Flashback Friday – Phyllis Hyman – Somewhere In My Lifetime
“Gonna make changes
Gonna make minds aware
Moving together
Always willing to share.
There’s power in the masses
Collectively we can win
Gonna make change…”
– Phyllis Hyman
Her voice is timeless. Her beauty and stature were beyond words. Her music is ageless and lives on in our hearts forever. This past Sunday, July 6, sultry vocalist Phyllis Hyman would have been 54 years old. She left us with her legacy of music on June 30, 1995.
Somewhere In My Lifetime was Phyllis’ first release on Arista Records in 1978. The album charted #14 on the Black Albums chart and the single of the same name was #12 on the Black Singles chart. I have not played this album in awhile. The mid-tempo songs are nice but I love her ballads. My favorites are “The Answer Is You” which features Onaje Allan Gumbs on piano and the classic standard “Here’s That Rainy Day.” Other gems included “Kiss You All Over“, “Living Inside Your Love“, “Gonna Make Changes“, and “Be Careful (How You Treat My Love).” Her husband at the time, Larry Alexander, songwriter/producer Skip Scarborough, singer/songwriter/producer Barry Manilow, and T. Life shared the production credits on this magical album. Herbie Hancock and Monty Alexander were among the featured musicians.
I had the pleasure of seeing Phyllis once in concert during the 80’s. She was classy, beautiful, and had such a powerful voice. My favorite Phyllis song will always be her remake of The Stylistics “Betcha By Golly Wow” with Norman Connors. Her songs were rich with emotion and feeling. She came along in a group of singers that just set us on fire and could sing no wrong but yet, they had more of a cult following than the mass appeal they so richly deserved. Her peers of the day included Jean Carne and Angela Bofill. Their music is etched in our hearts. Timeless classics that can still be heard in the quiet storm evenings. Enjoy your music.
Thanks GK!! Welcome home, A.!!
phyllis hyman is my favorite vocalist of all time. never had a chance to see her perform live though. her voice was so amazing and her talent so huge. if she could have conquered her demons and lived thru the depression how amazing would she be today? but it seems that the most prolific vocalists are all tortured souls. how else could they get all that emotion into a song and make you feel it in every single note? once again, an excellent choice for your friday flashback and a nice memory.
“Livin’ Inside Your Love” has always been my favorite Phyllis Hyman tune. i don’t think that I’ve ever heard her version of “Betcha By Golly Wow” but it too is one of my favorite songs. Therefore, it’s song/album search time. Off to Uncle’s house I go. 🙂
You took me back with this post. I’ma have to break out my Phyliss CDs. I was also lucky enough to see her in concert once. That woman could blow! Such a shame that she never became as big a star as she deserved to be. Another great ‘live-in-concert’ voice from the 80’s was Jane Eugene from Loose Ends. I wonder what happened to her.
i love phyllis…..one of my favs is when she is singing in school daze…..however somewhere in my lifetime has all ways been one of my favorite ballads…..a voice rich with passion, that so many of the so called artists of today lack.
Phyllis was truly a gem!!! The passion and strength in her voice is incomparable!! A standard by which others were measured!
I’m sittin’ in this Internet Cafe gaggin’ — When I spoke with you Thursday evening I felt it would be PH that you would place up here — Good Job James … You really know how to bring smiles upon faces when they least expect it.
Much appreciated, James.
I’d have to go with “You Know How To Love Me.”
I saw Phyllis in concert once and she was awesome. I think she was with Jonathan Butler and Najee. My favorite of hers is “Meet Me on the Moon.” Thanks for bringing back sweet memories and music of a sweet time. And I salute Ms. Bofill. She is one classy lady. Her “I Try” LIVE version is spectacular.
“Meet Me On The Moon” and “When I Give My Love (This Time)” are two which stirred the soul deeper than others…. there are times I’ll go into Phyllis listening mode and passengers in my car have two choices “shut up and listen” or “find another way there”.
I can’t begin to tell you what Phyllis Hyman means to me. But TRUST me when I say she is my
angel in more ways than one. I love all her songs
is is to hard to pick a favorite. I just wish there was another tomorrow for her. My boyfriend says she is his favorite singer,but I don’t think he knows what he is saying. I’ll share anything
with him or anyone else but , Phyllis Hyman is all MINE!!!!!
Miss Phyllis was a truly unique talent. No one else sounds like her. No one else had her power. No one else could bring a song to life the way she could! I have so many favorites but her version of I Don’t Want to Lose You is a stand-out, along with Betcha By Golly Wow, and I’m Truly Yours from her last album. Thanks for the memories of The Diva!
