Hello Everyone, and Welcome to the 11th issue our Labor of Love.
A few months ago, while leafing through my old high school senior
yearbook, I came across a friend who had written that old bromide,
"Life is like an onion; you peel away each layer, a year at a time ......
and sometimes you weep."  At 18, with the World at my feet and
billions of stars beyond me left to conquer, that quote seemed foreign
and obtuse.  For I had just opened Life's door and it was much too
early for me to understand its intricacies.  I just wanted to have fun.

After decades of peeling away those "layers", however, I've come to
understand that not only was there a purpose beyond my
comprehension, there was direction beyond my compass.

This month a few of our friends are in a very reflective mood, and they
have graciously chosen to share with us their memories of our Old
Friend, Phyllis Hyman.  It never ceases to amaze me the depth of
feeling to which Phyllis' music is shared, and the abundance of
memories and quiet reflections we all have locked away somewhere
in our private-most inner ear.  It is more than The Woman, or even The
Music.  It is, moreover, that delicately concise mixture that each of us, in
our own way, brings to the recipe. 

On some levels, the PH experience was
the same for me as it was for Ian and Damian in England,
or Valerie and Lee, clear across the Atlantic in the U.S.  But on a more
personal level, Phyllis entered the closed doors, way down deep in the
catacombs of our very souls.  And each of us knows that No One ever goes
there but us - alone and vulnerable, with every nerve ending exposed.  It is
way out there, dangling on the wind-blown leaf of our emotions that Phyllis
always finds us.  She knows just where we are, doesn't she?  She needs no
directions, no keys, no passwords.

She comes straight to us through our hearts.
It is here, where we sit gathered around this newsletter, reflectively
peeling away at onion layers in our need to share her individual
conquests of our collective Love. It is safe here.  We can remember. 

We can stand transfixed by her talent. We can laugh at her humor.
We can give her the respect and admiration she so richly deserved.
But, as is inevitable with onion layers  .....sometimes we weep.

Richard Kenyada
(listening to "Here's That Rainy Day") *******************************************************************************

From: Leeedy

I Just discovered the web site and newsletter. I would like to thank
you and the others for what you have done to keep the memory of
Phyllis alive and bring us closer to her.

I saw her many times, but one performance in particular stands
out in my mind. A few years ago, Phyllis was scheduled to appear
at what was then known as the Celebrity Theatre, which I believe is
considered to be in Anaheim, CA. The theater had a wonderful round stage
which could rotate. It was a great place to see my favorite singer
up close. There were several artists on the bill, but my only real reason
for going was to see Phyllis and hear her angelic voice.

In any event, the night started with at least two other musicians
(I'm sorry, the names have escaped me for the moment, I think
one was a sax player Gerald Albright  and the other was
Keiko Matsui). Then the house lights came up...and ...no Phyllis.
By this time, the place was packed and it was quite obvious that
Phyllis was the main attraction. Even people who had been
hanging out in the lobby came back in and were seated now.

Eventually singer Bill Withers walked up on stage and took the
mike. He said that Phyllis' car had been caught in some kind of
mishap on the freeway. A sound of frighten shock went up as
some people began to assume the worst had happened. Bill
assured us that Phyllis was unharmed, but that she would be a
while longer in arriving. In the meantime, Bill began performing
some of his own great songs and the crowd began to settle down.

I listened to Bill as I had always enjoyed his recordings and performances,
so this was a treat. However, in the back of my
mind, I fretted about what could have happened to Phyllis. I
noticed worried looks on the faces of others around me.

Anyway, Bill pretty much ran through his hit repertoire and still...no
Phyllis. Suddenly, someone off stage in the lighted doorway waved a signal
to Bill and he announce that Phyllis had arrived.

Another long period of time went by and Bill came back on stage
to update the audience. "C'monnn!" he said, "She's in there stuck in
the bathroom getting pretty for y'all...girl's just doin' what they do...you
know they can stay in there forever...but she's coming out in a minute!"

Finally the doors swung open, then Phyllis' musicians came out and
took their places, then the back-up singers came out, but one had a
towel held up against the side of her head and an awful scowl. She
didn't look happy at all and appeared to have a cut on her head. She
sat sometimes when the others stood...and was visibly upset.

