Welcome to Retro Rewind, the TGJ original feature built to celebrate TV and Film’s glorious past.
Always keen to dig deeper than the rest to seek out and celebrate the very best, we honour the life and lessons of Phyllis Hyman by way of interviews and performances she delivered before her untimely death in 1995.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the vocalist was discovered by Epic Records promoter Fred Frank following a successful run in the group ‘Phyllis Hyman and the P/H Factor.’
In 1977, she released her first self-titled studio album via Buddha Records and found herself joining the Arista Records family when the company purchased the label.
Her time with them saw her secure three Billboard 200 entries with the albums ‘Somewhere in my Lifetime’, ‘You Know How To Love Me’ and ‘Can’t We Fall Again?’.
Unfamiliar with Ms. Hyman?
Allow us to make the introduction below…
I’m tired. I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.
The incomparable vocalist passed away on June 30th 1995.
She was 45.
Your thoughts?
If they make a movie about her life, Jazmine Sullivan could play her.
No… I’m sorry, jazmin can sing, but one of Phyllis’ attributes was that she was sexually provocative and seductive and charming… Had a big personality and was very modelesque. Jazmin is not any of those things… Jazmin is more like a timid, in the closet ex tomboy. Jazmin is BEAUTIFUL like Phyllis, but no… Phyllis acted like RIHANNA more than anything… I think an actual ACTRESS should play Phyllis ?? (I’m tired of singers trying to act, they never can)
Plus if ur going off of her “size” ???? when Phyllis was new to the game with clive Davis, she was SLENDER… She is big in all these interviews, but those interviews are WAY AFTER her career had peaked… ? I feel so I’m so sad for this woman… No one even understands what she was… ?
I would have mentioned “prime of my life” and the hit “dont wanna change the world”
“Loving you, losing you” is one of my all time FAVORITE songs.
This woman was a BEAST on the microphone!
Keke Wyatt should play her not Jazmine Sullivan
Right!
Finally a post about an artist repeated in the game and not one about these rehashed pop tarts that T.G.J seem to be writing frequently.
*respected.
I must say waking up and seeing this was a pleasant surprise/ i ACTUALLY was listening to her music last night. She is such an amazing artist that sang what she lived. she will forever be a legend.
I’m not too familiar with Phyllis Hyman (as an artist), but I do think she had a lovely voice! I’d love to see a film done on her life story. My mom was a fan and I’ve always been somewhat fascinated with her (probably because she committed s****** and I wonder why a friend or family member couldn’t step in before it reached that point). I’m watching these videos and can only think about her pain behind the smile. I’m glad you guys are celebrating someone that we need to know more about.
This woman was underrated, as much as I loved Whitney.. Clive was a real ass hole what he did to Phyllis. Jack ass acted like he couldn’t support Both artists at the same time. Both incredible vocalist but took under Whitney cause he could decide what songs Whitney sang (pop) while Phyllis wanted nothing more to just be an r&b/soul sista. That’s why it took Whitney 3 albums in and of course after the Bodyguard to finally get her R&B on with Your Love Is My Love.
Wow!Thanks TGJ for the article on Phyllis. She was so underrated. Other notable hits was: Old Friend, No One Could Love You More, I Don’t Want to Lose You, I Refuse to be Lonely.
One of my mom’s fav. Classic voice!!
Depression held this woman down something terrible. There was nothing wrong with her but that damn mental disorder had her brainwashed… and ultimately beat her. This lady was pure class. She reminds me of Whitney Houston & Lisa Fischer. Just some talented down to earth real sangin’ soulful sista’s. RIP Miss Lady.
“I refuse to be lonely” is ? ??????
Amazing music and interview