It was in 2000 that I begun to miss Phyllis. Thank you Glenda for you words of support
i love phyllis hyman and i love to sing but if i become a singer i would get some other artist to do a tribute cd to her because she was a sensation
I became a lover of Miss Phyllis when I was 10 years old when I heard “You Know How to Love Me” and from then on, I was hooked. I, for one, wholeheartedly agree that my girl Phyl didn’t get, and still doesn’t get, the props she desevers. It annoys me at time that the artists that have come out of recent who, by far, have no where the talent that Phyl had and they are made overnight sensations.
Don’t mistake me for a hater, because I take my hat off to anyone who is able to make it and survive out there. But, when will she be recognized like she deserves.
I miss Phyllis so much. I think if she had known how much she was loved by her loyal fans, she would have really taken off in the 90’s. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t play something by her.
My particular faves: Meet Me On The Moon, Ain’t You Had Enough Love, Living All Alone, and from her Forever CD, Back to Paradise.
Miss you Phyllis.
Could someone please post the complete track info for this LP? I mean composer, producer, arranger and recording studio info. Thanks, Mike
Thank you Phyllis for the laughs, food, jewelry, and work. You made my move to Philadelphia, prophetic and purposeful. I can never really tell you just what it meant to have you call me, late at night, and just talk. You shared everything you could with so many. Your songs were beautiful, and yet they made you so sad. It’s difficult to even listen, now, to those tunes I’ve loved for so long.., but the memory of you singing your heart out (literally) will forever be with me as an incentive to “Be Careful How I Treat My Love”…
I miss you terribly.
BD
anyone out there have the lyrics to “Meet me on the Moon”. I’m s inging it and can’t find it. I’m singing it to my groom to be.
Help!
Hi im constance and i want to say i loved and still love Phylis Hyman songs, I had apportunity to see Phyllis at the D.Chandler Pavillion,she was a stalion in a black ballarena style costume in one of her song she fell to her knees and continued her performance i will always remember.Thank you p
Phyllis. P.S.Im a vocalist as well my B.Day is a day is a day before, and people who have heard my voice say i have much a resemblance in voice and appearance. If by chance anyone reading this mesg,and have any connections musicians who would like to get something started in honor of miss Phyllis Hyman pls e-mail me at my address pleas state re;your e-mail thank you Constance Denise
For all of you Phyllis fans, there’s a groups that’s slowly but surely growing of those of us who come together and post their messages and express our thoughts and feelings about the supreme Diva. We even have lyrics to songs posted that haven’t been posted anywhere else. Stop by and give us a hollar.
http://groups.msn.com/PhyllisHymanSophisticatedLady/messages.msnw
Be well
Phyllis Hyman was a beautiful and talented woman. She is one of my favorite artist and will always be. It seems that I can relate to most of her songs and believe me I have been there.I Refuse To Be Lonely is one of my favorites. I listen to her CD’s on Friday and Saturday nights just to relax and reminisce.
i saw that you were requesting the lyrics for Meet Me on the Moon. I don’t know if you have them already, but here they are:
meet me on the moon
soon as you can
in the middle of the sky
you and i
riding on a cloud
soft as you please
we can saill across the breeze
to the everlasting moment of love
oh, i feel your symphony
so strong and so pure
it echos all thru me
i am so sure
that we were meant to be here
sharing this love we share
met me on the moon
oh, please don’t be late
you know how i hate to wait
cause you’re so great
climb into my love
that’s what i need
so my spirit can be free
in the everlasting moment of love
oh i feel your symphony
so stron and so pure
it echos all thru me
i am so sure
that we were meant to be here
sharing this love we share
meet me
meet me on the moon
you’ll be my love
and i’ll be yours too
ooh, ooooh
in the middle of the sky
in the middle of the
oooh, baby
you and i, oh i
feel your symphony
deep inside of me
c’mon and be with me, haha
meet me on, on the moon
fly into my love
that’s what i need
so my spirit, spirit
can be free
c’mon meet me on the moon.
Ms. Phyllis Hyman sung a background song in the a movie starring Christopher Walken, The King of New York. The lyrics goes something like, “The Love to Good to Last, you tried too hard too fast.
Too Good to Last. The best of Love come back, Here comes the Night- if I could be in the light of you, I would not be thinking about You.
Please, will some faithful fan, like myself find out the name?
Phyllis, You are dearly missed.