Then Phyllis came up on stage and the audience was on their feet cheering. I
had seen her stroll out on stage before, majestically, tall
and beautiful...all six feet of her- and in tall HEELS. That alone was
enough to songs? Ohh, paradise for me! However, it got more strange. This
time, she appeared to be limping, not striding.

As I recall, Phyllis, ever the professional, took the mike and
apologized to the audience for the delays.  Then Phyllis tried to
explain about her limp and apologized again to the men in the
audience for not wearing heels (was I imagining it or not? She
seemed to be looking directly at me when she said it!). She had
been provided with a stool to sit on but she barely touched it...and
valiantly wandered the stage instead- despite her obvious pain.

Anyway, Phyllis launched into a couple of songs, then took a break
and talked to the audience again. This time, she introduced her
backup singers and explained the towel and head cut on the sulking
one. As I recall, Phyllis explained that she had accidentally flung open
a door in the dressing room as she was hurrying to prepare. The door
had hit the singer and she obviously was not happy about it. At this
point, Phyllis went over, introduced the back-up singers and hugged
the injured singer and told the audience how much she valued her.
The back-up singer forced a smile and seemed to break out of her
mood a bit.

After a long set, Phyllis took another break toward the end and
mentioned her songwriter friend (whose name escapes me now- and I SHOULD
know it- sorry!) from Philadelphia (Gamble-Huff organization?).
Phyllis seemed very sad as she expressed how much she missed her friend and then
sang one of her ballads and told the crowd that she felt
her friend was there on stage every time she (Phyllis) sang this song. I
think we were all near tears listening to it.
[Editor's Note - Linda Creed was the songwriter's name]

By the time Phyllis ended the set...we had run the gamut of emotions
and heard an angel...it was a night I shall never forget. Despite the odd
delay and mysterious injuries and unusual events, Phyllis had the audience-
male AND female in the palm of her hand.

I drove home with the moon roof on my car open, listening to Phyllis
all the way.

Time went by. On another starry night with the moon roof open and
Phyllis on the car stereo,  my cellular phone rang. It was my cousin
calling me long distance from the east to tell me she had just heard
a rumor that Phyllis had died, committed suicide. I immediately went
into tears, knowing that I would never again witness the miracle of a
Phyllis Hyman performance, or see her stride out in heels and take
gentle control of the audience and my emotions.

I often wondered what really happened that night in Anaheim. And I wonder
what really happened that night in New York. I think Phyllis
joined her friend in heaven and truly is an angel now.
As so many others (I am certain) have said, I only wish I could have
done something.

With Fond Affection For Phyllis, Her Talent and Her Work,
Lee Dixon
********************************************************************************

From: Mr. Damian Webber

Hi Walid and fellow Phyllis fans,

I've been putting off my contribution to this list for a long time now,
in fact since issue 1.

As someone who lives in England my experiences are probably a lot
different to you and so I pass on to you my thoughts and memories of
the great lady.

I was sat at home one night listening to a local radio station when I
heard the song 'Living all alone', by the time the record had finished
I was dumb struck with the class of the song and I knew I had to have
it, much trawling through the local record shops constantly coming up
against Phyllis who ?.  In the end I found a store who imported me a
copy of the album from the States.  The album was eventually scheduled
for release a couple of months later.  By this time I had completely
worn out my copy.  To this day I have had 7 copies of this album and
never cease to tire of listening to it, in fact the current version I
have is on its way out and getting a new copy has proved impossible.

As far as I know Phyllis only visited England once and did one show in
London, this I only found out afterwards and was so saddened to have
missed this opportunity to have seen her.  In fact more than anything
else I would love to see some video recordings of her performing.

I learned of Phyllis's death on alt.music.soul and was in shock.  I
hoped and hoped that it was not true that it must be another Phyllis,
but as we all now there was, is and will always be only one Phyllis Hyman.

I can honestly say that no album has touched me more than Living All
Alone, upon the release of her greatest hits album about a year later
it was supposed to be the start of a series of albums featuring the
greats of Arista.  As I recall it stated on the album (someone stole it
from me so I don't have it anymore) that they chose to release the
Phyllis album first as she was the supreme artist in Arista camp.  At
this time Whitney Houston was also on Arista and it was said in some
quarters that surely she should have been the first.  Whilst taking
nothing away from Whitney who I like immensely she cannot compare
with Phyllis.

