Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949-June 30, 1995) was an R&B and jazz singer-songwriter and actress whose voice was distinctive and vocally powerful among other singers in this genre. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and grew up in Pittsburgh, Phyllis began her musical career at a music school. She began touring with her musical group in 1971. In 1975, Phyllis was signed to a record deal by Sid Maurer and former Epic Records executive Fred Frank. She released her first album “Phyllis Hyman” which debuted in 1977. Two years later, Phyllis released her second album, “Somewhere In My Lifetime” which featured the title track produced by Barry Manilow. She recorded more hit singles You Know How To Love Me, Can’t We Fall In Love Again (with Michael Henderson), Old Friend, Living All Alone, Don’t Wanna Change The World and Living In Confusion. She appeared in “Lenny,” “School Daze” and other films and TV shows. Phyllis Hyman performed in the Broadway musical Sophisticated Ladies, a tribute to Duke Ellington. She received a Tony Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical and a Theater World Award. During her career, Phyllis struggled with drug addiction and became clean in 1986 when she released her seventh album “Living All Alone.” Phyllis worked with several musicians including Norman Connors and McCoy Tyner on various albums. On June 30, 1995, Phyllis Hyman died from a suicide by overdose of drugs in her apartment in New York City. Five months later, her ninth album “I Refuse To Be Lonely” was released. Following her death, Phyllis Hyman’s last two albums were posthumously released in 1998. Her authorized biography, “Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story.” was released the year before. Phyllis Hyman’s story was featured on TV One’s Unsung. Phyllis Hyman was one of the greatest singers that ever changed the face of R&B and jazz throughout the years. She has influenced musicians and singers for generations of many legendary artists of all time.