" is one of my favorites of all music that I have heard. It is so sad that she was so unhappy to have taken her life. We all experienced a loss when her life was cut short.
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I miss this woman! Her voice is so comforting, and uplifting, she truely soothes the soul.
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phyllis hyman is one of my favorite artist. i could listen to her sing all day.
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Phyllis was very passionate about her music. The thing I truly loved about Phyllis was that when the record label changed, she did not sell out; she had her own style and she said, "take it or leave it". I am truly proud of Phyllis; she was an outstanding person with an outstanding voice. She is truly missed and there will never be another PHYLLIS HYMAN.
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GREAT MUSIC TO JUS HAVE A RELAX MOMENT, LOVED THE VOICE, STRONG, POWERFUL. WISH SHE COULD HAVE HAD A DYNAMITE CAREER.
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I miss her music a lot! Soft - melodic tunes. She was the "Original Diva". The last time I saw her was in 1992 at the Circle Star Theatre in San Carlos, CA, with Michael Henderson and The O'Jays. "Those were the Days" of fun concerts and good times. Patricia
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Love for Phyllis Hyman is so deep in my heart. I find that I really miss her and wonder what beautiful music we would have from her today? The ULTIMATE DIVA giving all of herself to her craft,creati n g music for the world to enjoy. I am greatful for the chance to enjoy her music. Just greatful.... . .
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Her voice is like a female version of Luther Vandross. It makes you want to listen to the story she's tellin. Her love for the person in the song is so pasonate and you hear it. It's reckless abandon, you better get out the way....You might get hurt
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AN ANGEL. SHE HOLDS A VERY SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. I'VE ENBRACED HER BEAUTIFUL MUSIC.
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She had such a beautiful voice and a wonderful presence. Life is sometimes so unfair...... . . . I love her music....... . . M
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She's a timeless figure that will be charished forever with you unique style and soulful music. I loved her music and always will...
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I also watched the TV ONE biography on her. Although I may not know much of her music because i was very young when she was in her prime but I see that alot of female artist of today look up to her and I see why she has an amazing voice. She may be gone but definately not forgotten
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I just watch her biography on TV One. She appeared to be such a amazing person with a horrible untreated, undiagnosed, bipolor disorder. She did not receieve the recognition due to her in life, but her music and sound will live forever.
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