It pains me that if she had had the 'breaks' or 'luck' whatever you
want to call it then more people would know the beauty of Phyllis's
music and she would probably have still been with us, life is unfair
and Phyllis knew it and I can understand her feelings.

Yours
Damian
********************************************************************************

From: "Valerie Scott"

Hi Everyone!!

My life has always been surrounded by good music.  My father was
passionate about people such as: Nat King Cole, Sarah Vaughn,
Dionne Warwick (pre-Psychic Friends), the Moonglows, the Moments.
He shared his love with his children and, as a result, I grew up listening
to my own personal music choices (i.e., the Jackson Five, the Sylvers,
the Brothers Johnson, etc.) in addition to his vast collection of jazz,
rhythm and blues, and classical music. 

I am originally from New York (Brownsville.  I went to P.S. 284. 
Does Anyone know of it?), but when I was 12, we moved to Detroit
(Chalfonte Ave. between Fenkell and Grand River.  I went to Henry
Ford High).  At the time, there was a local dance show on called "The
Scene" and I watched it everyday.  I will always remember the day
that Phyllis appeared on the show.  I was awestruck by her incredible
beauty and height.  I instantaneously loved her before she even
opened her mouth.  She had such a presence!!  Anyway, she sang
"Loving You, Losing You" and I remember clearly thinking that she had
one of the greatest voices I had ever heard.  For some reason, she
did not get a lot of airplay on the local radio stations, so I didn't
hear anything else from her until my sister brought home the
Norman Connors album "You Are My Starship".  I was ecstatic!!!!  Of course,
being a little sister, I couldn't listen to the album without her
permission.  I remember falling in love with "Betcha By Golly Wow"
and singing along (even though I did not know all of the words. 
Naturally, I put my own words in.)

The duets that she has done with Michael Henderson ("We Both
Need Each Other", "Can't We Fall In Love Again?") are beautiful. 
However, I would like to state, for the record, that even though
"Valentine Love" was very well done and a beautiful song, and was
included on the "It Takes Style" album, it WAS NOT a Phyllis &
Michael duet.  He sang that with Jean Carn.  I am sure Ms. Carn would
appreciate receiving her proper credit.

Anyway, over the years, my life has rolled on, but I always perked up
whenever I heard new things from Phyllis; although it was kind of
frustrating that information/albums from and about her was extremely
limited.  When I was in college at Central State University, Phyllis
came to perform at our homecoming concert.  I was so excited!!  I had
never seen her live before.  It was like running into an "Old Friend"
again after losing touch.  Even though she had gained weight,
she was still as beautiful as ever and her performance was 'all
that!'  She came out looking regal and unapproachable, but suddenly,
she pulled off earrings and shoes (JUST LIKE A 'HOMEGIRL') and
then she really starting blowing.

I moved to Springfield, Ohio and there I met my future husband, Kevin
Scott.  I knew that we were soulmates when we both realized that we
were both diehard Phyllis fans.  He told me that he saw her in a
nightclub in Columbus and she was wearing tall boots, a big and bulky
sweater, and tight jeans tucked inside the boots.  He said he felt as
though she was singing directly to him because he was standing
right under her and she kept looking down at him.  I was thrilled
that I had finally met someone with whom I could share my love for
Phyllis.

Unfortunately, in 1995, we went our separate ways.  I decided to go
to the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to try to forget my
pain.  I had the worse luck getting to New Orleans because the
weather was terrible out of Atlanta and we had to sit on the runway
for a long time.  When I finally got to my hotel, I remember feeling
sort of out of it.  My cousin was staying in the room with me and we
turned on the radio before going out to the French Quarter.  We were
busy getting ready, but I noticed that they kept playing Phyllis'
songs on the radio.  I didn't think any more about it.  The next
morning, my aunt (who was also staying at the Royal Sonesta) knocked
on our door and told us the news.  I WAS DEVASTATED!!  THERE HAD
TO BE A MISTAKE!!!  Even though Kevin and I were on the outs, I
immediately tried to reach him to commiserate.  During the concerts,
people such as Frankie Beverly & Maze, Gladys Knight and Patti
Labelle paid tribute to the loss of Phyllis.  Even though she was
not on the roster to perform, her death definitely put a damper on
the whole weekend.

