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Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood,
in
association with Walid Itayim,
presents
Archives of the
Phyllis Hyman Newsletter
NEWSLETTERS 1 THRU 5
NEWSLETTERS 6 THRU 10
NEWSLETTER #11 |
NEWSLETTER #12 |
NEWSLETTER #13
| NEWSLETTER #14 |
NEWSLETTER #15
NEWSLETTERS 16 THRU 20
NEWSLETTERS 21 THRU 25
"...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"
-Richard Kenyada
PHYLLIS HYMAN INTERNET NEWSLETTER # 11
SEPTEMBER 21, 1997
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")
*******************************************************************************
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
********************************************************************************
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
********************************************************************************
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!!!
********************************************************************************
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.
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
We're back with another issue of the newsletter! I got several
e-mails from subscribers who thought
they were removed off
the mailing list because they had not
received a newsletter in
2 months. The truth is that we did not
want to put out issue #12
until we had enough data as in
contributions from the readers.
It's been a while since we heard from
Glenda Gracia (Phyllis'
manager and friend) but we hope she will
be back with us in
the near future. As I was recently
surfing the web for Phyllis-related
news and websites, I found some good
news! At her homepage,
songwriter Lorraine Feather ( co-writer
of Phyllis' This Too Shall Pass)
reported the following:
>Some time ago, I co-wrote a song called "Nobody
>Knows" with the late great singer
Phyllis Hyman and a
>third writer, Doug Shawe, and I
recently heard from
>Doug that the recording Phyllis did of
it is being released
>on her second posthumous BMG album.
I e-mailed Glenda and asked her if this was true. She confirmed
that an album of unreleased studio
material will be released
sometime in 1998 and promised to share
with us the details soon!
I now hand the floor over to Richard for
a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Walid
*************************************************
Thankful For Life, Love ... and Phyllis
Hyman
I've always thought that what makes
Thanksgiving so special is the
tradition of bringing folks together.
We sit around the table to talk,
feast and, perhaps, to listen to the
sounds of ourselves being a family.
There is something so complete about
being a part of such basic
tradition. There is a connection; a
common thread that winds through
each of us at the table. Young, older.
Dependent, independent.
Puttin' on airs, or masterfully Real.
Family is the foundation on which
the strongest temples of humanity are
built.
Over the years, however, the meaning of family has changed
somewhat. It is no longer just the
descriptive term for a husband
and wife with children. It has expanded
to include varying numbers,
varying genders, and varying beliefs and
traditions. But still, the
underlying, determining factor is the
Love and sense of purpose that compels
each of us to join together to give
thanks.
The family of Phyllis Hyman fans continues to grow. And each time
we gather together - whether between the
pages of the Newsletter,
or somewhere between a CD player and a
pair of speakers - it is,
indeed, Thanksgiving. We give thanks to
Phyllis for having passed through
our lives, and so graciously adorned our
memories with such beauty and
emotion. Such regality. Giving thanks
for her courage and strength, which
allowed her to fight for each and every
day of her
life ...until she could fight no longer.
We have asked ourselves "Why?" so often that it hardly seems to
matter anymore. That one woman stood so
tall and so proud, for so
long ...THAT should be The Story. NOT
the suicide; not the depression.
The fact that she was on top of her game,
singing through the silence
of an unappreciative industry, speaks
volumes to an, as of yet,
unwritten story.
But we remember and continue to pay tribute, and give thanks.
Giving thanks for her effortless flights
through a lyric -- from still
whispers, to cloudbursts of raw emotion
-- soaring above us, through
us. Reaching the heights of our dreams;
the depths of our souls.
How did she know where to find us? No
one should command
that kind of spirit ...unless it's
someone we trust. The energy on the
CDs she left behind, still possess the
power to take me "there" every
time -- especially when I don't feel up
to the journey. I am thankful for
that.
The onset of the Holiday Season usually finds most everyone drawn
closer to
each other. Thanksgiving, arriving as it
does, almost at year's end, gives
us pause to reflect and appreciate the
current year before it becomes a
memory. Like trying to roll up an old
carpet while still
standing on the end of it.