I am into rare soul music which in my opinion much better than today’s R&B songs. I think Phylis Hyman is one attractive and talented artist. I wish I had her eyes. My favorite songs of hers were “You know how to love me”, “DON’T TELL ME TELL HER” and “Somewhere in my life time”. I was a baby in the seventies but remembered most of the eighties. I think Phylis Hyman was underrated and deserved more credit before she sadly pasted away. Although I never knew her I do miss her, she was and still is a “QUEEN”.
I first saw Phyllis Hyman at Hampton Institute’s homecoming concert in the fall of 1977. All I can say is from that point on she touched me…deeply! I had the opportunity to meet her after the concert and being from the Philly area, we had somethings to talk about. I jokingly (half way) tell my kids, that this would have been your mother:) I listen to her voice and know that she was an angel on earth.
My favorite- check that- one of my favorite songs she sings is on the Pharoah Sanders “Love will find a way” LP- AS YOU ARE. That song does it for me!
phylis hyman was truly one of the greatest vocalist of our time it is very sad she had to leave us in the manner that she did but while she was here her voice was a blessing to a million truly our billie holiday of our generation.
Phyllis epitomizes elegance, class, style and embodies every single quality of what a true Diva should be. It really is beyond me to understand why SO many of US tend to overlook the obvious contributions Hyman made to our inconsistant music industry. After tirelessly searching the music stores for quality music (which is looking a little scarce), it behooves you to pick up a Phyllis classic. It will definetly restore your faith in good soul/jazz
music. Man, if you would simply listen to Phyllis and the late Gregory Hines on “Take the A Train”, you will find yourself in a student’s position in class, relly learning what true Jazz SANGIN’ is all about. “Somewhere In My Lifetime”, in my opinion, IS the unofficial singer’s guide to singing the hell out of song, with fervent passion and delivery. Toni, Whitney, Anita, and all curent female singers really reap the benfits of Queen Hyman. Gowns, costumes, jewelry, and the hats!!!!!! This is what sets Phyllis apart, a true Lady in every respect. I am glad that she set the standard on making a performance not only good sounding, but good looking. We miss you Phyllis!!!!
I truly miss her, I grew up with her song”You Know How To Love Me” and I still love to listen to this song today. My heart aches to know that she’s not with us anymore. She was much too beautiful of a lady, outside, and especially inside to take herself out. Fortunally, her spirit will NEVER cease. Peace be onto you Queen!
I TRULY MISS, THIS WONDERFUL SINGER. “LIVING ALL ALONE” IS MY FAVORITE SONG, AND SHE SINGS IT WITH SO MUCH FEELING. NOW THAT I AM TRULY ALONE, BECAUSE MY HUSBAND LEFT ME FOR ANOTHER WOMAN, I LISTEN TO THIS SONG ALL THE TIME. I MISS YOU “SONG BIRD”.
There will never be another Phyllis Hyman. I was lucky enough to have seen her on Broadway in Sophisticated Ladies. Does anyone know if she was ever married or in love with someone. Who was he?
Jodi
To a great legend in soul music. This [woman] was and one of the greatest singer in my time. Its really ashame that certain people in the music industry would not give her voice a chance. Please pray for family, her death is still a shock to all of us.
LOOKIG FOR THE LYRICS TO “JUST FOR YOU” BY NAJEE
looking for lyrics to ‘Be Careful (How You Treat My Love). Thanks!
PHYLLIS HYMAN WILL BE TRULY MISSED. I LOVE HER MUSIC IT IS SO PASSIONATE AND DEPTH WITH FEELING.
ME AND MY FAMILY WERE VISITING CALIFORNIA BACK IN JUNE 1995 WHEN SHE PASSED AWAY. I REMEMBER THE RADIO ANNOUCING HER DEATH AND EVERYONE THAT WAS IN THE ROOM AT THE TIME BECAME SILL AND SILENT. I AM A LATE BLOOMER BUT, I AM ONE OF HER BIGGEST FANS. LIVING ALL ALONE IS MY FAVORITE SONG OF ALL TIMES. HER LYRICS ARE SO FULL OF PAIN THAT YOU CAN FEEL HER STRONG EMOTION COME THROUGH AS IF SHE FEELS YOUR PAIN ALSO. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY GOD BLESS HER.