I am not ashamed to tell anyone that I was in love with Phyllis
Hyman.  My all time favorite song (although a difficult choice) is
"Meet Me On The Moon".  In fact, I was able to reunite with Kevin by
serenading him vicariously through Phyllis (I sent him tape after
tape of her songs and I put them in an order that would tell him a
story about our relationship and what would be possible if we worked
out our differences.)  So, in a way, I feel like Phyllis is an
integral and still vital part of the love I share with Kevin.  In fact, we
were fortunate to see her in one of her last performances here at
Constitution Hall with Will Downing. Girlfriend performed! In fact,
she got so caught up in her music that she told the band to play it by
ear with feeling (without the sheet music) and when they kept using
the sheet music she went back and knocked it off the stands and they began
playing the way she wanted - from their soul. I am so glad that I went to
see her that night.

I lost my brother and my father early in my life.  When I lost them I
grew to be thankful that I at least had memories to help ease my
loss.  When I lost Phyllis, after I said prayers for her soul, I was
thankful that I still had memories of how happy her living had made
me, and I also could listen to her anytime I wanted.  We are all
better off that she lived such a short life and enriched our lives,
than if she had never existed at all. 

P.S.  I was able to see Phyllis in the movie "Kill Reflex" with Fred
Williamson and Bo Svenson (of "Walking Tall" fame).  That was the
first time I heard her sing "Meet Me On The Moon".  Anyone who has
not seen it should try to do so.  I would also greatly appreciate and
be deeply indebted to anyone who can help me get copies of her
albums prior to "Living All Alone".  I have that, "Prime Of My Life", "I
Refuse To Be Lonely".  I also have Norman Connors' "You Are My
Starship".  I have all of the compilation albums done before and
after her death.  I would love to have the other albums/CDs.  Does
anyone know whether there is an active campaign to get the record
company to re-release her older albums in their entirety? 

That's all for now.  I realize it is longwinded; but, I needed to
download my love and share it with others.  I have read all of the
previous newsletters (BRAVO WALID & RICHARD!!!) and often myself
nodding my head at other people's stories.  Through this venue, we
can reach out and touch each other's hearts. 

My love and wish for peace goes out to all who loved Phyllis Hyman. 

God bless us all!!!
********************************************************************************

From: Ian Wonnacott

My name is Ian, I am 39 years of age and live and work in Exeter,
Devon, England.

I first became 'aware' of Phyllis at the end of 1970s/early 1980s when
I saw her perform on ' Sunday Night At The Palladium ', a light
entertainment/music show which was popular in the UK at that time.
If my memory serves me well, she sang from "Sophisticated Ladies".

In a climate, in which so much black music was ignored by popular
radio stations in the UK at that time, information about Phyllis was
hard to come by. But I remembered her.

With the release of ' Living All Alone ' in 1986  I was able to begin to
fully appreciate for the first time the lady and her music. The rest, as is
said, is history..

I have a few articles and reviews of early albums at home, and somewhere I
know I have a recording of an interview she gave
following the release of ' Prime Of My Life ' in 1991. Other than that
I know of no one with whom I can share my thoughts. It has been a
long and sometimes very lonely journey over the last two years.

May I join you all...?

Ian.
********************************************************************************

Well, that's all for now. Hope you enjoyed reading this issue.
Thanks to Lee Dixon, Damian Webber, Valerie Scott and Ian
Wonnacott for sharing their feelings about Phyllis with all of us!

Have a good month,

Walid

---

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 12
NOVEMBER 25, 1997
 

 

Welcome to the 13th Issue of the Phyllis Hyman Internet Newsletter.
Have you missed us?  Well, we've missed you, too …in more ways
than one. We haven't been receiving as many of your thoughts, remembrances
and tributes as in the past.  We are puzzled. Of course, there may be many
reasons for the drought, but we have no way of knowing for sure.

From the very first issue of the PH Newsletter, we have always tried to
maintain a certain quality and clarity.  Out of respect for both Phyllis
Hyman's music and the adoration of her fans around the world, we
sought to fill each issue with info, insight and Love.  From what we've
heard from you, our readers, we have succeeded on every level.  And
it is because of the quality and thoroughness of previous issues that
we cannot, in good conscience, release issues that, in our opinion,
do not measure up to that standard.

With that in mind, Walid and I are considering re-scheduling the
frequency of future issues.  While we would like to continue to publish
on a monthly, or even bi-monthly basis, we are not getting the level of
feedback to warrant publishing that often.  The alternative would be a
quarterly newsletter, published in June, September, January and April.