Among all the things for which we are most thankful, certainly there
is
room for the memory of Phyllis Hyman.
Whenever we set our "table",
there is always a place for her.
Whether we are new friends or former
groupies - the sound of her voice tends
to make us all "Old Friends".
We are thankful for that.
Whether we are currently in love, or somewhere in the middle of the
slippery
slope of love-gone-wrong, Phyllis' voice
seems to somehow smooth the rough
places and lighten the darkness. So
that we may
see and feel our way clear of "the
Storm". We are thankful for that, too.
The first time I really knew I was in love was when I could hear my
woman's
silences as clearly as I could hear
Phyllis' voice. These
days, I leave for work at 4:30 a.m.
Never knowing what awaits out
there in the unknown darkness, I kiss my
Lady; tell her I love her, and
how grateful I am that she is in my
life. Every Day. I once asked her if,
after 6 years, she ever gets tired of my
ritual. She replied that she is
too busy being thankful to be tired.
Perhaps Thanksgiving will find us being more to each other than
faces across the dinner table.
Hopefully we will reach out for each
other while we still can. Maybe we will
look into each other's eyes as
if it were the last time. Realizing that
it well may be. The last time I
saw Phyllis at a concert in Atlanta, she
told the crowd, "Good Night!",
and we all returned the greeting. We
never knew then that it was
really good-bye. But even if we could
have known, we couldn't have
been more appreciative, more ...
thankful.
Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone.
Richard Kenyada
*******************************************************************************
Many of us live life never fully aware
of or appreciating those around
us. Many of us live without the
knowledge that there is much to
explore and discover in this world and
then kick ourselves in the
backside when we discover precious
treasures previously obstructed
by our own narrow-mindedness. I was one
such individual. I did not
know Miss Hyman existed until 1991.
That's right. I know, I know, but
I was a different person back then.
Music is a vast realm where individuals
come and go, linger, move on,
or drop out of sight and sound
altogether. To remain in the domain of
music takes true talent as well as
passionate resilience. I've come
to fully realize that Miss Phyllis Hyman
remained true to herself and
to her talents. I feel that it us up to
each and every one of us who
appreciates her to advocate her musical
legacy.
My first exposure to Miss Hyman was
during an airing of the "Living
All Alone" music video back in 1991.
The film noire and theme was
captivating and haunting to me. Above
all else, it was her voice (my
God, that voice) which mesmerized me.
Later that year, "Don't Wanna
Change The World" was making it's mark
on the music video and radio
air play charts in the States. Honestly
speaking, I did not care for
the song at first; however, that voice
continued to echo in my mind.
When "Living In Confusion" was released,
I was defenseless and
hopelessly enchanted under her spell.
In the video, I saw the passion
and pain in her eyes. I was thoroughly
convinced that Miss Hyman was
no ordinary vocalist.
A friend of mine, who grew up with Miss
Hyman's music, further
exposed me to her with the "Prime Of My
Life" project. Of all the songs
which grace that musical endeavor, "When
I Give My Love (This Time)" haunted
me forevermore. That voice, my God,
that voice. Needless to
say, "When I Give My Love (This Time)"
remains one of my all-time
favorite Hyman tunes. It is a true
torch song. I sought out anything
performed by her and I was ecstatic over
the release of "I Refuse To
Be Lonely," and utterly devastated over
her passing a short time later.
I had just begun a journey to explore a
true musical vocalist and then
she was gone. I will never forget that
day when I became aware of the news.
I was in the waiting area at my hair
salon on a Saturday
morning. I was flipping through the
newspaper and saw her obituary
write up. I guess my exasperated facial
expression had people looking
my way. My stylist said that I turned
pale as a ghost as I explained
to him my reaction to what I was
reading. I clipped the article and
during that next week, there were many
reports on Miss Hyman each day
until her funeral. I was fortunate
enough to catch many newspaper and
television reports on her. I deeply
cherish all printed, televised,
and recorded media coverage that I have
of her.
