Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman

Phyllis Hyman performing in 1986
Name	Phyllis Hyman
Birth name
Birth date	July 6, 1949
Birth place	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Death date	June 30, 1995(1995-06-30) (aged 45)
Death place	New York City, New York, United States
Alma mater
Occupation	Singer, Actress
Years active	1971–1995
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Phyllis Linda Hyman (July 6, 1949 – June 30, 1995) was an American singer and actress known for her powerful, soulful voice and her contributions to the genres of R&B, soul, and jazz. Her career spanned over two decades, during which she released several albums and appeared in numerous stage productions.

Early Life

Phyllis Hyman was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in the Pittsburgh area. She was the eldest of seven children. Hyman's musical talent was evident from a young age, and she pursued her passion for music by attending Robert Morris University and later moving to New York City to further her career.

Career

Music

Hyman's professional music career began in the early 1970s when she joined a band called The New Direction. She later became a member of the group The Hondo Beat, and eventually formed her own band, Phyllis Hyman and the P/H Factor. Her big break came when she was discovered by Norman Connors, a jazz drummer and producer, who featured her on his album You Are My Starship (1976). The song "Betcha by Golly Wow!" became a hit and showcased Hyman's vocal prowess.

In 1977, Hyman signed with Buddah Records and released her self-titled debut album, Phyllis Hyman. Her career continued to flourish with subsequent albums such as Somewhere in My Lifetime (1978) and You Know How to Love Me (1979), the latter of which included the hit title track that became one of her signature songs.

Hyman's music was characterized by her rich, emotive voice and her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances. She was known for her dynamic stage presence and her ability to connect with audiences.

Acting

In addition to her music career, Hyman also pursued acting. She appeared in several Broadway productions, including the musical Sophisticated Ladies, which earned her a Theatre World Award and a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.

Personal Life

Phyllis Hyman struggled with bipolar disorder and substance abuse throughout her life. Despite her personal challenges, she remained a beloved figure in the music industry and was admired for her talent and resilience.

Death

Hyman's life was tragically cut short when she died by suicide on June 30, 1995, just days before her 46th birthday. Her death was a significant loss to the music world, and she is remembered for her contributions to the arts and her enduring legacy.

Legacy

Phyllis Hyman's music continues to influence artists and resonate with fans around the world. Her voice and artistry have left a lasting impact on the genres of R&B, soul, and jazz.

Also see

• R&B music
• Soul music
• Jazz music
• Broadway theatre
• List of suicides in the 1990s