Of course, we will continue to try to establish links with Ms. Hyman's
family and friends to provide more personal glimpses and anecdotes, beyond
what we can find in biographical data already available in print.

In the meantime, we would like to hear more from you.  Tell us how we can
make this newsletter more responsive to Phyllis' fans.  Those fans
in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh may be able to share more memories about her.
There are so many untapped sources of information we
have yet to explore that will ultimately help us get to know and
understand her better. This is the challenge we face together as
devoted fans of Phyllis Hyman.

Richard *****************************************************************************

Singer/Songwriter and A&M recording artist Billy Mann has worked
with Celine Dion, Sting, Diana King, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Grover
Washington, Jr., Phyllis Hyman, Carole King and many others. Check
out his homepage at: http://www.billymann.com

When I e-mailed him and asked him to remember Phyllis for
the newsletter, this is what he wrote:

Dear Walid,

I was given a copy of your letter via my website and felt compelled to
write you back regarding the Phyllis Hyman Newsletter. 
Having grown up in Philadelphia around great songwriters and
singers like Phyllis, the short chance that I had to work with her was
very powerful to me.  I wish that I had known her well enough to write
a proper article, but I am afraid that my writing sessions with her
probably don't compare to the scores of people who knew her much
better than I. 

None the less, I was sad to hear of her passing and recall speaking
to Grover Washington, Jr. the day she died and both of us discussing
what a great loss it is to lose such a voice as Phyllis'. 

My writing experiences with her were intense and memorable.  All I
can offer to you and her fans is that I was a fan and always will be. 
She wrote with me towards the beginning of my career as a songwriter and
gave me the benefit of the doubt.  I will always be thankful for my
time with Phyllis, and her belief in me and here I am , still in my twenties
recalling a life much greater than my own.

She could laugh loud like lioness and whisper like a little girl, but when
she sang, you surrendered...completely.  Phyllis Hyman was an
emotional medium as a vocalist and I miss her  in my musical life. 

I wish I had more of a story worth printing.

Sincerely,
billy mann

http://www.billymann.com
*****************************************************************************

From: Richard Kenyada

Subject: PH Radio Stations that Keep Phyllis' Music Alive

Atlanta's new radio station, WAMJ, Magic 107.5 FM, is creating heaps
of excitement among fans of classic R&B.  Tired of hearing the same songs
all day on the Top 40-format stations, a legion of dedicated listeners have
flocked to Magic 107's playlist of the best R&B music
from the 60s, 70s and 80s.  The station calls its format "oldies", but
the music is clearly classic R&B.

Phyllis Hyman's songbook is prevalent throughout each day.  All of her
legendary hits and the album selections that have become underground hits on
late-night Quiet Storm radio.  As a super fan, I could not help but call to
commend the station for keeping Phyllis' music in the forefront
of its playlist.

This experience has made me wonder how many of you around the
world have favorite radio stations that regularly play Ms. Hyman's music. 
If you will send us the name (call letters) of the station, along with its
postal or e-mail address, the PH Newsletter will send them an official
letter of appreciation and thanks.

Richard Kenyada
******************************************************************************

From: Jesse H. Melchor

My Ebony Angel

Across the boundaries of time, there stands an ebony enchantress. 
She stands tall and proud surveying across the Heavens.  If you listen
closely, you may hear her infectious laughter echo through the
mountain tops.  If you look closely enough, you may see the glimmer of
her lovely smile flash across the sky.  Throughout her mortal life,
she has been called many things:  "statuesque," "gracious,"
"passionate," "stylish," "commanding," "diva," "sophisticated lady,"
and "goddess of love."  In my eyes she is My Ebony Angel and I would
like to tell you why.    

Phyllis Hyman consistently demonstrated panache and benevolence:  a
woman who reached out to others, genuinely cared about those around

her, and did her part to make the world a better place to live.  In
essence, she lead by example and we must incorporate what we have
learned from her into our daily lives.  I feel that I share many
characteristics with her among them being the feeling of empathy.  I
understand that Miss Hyman would be moved to tears over the
misfortunes of others.  It is this trait that I feel a kinship with
her.    