After many, many nights of deep
depression, I continued to seek out
her previous releases. I was astonished
and most impressed at her
vast repertoire. My musical journey of
Miss Hyman continues and I
listen to her often. I have educated
and acquainted myself with her
work and I treasure it dearly. In fact,
as I write this, my ears are
blessed with the sounds of "The Answer
Is You."
Miss Hyman, you are truly appreciated
and deeply cherished. God
bless you, my Ebony Angel. You are in
Heaven.
To Raymond and Walid: your time, effort
and devotion to the website
is personally appreciated by me. You
have further educated me on
Miss Hyman and to you I am deeply
indebted. I also deeply appreciate
the opportunity to contribute to the
newsletter. I look forward to sharing
more thoughts with you and to all of
Miss Hyman's fans through
the website in the future.
Jesse H. Melchor
******************************************************************************
The Whispers once again took their
play "Thank God! The
Beat Goes On" on the road this year. The
play tells the story
of the Whispers with special
concentration on the last few
days of Phyllis Hyman's life leading up
to her suicide.
Reader Koko McFadden saw the play in New
York at the
Beacon Theatre last month. The following
is Koko's review
of the play:
Thank God! The Beat Goes On:
***********************************
Tuesday night was opening night for the
"Thank God the Beat
Goes On" play. It's playing at the
Beacon Theater in New York City.
Usually I don't like to do anything
during the week but I had to be
amongst the first in NYC to see the
show. Otherwise, I would have
died from the anticipation.
First let me say that before this show I was not really into the
Whispers. My mom played their songs a
lot, but I didn't know how
bad they were. First-hand let me tell
you, they are phenomenal.
A perfect suit for a Phyllis Hyman show.
So the Whispers are
definitely on my favorite groups list
now. Mind you, while I watched
them perform this night, I was in awe.
All I could say during the
show after almost every song is, they
made that song? I still can't
believe they made the classic song,
Chocolate Girl. My husband
loves the Whispers! Now, I do too. I'm
going crazy trying to find a
greatest hits album with Chocolate Girl
on it. They really got off that
night. It was as if they were saying,
let's do this for Phyllis. And with
all of their strength, they tried to
give it to her. They performed for her!
Their love showed through in every
physical movement, every note
sang. This was not only for the love of
Phyllis but also for the love of
the fans.
Now Tony Terry (Mama, I Want To Sing) was out of this world. I think
he went back in the line 3x's for his
lungs. The guy is good, as was
every single soul in Mama, I Want To
Sing. So he met all of my expectations.
Alyson Williams (Just Call My Name) played our heart, Ms. Phyllis
Hyman. It's really hard for me to
describe Alyson's performance. She
was very, very good. She had the look
down packed, the head and
hand movements too, including the AT-TI-TUDE.
The voice was
simply beautiful. She had that "buuunnnggg
yuuuunngg yuuuunnngggg" thing
that was only Phyllis' down pretty good.
You know what I'm talking about!!!
That stuff that came from deep down from
within my girl when
she sang. Don't get me wrong, you will
know that it wasn't Phyllis. But
it kind of made you feel like, oh God
thanks for the one more
opportunity. You know, when you lost
yourself and forgot that she
really is gone.
The show made you feel that good; and sad in this sense.
Considering all that Phyllis went
through, you want the chance to
tell her how much you love her, you want
to thank her, and you want
to call her up to say, I was just
thinking about you, how are you?
Then you realize you can't. It makes you
real mad at the music
industry for not noticing her and giving
her, her just do. She truly
was the best! Talk about
diaphragmatically giving it to us -- who
does that today?
I have family in the business. And I do mean #1 on the charts
forever and they will continue to be.
They're good. But Phyllis was
from a different, finer crop. I have
lots of favorites, for different types
of satisfaction. So I thought about it
for almost two years, who would
I break my neck to go see in concert now
(since Phyllis was the
only one); and it dawned on me the other
day. Maybe Angela Bofill
or Regina Bell or some other veteran
from the Phyllis era. To me everybody
else sounds too familiar.
I would also love to see the Whispers and Alyson Williams again.
They're really good in their own rights.