I remember going to see Phyllis after the release of her last CD, Prime of My Life. Keith Washington had opened for her and I anticipated a great show by her and had wished keith to get off the stage. I could barely stay still when she came on. Her back-up singers appeared first and phyllis was singing from back stage. When she appeared, the spotlight was just around her face area. She was so beautiful and with a voice of silk. At one point during the concert when she started to talk, I screamed at the top of my lungs, “Phyllis, I love you”. The place erupted in laughter. She replied, “I love you too”. I was devastated by her death as I got the news from friends early Saturday morning. Phyllis had sang the song, “Meet me on the moon” in a movie and I have no idea what movie it was. It appeared she was either in a night club or in a lounge singing. If anyone has any idea what movie it is, please please, pretty please, drop me a message. Thanks
Which album is “Meet Me on the Moon” on? I love the song and want to buy it.
PHYLIS HYMAN IS TRULY MISSED BY ME.HER SONG THE
ANSWER IS YOU IS A SONG THAT PHYLIS RECORDED THAT
I THANK GOD, MY LUCKY STARS SHE SANG THAT SONG WITH A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ENCORAGMENT TO LOVE
YOUR SELF AND TRUST YOUR SELF. I LOVE PHYLIS HYMAN
TO THE DAY I CANNOT BREATH !!! SHE WILL ALWAYS
BE MY SONG MOTHER THAT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
THANK YOU PHYLIS FOR YOU!!!!! THANK YOU MUCH DESERVE
PEACE TO YOU MY SONG BIRD WHO COULD TRULY SANG!!! YOU AND PATTI LEBELLE MY FAVORITES DIVAS!!!! THANK GOD FOR YOU ,YOU MAY BE GONE BUT YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN ….PEACE, JOSEPH
I love Phyllis Hyman. I wish she was around to do more. Her voice is a blessing to the entire world. She lives on in her music, sharing her pain and ours.
PHYLLIS I LOVE YOU GIRL. You are a Legend.
I first heard Phyllis Hyman’s voice when I was 14 years old – I will never forget it. To me she is and always will be one of the great vocal artists ever. It is a shame that her time was cut short but her memory truly lives on. I would appreciate it if anyone know where I could get hold of any concert footage of her.
I first heard Phyllis Hymans voice last summer when i would listen music choice on comcast the song was living all alone from that moment on i fell in love with phyllis voice and thers not one day i go without listenin to her cd i love all her songs i even listen to the cd when i go to bed everynite i honestly can say that she is my fav female r&b artist
Phyllis is my all time favorite artist. I first heard her sing a song with Michael Henderson off of the Norman Conners Lp.That had to be back in 1976. I was about 16 back then. I stood in the basement almost everynight singing with the duo. When she came out on her own I was estatic. I continued to sing with her music. I went to almost every concert during the late seventies. I wanted to even see her play in Newyork(Sophisticated ladies)but did not get a chance to see it live. I did get the pleasure of seeing it on video. I woke up in the middle of the night when a newscaster anounced her death. I thought it was a dream but it was’nt. I am still very upset about her death. I hope she is singing in heaven because her voice was truly a gift that cannot be replaced.She was the most passionate singer who ever lived. I loved all of her music. Thanks to stations like WHUR her legacy lives on.
I am all teary eyed now, after reading you all emails about Phyllis. I loved her too. When I heard that she passed on, my heart hurt so badly. I still love her today as if she was still here. I have all her albums, and love singing her songs. My favorite song of all time is “Some Where In My Lifetime”. When I put that song on, and take the mic, everyone around me, stands still until I am done. Not only does it bring such emotions about me, but it reminds me why I want to sing NOW, and not put it off anymore. When I get my first gig, in which I am working on, I will make sure I sing my favorite song, and not only sing my favorite song, but sing it whereas, Phyllis would had been proud of me if she was here to see it. She has motivated me to do this again. I am so grateful. Yall, keep on loving her. Bye now:
frances purvis
franppur@hotmail.com
i think nobody misser phyllis more than i since i was her personal asst and friend for 14 years i was we her the week she deicided to take her life away. but i thit not see it coming. all i rembermer that thursday night before i left her after my best friend who cut her hair for the apollo show that was on friday she say to me dont be late.well i guess she was trying to tell me something and i thit not get it .
I miss you Carlos, I have been trying to reach you….find me on FACEBOOK.
Anya
I was visiting DC/the US for the first time, hangin with new friends when i caught the news on the radio…i was devastated.
Phyllis lives on with me.
I would love to find out the name of that movie.
Thank you so much napoleon for posting the lyrics to Meet me on the Moon, I’ve been searching for them for a long time.