Each time that I play her music, I hope that she can hear it as well. 
I play her music in homage and hope that she finally realizes that she
is truly appreciated despite the difficulties that she endured in her
life.  I also hope that her ears ring with peace and love when any of
us play her music.  Yes, My Ebony Angel, you are adulated.  No one can
love you more.  Your musical legacy is a precious treasure.  Deep down
inside, I know that you feel that we are "handling it" and we will
honor both your memory and your legacy.  The precious sound of your
voice will never be silenced.    

Lastly, I wish to share a personal opinion.  Success should not be
measured in monetary value or eminence; rather, by how you affect
others.  A mere glance at this site serves as testament.  Many have
been critical at how commercial success always seemed to elude Miss
Hyman.  No matter what the reason for this, I believe that we should
all appreciate the fact that Miss Hyman blessed us with her presence
on earth, shared her many precious gifts, and enchanted us with that
voice (my God, that voice).  To those of us who are exposed to the
sophisticated lady, we are wealthier beyond definition.  In her unique
way, she touched us all and this was her true success.    

Soar across the Heavens, My Ebony Angel.  You are at peace at long last.

 Jesse.H.Melchor
******************************************************************************

From: Christopher Schmidt

I guess that the one Phyllis Hyman experience that stands out the
most for me, is the last time I saw her.  It was at Blues Alley,
Washington, D.C.  For those who don't know, being in Blues Alley is
like watching a friend sing in your living room.  Right before she was
to come on, I started experiencing chest pains.  Because I have a heart
murmur, I was not too overly concerned.  Well it progressively got worse,
and by the time Phyllis came on, my partner was frantic, and quite adamant
about taking me to the closest hospital.  Well I wasn't having it. 

I apologize for how dramatic this may sound, but it is how it happened. 
I  told him that I would be fine, and if I wasn't, than there was no other
place I would like to pass on, then a place where I see and hear the angelic
voice of Phyllis, as I would pass on.  Well as you can see, I did
not pass on, but I did stay and worshiped every last note Phyllis sang. 

To this very day, I still feel the same.  Again, thanks to all for keeping
Phyllis Hyman's legacy to everyone alive with all the love, and
reconfirming that her life and contributions for life, will forever be
praised, the way they should have been, while she lived. 

Peace out.  Roarrrrrrrrrrrrrr
******************************************************************************

From: cafeluna

When I responded to the survey, I selected "Somewhere In My Lifetime
as my favorite album.  I also mentioned that I was looking for a copy. 
Well today, I am glad to say, I found it. And it is in excellent shape. 
There is a used record store that I frequent and I have been looking
for this album for about nine years. They have a  turntable and headphones
in the store so I was able to play it right then and there.  

I had to go right to the heart of the matter and I played "Here's That
Rainy Day".  By the time Phyllis got to the line "...It's so funny, isn't it?",
I had tears flowing.

In my opinion, this is Phyllis' strongest collection. It includes songs
like "Gonna Make Changes" (which she wrote) and "Be Careful How
You Treat My Love".  Nothing is more sensuous than "The Answer
(Boy) Is You".  Check out her scatting at the end of "Living Inside Your
Love".  And of course, "Somewhere In My Lifetime" is pure class. This
is my best Christmas gift from the universe to me.  Thank You Phyllis!!!
********************************************************************************

From: Jesse H. Melchor

Milestone

Magnificent milestone in the career of Phyllis Hyman was realized in
1997 and seemingly overlooked.  Her signature song, "You Know How
To Love Me," reached eighteen years of existence.  In an episode
earlier this year on the Fox network series "New York Undercover,"
Lisa Stansfield performed "You Know How To Love Me" and her
version of the song is included on her latest effort.  For the uninformed,
James Mtume is the music supervisor for the series as well as
co-author of the song; therefore, "You Know How To Love Me" has
come full circle.  I felt that this piece of information would be of interest
to the readers of the newsletter.    

Jesse.H.Melchor
******************************************************************************

From: Walid Itayim

Subject: Corrado Rustici

Corrado Rustici is an Italian guitarist who has done sessions
with a big variety of recording artists. In 1983, he played guitar
on "Goddess of Love". Specifically, he can be heard on "Why
Did You Turn Me On", "Riding The Tiger" and "Goddess of Love".