With much love and thanks for this newsletter,
Ko-Ko
*******************************************************************************
Having read all the wonderful letters, I just feel compelled to
contribute my views and adoration for
this unique and talented
artist who unfortunately no longer is
with us. I can still remember
where I was when the news broke of her
sudden death. I must say
that I was shocked! I knew from various
articles that she had suffered bouts
of depression before and the final blow
probably came when
both her mother AND grand mother passed
away only within months apart.
Musically, she was a perfectionist, she
could easily move from jazz-R&B-pop
and it is a great pity and disgrace that
this immense
talent was never utilized by record
companies. I know that she wasn't
too happy at Arista.
Mr Clive Davis might be a good
business-man but
I do not think his knowledge extends all
the way to the musical side of
things. I only have 2 albums by Phyllis
from her Arista period; "You
Know How To Love Me" and "Can't We Fall
In Love Again".
Subsequent releases were less
pop-orientated which I thought
was a far better medium in which to
place Phyllis. Although any dull
pop moment would light up like a beacon
thanks to her incredible phrasing
and vocal style. Then I have her "Living
All Alone" album,
"Prime Of My Life" and her last
master-piece "I Refus To Be Lonely".
It didn't take long before Arista DID
release a tribute to Phyllis in the
shape of the double-CD release "The
Legacy Of Phyllis Hyman".
I haven't bought the set yet, but I am
going to. I am Swedish so you
can well imagine how dried up the music
scene is when it comes to
Soul. It has gotten better, but it still
leaves a lot to be desired for.
Best place for Soul is in England (amen
to that! I should know, because I
have lived there for 1 year! I really
found this site very entertaining and
it is the least we should do to honor
the memory of the late Phyllis Hyman.
Thank you for letting me speak my mind
on this subject.
Per Åkesson, Malmö, Sweden
*************************************************************************
Many thanks for sending me a copy of the
latest PH Newsletter.
Phyllis Hyman has been a part of my life
for so long it is difficult
to know where to start, from the
beginning most probably.
Back in 1979 at an all-night soul club,
which at the time played
mainly obscure 60's soul dancers, the DJ
announced that he was
about to play a brand new US release -
to which the dance floor half
emptied as new releases where considered
taboo. With no
introduction he proceeded by play "You
Know How To Love Me".
Almost immediately many of the dancers
returned to the dance floor,
me included. To my surprise the track
was warmly received by the dancers. I
for my part said to my girlfriend at the
time, who was
attending an all-nighter for the first
time, I must track down that record.
That is exactly what I did, first the 7"
single closely followed by
the album. The single itself continues
to play an important part of my
life as it quickly became the song which
my girlfriend (now my wife)
regard as "our tune".
Since then I have purchased every album
that Phyllis released
together with the albums where she made
guest appearances
which always seemed to fill the gaps
between her own releases.
The music of Phyllis continues to be
played in my household and
"Meet Me On The Moon" is a firm favorite with
my sons.
My biggest regret is deciding not to go
and see her when see was
last in the UK. I thought long and hard
about it but it was around the
time when I was moving house and my
decision was made on the
basis that she'll be back as Prime Of My
Life had firmly re-established
her commercially. Little would I know. I
did however manage to obtain
a copy of an interview she did following
the appearance in which she
was very upbeat and had clearly enjoyed
her visit to the UK and
indicated that she would love to come
back.
I would very much like to obtain good
quality live concert recordings.
Can anyone help ? I have a small number
of duplicate Phyllis items
including 7"singles, 12" singles and
magazine articles, or a copy of
the interview, which I would swap or
sell. If anyone is interested
then please drop me a e-mail.
It is difficult sometimes to think that
she is no longer with us, but
lets not be too negative, we are still
able to enjoy the legacy that
she left behind in her music which we
can continue to enjoy albeit
there is unlikely to be anything new,
unless of course there are
unissued gems in the can somewhere
??????????
Derek
******************************************************************************
Subject: PH -Will Downing's Thoughts
about Phyllis
R&B/Jazz singer Will Downing, in Atlanta to do a show, was
interviewed in the local newspaper. Mr.