I am trying to find the title and the CD or tape of Phyllis’ remake of Billie Holidays’ songs. I heard this tape (at the time) back in 1994. Simply beautiful. I have searched and searched for it but I am not sure of the title nor the year it was created. If anyone knows what I am talking about, please email me where I can find it or copy it. PLEASE!
Man, the music recommendations here are great. Phyllis Hyman was true class, up and down, and a voice like hers doesn’t come along often. As much as I love the raw emotion in her voice on “Living All Alone” and “Living in Confusion,” my favorite of her songs will always be her cover of “What You Won’t Do for Love.” What a loss.
This June 30, 2005 , will mark the ten year anniversary of Ms.Phyllis Hyman tragic passing.Even though she’s no longer with us, she’s still here spiritually in mind, body, and spirit. To William,it’s, “The Love Too Good To Last”. Buy the Ultimate Phyllis Hyman CD which came out last year.Someday,I hope and pray to bring her story to the big screen. Remember my name,
Craig Wiggins
Dearest Phyllis, You were such a gift. If only your soul knew how much you were cherished. I sing because of you… I am tired too but I’m gonna hold on tight. Miss you forever.
My mother has caused me to fall in love with Phyllis Hyman. I am trying to find a song by her…. what I thought might be called Symphony because the chorus says….I hear your symphony..If this is not the name of the song can someone please tell me what is and where I can find it? Thank You.
My favorite Phyllis Hyman song is “Slow Dancing.” There is not another artist that had the ability to speak of being in love and experiencing a heartbreak like Phyllis. You will forever be a legend.
An angel….. Whatelse can you say….
My favorite singer… voice tells you to sit,
listen and feel…. Miss you dearly….. Thank
God for the memories… Favorites “Answer is You”
wife sung to me at our wedding ( I cried like a baby..LOL. Old Friend and Somewhere in My Life Time…. Introduce this music and others like it
to your children… REAL MUSIC !!!!
BIG, BEAUTIFUL, ELEGANT, GORGEOUS LIPS ,DREAMY EYES, BEAUTIFUL COMPLEXION, FINE-ASS WOMAN!!!! THATS YOU PHYLISS!!!! YOUR SONG ‘LIVING IN CONFUSION’, AND ‘LIVING ALL ALONE’ AND LETS NOT FORGET ‘ THE ANSWER IS YOU’!!!! WHERE DID ALL THAT TALENT COME FROM???? IF EVER ANYONE’S MUSIC BRING TEARS TO EYES, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOUR GOING THROUGH SOMETHING, GIRL ITS YOURS!!!! THOSE SONG MAKE YOU WANT TO DROP TO YOUR KNEES AND GRAB YOUR STOMACH AND SING THE HELL OUTTA THAT SONG WITH YOU PHYLISS!!! YOU ARE TRULLY MISSED GIRL!!!!
“Meet me on the Moon”.
A woman with one of the most wonderful voices you will ever hear. I remember Phylis Hyman when she appeared at Hampton University over 10 years ago. I was going through so much when she left us and appreciated her songs which pulled me through every time. She will always be remembered and with the passing of Luther Vandross today the world will mourn both for a very long time. — At least I will.
Phyllis. . . I dont know where to start, from the very first time I heard her voice to the last time I played one of her albums, Phyllis has been the most a singer could ever be to me. her voice was just so dreamy and silky and she looked exactly like she sounded! I really cant name a favorite recording of hers because I loved everything she ever did. I saw her in concert with Norman Conners and the starship orchestra, I promise you she tore it up!!! she did’nt need a star on hollywood blvd because she’s a bigger star than anyone who has ever been recorded in my lifetime. dont think for one minute that she left us, because she never left, she’s here right now feeling the never ending love comming from all the souls she touched as she did what came naturally to her, yes, she’s here with me right now and she will always be here with every note of every song I ever heard with her voice in it. every time someone says her name or plays her songs or looks at a picture of her or just thinks of Phillis Hyman, She’ll be there! always… ~Geno
Hi All,
I am a closet jazz singer who got “caught tryin'” to sing a Phyllis Hyman song, The Answer Is You. I love that song, I can even sing a little, but…
WHAT WAS I THINKING???
No one can even come close to imitating that beautiful, soulful voice or doing that song justice.
I MISS HER!!!
Wow Phyllis was one talented woman. I have just started listening to her in the last year. I fell in love with “gonna make changes” and “living in confusion”. Her vocals are just soothing and it amazes me every time. It is such as shame how she passed. R.I.P
There was nothing more beautiful than when in concert, Phyllis would begin to whistle. She could whistle better than alot of these so called artists today could sing.