The other day, I was searching the web for pages which referred
to Phyllis and I found his homepage. I sent him an e-mail and
this is what he had to say:

>Thank you for your email.>

>A long time has passed since I worked on the " Goddess" album, but I
>remember it as being a very pleasant experience.
>Those were important and formative days of my musical career and I'll
>always be grateful to Phyllis Hyman, who allowed this young Italian
>musician to touch and be touched by her musical soul.>

>All the best to you,
>Corrado

Hope this info is of interest,

Walid
******************************************************************************

Well funny enough I pulled out Living All Alone.... have not played that
one in a long time!!...  WOWIE made my decision even harder!  lol So
here goes;

For many reasons and the fact that the first song I ever heard by this
Angel was Prime of My Life... and to say the lady moved me was a
major understatement!!  It was like have the eras of Soul, R&B, and motown
all at once!!  That being said.. #1 Prime of My Life, #2 I Refuse
to be Lonely, and #3 Living All Alone.

My tastes are as diverse as the ones mentioned and more.... and a few
I read that I need to add!!

I would like to see more PH material in the way of #1 Unreleased
Studio Recordings.. #2 Video footage from live performances.. and
#3 Movie of Her Life.... a tribute to her genius!!  I miss her very much.

I was one of the unfortunate one that never saw her in person!!. It was
quite odd I must say.  I had been trying to see her for some time then a
friend told me she passed away....and for some strange reasons I felt
a tremendous sense of loss like it was "heavy"... like you would feel
when a lifelong friend is no longer...so my friend found out "how" she
passed and the shock set in ... that was the year she passed... and I
have listened to her almost daily!!... Personally I think she was also a
"Healer"....... her voice... her music both so moving and powerful.... 
like the world could not be right without her angelic presence.....

Then recently I decided to look her up on the net...saying to myself... If I
feel this way... I know I ain't alone!!... 

Thanks to those who put this highly innovative concept together!!! 
>smile<

Sincerely,
Connie Garcia
Michigan
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From: Leeedy

Subject: I Miss You (song for Phyllis)

This is the song I had written for Phyllis and never heard about it again.
Walid asked me to send the lyrics along, so here they are. I hope you like
it.

I MISS YOU
                                                        (words and music by Lee Dixon)
copyright (C) 1995, 1997, Leon Dixon/Dragonfly Music

Whenever love is on my mind...
        My thoughts return to you
                A love like ours was hard to find...
                        And harder still to lose

I miss you  (I miss your love- I want ya back)

I miss you  (I need your lovin' and that's a fact)

I want you  (wanna whisper things we used to say)

I need you  (I need your lovin')

I miss your lovin' ba-by,  Ooo

I miss you

On rainy nights when I'm all alone...
        The memories bring tears
                I hear your voice, but you don't ring my phone...
                        How I wish that you were here

I miss you (I miss your love- I want ya back)

I miss you (I need your lovin' and that's a fact)

I want you (wanna whisper things we used to say)

I need you (I need your lovin')

I miss your lovin' baby,  Ooo

I miss you

Remember those nights by the fireside...
        Making love the whole night through
                I feel your touch and the chills inside...
                        And all the things we used to do

I miss you (I miss your love- I want ya back)

I miss you (I need your lovin' and that's a fact)

I want you (wanna whisper things we used to say)

I need you (I need your lovin')

I miss your kissin' baby,  ooh

I miss you

                        (bridge)

There's a time in every life when words of love are spoken
And there's a time in every love when tender hearts are broken
        But tell me, how  can I  feel?
                When everything that  was real
                        Is gone- and  my life will never  be the same...

I... miss you...

I miss you (I miss your love- I want ya back)

I miss you (I need your lovin' and that's a fact)

I want you (wanna whisper things we used to say)

I need you (I need your lovin')

I miss your kissin' baby,  ooh

I miss you

Remember those times in our easy chair
        Cuddled up safe and  warm with you...
                Now the room is dark and there's no one there
                        And it hurts to know we're through..

I... miss you...
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Well, that's it for this month! Before I sign off I would like to mention
that a new CD called "Phyllis Hyman - One On One" is set for release
on March 24 on the HIP-O label. I don't know much about what it
will contain but from what I understand, it is a collection of duets
that Phyllis did with other artists (probably released previously).

I know I will end up buying it and am sure many of you will as well.
I would like to thank musicians Billy Mann and Corrado Rustici
for responding to my e-mails regarding Phyllis. Also, many thanks
to readers Jesse Melchor, Christopher Schmidt, Cafeluna and
Connie Garcia for contributing articles to this issue.

Until next time, take care.

Walid

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