Downing spoke of
the impact that losing two friends -
jazz saxophonist Art Porter,
who died in a boating accident, and
Phyllis Hyman - had on his
perspective of Life. He had known Ms.
Hyman since 1990,
opening for her in several shows. He
was shocked to learn
that she had taken her own life,
"because she had so much to live
for, and seemed to know it. Revel in it,
at times"
The deaths of his two friends figured into what is a decidedly
romantic 6th effort, Downing's
"Invitation Only", which he dedicates
to Porter and which includes a cover of
Hyman's "I Don't Want
To Lose You".
"When things like that happen [the deaths of friends] , it makes me
think more about not wasting time as far
as my life is concerned.
It's strange; the idea for this record
was it would be a kind of
'Will Downing and Friends' -- with all
of the guest appearances on
it -- but that idea takes on new meaning
when I consider the friends
looking down on it now"
*******************************************************************************
Subject: PH - A Film Uses Hyman's Voice
To "Set It Off"
If you get a chance to see the 1996 film "Set It Off", with
Jada Pinkett, Queen Latifa and Blair
Underwood - it
should be in video stores now - check it
out. In a tender
scene in which Underwood cooks a dinner
for Pinkett
at his home, you can hear Phyllis
Hyman's "The Answer
Is You" playing on his stereo in the
background. Clearly
there is evidence that Hollywood is
mindful of the talent
we all miss so much.
******************************************************************************
(The following biography originally
appeared in the Toronto-based
ICON Magazine. Special Thanks to
subscriber Paul Tattersall
for submitting it.)
A BIOGRAPHY OF PHYLLIS HYMAN
By Michael Grimaldi
DIVA. A reference made to a female performer (usually an opera
singer). In the popular vernacular of
the music business,
particularly in black music circles, the
term diva takes on a whole
other meaning. It implies that a female
artist is demanding,
difficult, uncompromising, inflexible.
It can also be considered a
term of endearment, referring to the
incredible talent they possess,
making them a cut above the rest.
With so much media attention focused on current would-be's,
wanna-be's and has been's, it's rare to
find any pertinent coverage
(particularly in Canada) of the women
who make up the backbone of
today's R&B, Pop and Jazz fields. Mariah
Carey, Whitney Houston and
a host of girl groups owe a tip of the
hat to their predecessors,
women who didn't glide so easily to the
top of the charts, or at
lease with such frequency Phyllis
Hyman, Jean Carne, Marlena Shaw
and Angela Bofill have all been
recording for many years. All have
large gay audiences which have long been
noted to recognizing,
cultivating and supporting talents like
these, often elevating them
to cult status. Unlike Houston and
Carey, however, these women's
careers have progressed like quiet
thunder, providing them with
regular touring work but sporadic
recording contracts.
PHYLLIS HYMAN (1949-1995)
Devoted fans of the late singer
Phyllis Hyman describe her as a
songstress extraordinaire with a
no-nonsense attitude, and a lavish,
larger than life stage persona.
Deep-voiced and statuesque, Phyllis
sang with a life affirming energy and
emotional intensity found in
few other female vocalists. Born in
Pittsburgh and raised in
Philadelphia, her professional career
began in New York city where,
during an engagement, she was spotted by
producer Norman
Connors and contemporaries Jean Carne
and Roberta Flack among others.
Phyllis was immediately offered a guest
appearance on
Connors' You Are My Starship album,
which included her rendition of Betcha
By Golly Wow.
In 1977 Buddah Records released her self-titled debut LP which
featured the hits Loving You/Losing You
and I Don't Wanna Lose You.
A year later Hyman was signed to Arista
Records. Her premiere album
for the label was Somewhere In My
Lifetime, released on 1978. The
title track (produced by then newcomer
Barry Manilow, a longtime
admirer of Hyman's) became Phyllis'
first radio hit. A cover version
of Exile's Kiss you All Over was remixed
for club play as part of
Arista's promotion, showcasing her
versatility. The following year
You Know How To Love Me hit the record
stores, and the title track
became one of Hyman's biggest dance
anthems and was widely
played in gay clubs across the
continent. She would include it in her
repertoire until the time of her
passing.