My mother has caused me to fall in love with Phyllis Hyman. I am trying to find a song by her…. what I thought might be called Symphony because the chorus says….I hear your symphony..If this is not the name of the song can someone please tell me what is and where I can find it? Thank You.
In response the song is called
Meet Me on the Moon
Hi, would like to request your song titled “Old Friend.” Thanks a lot.
I think one of my favorite Phylis Hyman songs was “As
you are” song on a Pharoah Saunders LP. what a truly beautiful and touching song. I remember when I heard about her death I was living in Hawaii at the time and was totally shocked and saddened. I’ve never seen her in concert but I knew she was a top notch vocalist..she is truly missed…
I truly loved Phyllis Hyman. When I was a teenager I feel in love with her music. She was a talented woman and she has been missed. What is the name of the album with ” Old Friend” on it? What year did it come out? That is my favorite. Can’t find it anywhere.
Though, our beloved Phillis Hyman has gone one. I will never and I mean never forget her or stop loving her.
I just wish they would play more of her on the radio.
Much love and blessing to you my beautiful beloved sister Phillis Hyman. Love Thomas
Listening to Phyliss always gets me through the in between times of failed relationships…… her song, when I give my love the next time…… her music and my life seems to parallel.
I will always love her music and treasure her memory and talent….
I had a dear girlfriend who has passed on too, and we used to fight over which Phyliss song we would listen to when we were together, there was no question it would be Phyliss music we would listen to, so to avoid arguments, we just had to listen to everything…and we never ever got tired of listening to her……
I miss them both dearly. Now I have to listen to Phyliss all by myself and just reflect back on them both….
RIP ya’ll.
This weather in okc reminds me of phyl-Loving her. I been playing all of her in transit for about 1 month. missing her? what she did for me, is to make me live my life better.
One of the best things I like to do is to lie and bed and be lullied to sleep while listening to the “Quiet Storm”. On this night I woke about 2:00 a.m. I was listening to the music when “Somewhere In My Lifetime” was played. When I heard her rich mellow voice it bought a smile to my lips. My husband died in 1996 and it immediately bought him to my mind. We had 32 wonderful years together and as the song played I remembered our life together.
I have been a Phyllis Hyman all from the beginning and will always be a loyal fan of hers forever. Even though she is not physically with us today, but with me she will always be there. So many things in life I have gone through and her music is something that I can truly relate ot in so many different ways. Her music have comforted me in more ways imaginable, I sit back and listen to her music and then I just meditate and let the music take control of whatever it is that I may be going through at that particular time. God bless you Ms. Phyllis Hyman, I love you.
I recently fell in love with Miss Hyman’s music and have bought most of her CD’s. What a wonderful vocalist and legacy she leaves behind. I’ve tried to find all of her original music and some of her best songs were duets. She gives re-newed definition to the word DIVA which we casually throw around. When she sings, she sings to the heart of you, the very essence of your being. I wish I could have seen her in concert, but will have to contend with segments on UTUBE. The “performers” of today should stand up and take notice of how its really done (or maybe sit down and learn first). She had real pipes, not some synthesized or manufactured in a studio. There statuesque and grand stage presence was exceptional (sit down Beyonce) Now my children and my grandchildren listen to Phyllis because that’s all I have in my car. The little ones have their own favorites. I have a new generation of Phyllis Hyman fans in the making. That’s how we keep her with us. It’s sad when anyone takes their own life but prayerfully her soul is finally at rest. It’s easy to cast stones but when we walk in the shoes of others, the story changes. I have never considered myself a groupie of any kind but I simply love her music, even that which others did not. She managed to sing songs beautifully, that others did miserably. It was her whole package that she delivered, not just the voice, but her presence,her essence and compassion and her love of music. They could not pigeon hole her because her style was so expansive. The recording business was just that, a business, she was and still is a “headliner”. I am glad she stopped by and blessed us with her wonderful voice and I am glad to be a fan.
I never knew what I was missing. Suggestions: Eubie Blake: A Century of Music, Barry Manilow’s Swing Street, and of course Sophisticated Ladies for a start, her performances were magnificent.
I loved this woman’s songs. They were very emotional and powerful. She was a beautiful person and I wished I could have met her. Maybe she would still be here. Everyone always needs a good friend to talk to and she was talking but no one was listening. R.I.P Ms. H. You will and have been missed.