PHYLLIS HYMAN

Biography

Phyllis Hyman was born on July 6, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Pittsburgh. She began her professional music career in New York City in the early 1970s, where her powerful, jazz-influenced voice quickly drew attention. Hyman's breakthrough came when she was invited by Norman Connors to sing on his album, leading to the hit "You Are My Starship." This success propelled her into the spotlight and established her as a sought-after vocalist in the jazz and R&B scenes.

Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, Hyman developed a reputation for her emotive delivery and sophisticated blend of philly soul, quiet storm, and classic soul. Her notable solo hits include "You Know How to Love Me," "Living All Alone," and "Don't Wanna Change the World." She also achieved acclaim on Broadway, starring in the Duke Ellington tribute "Sophisticated Ladies," for which she earned a Tony Award nomination and a Theatre World Award. Despite struggles with record label disputes and personal challenges, Hyman's artistry remained consistent, culminating in her most successful album, "Prime of My Life," in 1991, which featured her first number-one R&B hit.

Hyman's legacy is marked by her rich, expressive voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her music. She was celebrated for her contributions to R&B, soul, and jazz, influencing a generation of vocalists. Her untimely death in 1995 left a lasting impact on fans and fellow musicians, and her work continues to be celebrated for its depth and artistry.

Fun Facts

• Phyllis Hyman starred in the Broadway musical 'Sophisticated Ladies,' a tribute to Duke Ellington, earning both a Tony Award nomination and a Theatre World Award.
• She was a cousin of actor Earle Hyman, best known for his role as Grandpa Huxtable on 'The Cosby Show.'
• Hyman's biggest commercial success, 'Don't Wanna Change the World,' became her first number-one R&B hit in 1991.
• She was an active supporter of AIDS awareness, performing at benefit shows and visiting patients in New York hospitals.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Norman Connors - Jazz drummer and producer who gave Hyman her first major recording opportunity and featured her as a vocalist on his albums. (You Are My Starship (1976), Betcha by Golly Wow!) [mid-1970s]

Key Collaborators

• Michael Henderson - Frequent duet partner and fellow vocalist on several R&B hits. (Can't We Fall in Love Again?) [late 1970s–early 1980s]
• McCoy Tyner - Jazz pianist; Hyman provided vocals for his album. (Looking Out (1982)) [early 1980s]
• Barry Manilow - Duet partner; Manilow admired Hyman's vocal talent. (Black and Blue (duet on Swing Street, 1987)) [late 1980s]
• The Whispers - Guest vocalist on their recordings. (Various collaborations) [1980s]
• The Four Tops - Guest vocalist on their recordings. (Various collaborations) [1980s]

Artists Influenced

• Ledisi - Cited Hyman as a vocal and stylistic influence in interviews. (Ledisi's soul and jazz-influenced albums) [2000s–present]
• Lalah Hathaway - Acknowledged Hyman's influence on her approach to jazz and soul vocals. (Lalah Hathaway's body of work) [1990s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. You Know How to Love Me - Long Version (You Know How to Love Me (Expanded Edition))
2. You Know How to Love Me (The Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman)
3. You Know How to Love Me - 7" Version (You Know How to Love Me (Expanded Edition))
4. Old Friend (Living All Alone)
5. Living All Alone (The Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman)
6. Old Friend (The Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman)
7. No One Can Love You More (Phyllis Hyman (Expanded Edition))
8. You Know How to Love Me - Edit (The Essential Phyllis Hyman)
9. Living All Alone (Living All Alone)
10. What You Won't Do for Love (Living All Alone)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #death-by-suicide, #disco, #quiet-storm