By Curt and Jamila Hayman (Chief Editors),
on Friday Jun, 06 2008 9:37:33 am MST
Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 - June 30, 1995) was an American soul singer, model and actress. She began her career as a silky-voiced singer influenced by jazz, and gradually moved towards heavily produced urban contemporary ballads.
She is remembered as one of the premier female vocalists of her time, known for songs such asYou Know How To Love Me, Can't We Fall In Love Again, Old Friend, Living All Alone and Don't Wanna Change The World. Her trademarks included chandelier earrings, dress hats and a white bugle-beaded dress.
Hyman moved to New York City to work on her reputation. She did background vocals on Jon Lucien's Premonition and worked in clubs. It was during one of these performances that she was spotted by Norman Connors, who offered her a spot as a vocalist on his album, You Are My Starship (1976). The duo scored on the R&B charts with a remake of The Stylistics' Betcha By Golly Wow.
Hyman's last album, I Refuse To Be Lonely, was a journey into her personal life. Both the title track and the single I'm Truly Yours became minor R&B hits. She struggled with bipolar disorder, depression, alcoholism, weight gain and financial problems. She was also emotionally exhausted from lending her talents to AIDS benefits concerts and support groups. Adding to her sorrow, in 1993 her mother, grandmother and a close friend all died within the span of a month.
On the afternoon of June 30, 1995, Hyman committed suicide with vodka and an overdose of temazepam. She was found hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Apollo Theatre by her close beau Terrance Porter . A suicide note read, "I'm tired. I'm tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you." It is thought that the last part of the message was for her family and fans. Phyllis Hyman was buried on what would have been her 46th birthday.
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A Tribute to Phyllis Hyman Friday, 06 June 2008
Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 - June 30, 1995) was an American soul singer, model and actress. She began her career as a silky-voiced singer...
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