In 1981 Phyllis starred in the hit Broadway tribute to Duke
Ellington, Sophisticated Ladies and
continued in the role for two
and a half years, garnering a Tony Award
nomination and a Theatre
World Award for Best newcomer. The
original cast recording was
released by RCA and still remains a top
seller on CD. While
performing in Ladies, Phyllis cut her
next album, Can't We Fall In
Love Again (1981) featuring the title
track, a duet with Michael
Henderson. Phyllis was at the peak of
her career at this period, was
widely recognized as a New York
celebrity. She was everywhere.
Goddess Of Love (1983) featured a sensational cover shot of Hyman
at her most seductive, draped in a
silver bugle beaded gown (which,
according to Phyllis, weighed thirty
pounds!) and sporting
chandelier-sized earrings, a Hyman
trademark. The recording,
although containing two strong tracks,
was patchy at best and
Phyllis, discontented with the material
chosen for this project was
blunt about her feelings toward the
record label and its cavalier
attitude towards her. "Firstly, I came
to the label because of the
takeover of Buddah. so I didn't have much
choice in the matter," she
recalled. "There were some nice records,
but I'd say I was pretty
much overlooked and ignored."
Ironically, the title Goddess of Love
stuck with Phyllis as a term of
endearment from both critics and fans.
Phyllis was left unrecorded for four years due to contractual
discrepancies. It was during this time
that a greatest hits
package, entitled Under Her Spell
(1989), was issued. She appeared
on numerous albums as a guest vocalist,
most notably with Chuck
Mangione, Barry Manilow, The Whispers,
The Four Tops and, more
recently, a yet to be released duet with
jazz favorite Nancy Wilson.
Keeping in the public eye, Phyllis
toured extensively with her band,
did a college lecture tour, and lent her
voice to several television
commercials.
In 1987 she recorded Living All Alone for the resurgent Philadelphia
International record label, released
through Manhattan/EMI and
produced by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff.
The release of the first
single, Old Friend, brought Hyman back
to the forefront of the
industry with saturated radio play,
international concert bookings,
talk show appearances and countless
magazine articles. Phyllis also
had a cameo role in the Spike Lee film,
School Daze (1988),
performing the tune Be One, to which a
video was later released.
Other film appearances include Lenny
(1976), Two Scared To Scream
(1983) and a co-starring role with Fred
Williamson in the action
drama The Kill Reflex (1991).
Prime of My Life (1991, Zoo/BMG) was Phyllis' eagerly awaited follow
up album after a four year lull, but was
well worth the wait as she
took an active role in selecting the
material. While making the
album, she agonized over a recent
breakup. "It made the songs
difficult to record, but the results
were fabulous," Phyllis
conceded. Don't Wanna Change The World
was enthusiastically
received by clubs and radio, attaining
international status and
becoming her first number one record
according to Billboard. When
the song's popularity soared, Zoo issued
a remixed version to
accommodate the demands of disk jockeys
around the country.
In 1992 Phyllis was voted Number One Best Female Vocalist in the
United Kingdom by Blues & Soul magazine
readers, beating out the
likes of Anita Baker, Whitney Houston
and Aretha Franklin. During
this time Phyllis became involved in
combating the AIDS crisis by
lending her voice to countless benefit
shows and visiting wards and
hospices in and around New York. Many
patients requested Phyllis'
presence, which left the singer feeling
inadequate and perplexed as
to their reasons for wanting to see her
as opposed to a family
member or friends. The visits took a
heavier toll on Phyllis that
she realized. By now, her own personal
problems were becoming
evident. An ongoing battle with alcohol
and weight gain, combined
with career and financial woes were
making life difficult for Hyman
and those around her. In 1993 she was
dealt another blow when both
her mother and grandmother died within a
month of one another.
Although Phyllis continued to record new material and perform live,
her bouts of depression were clearly
overwhelming her. Her
irrational, self-destructive behavior
was becoming common knowledge
to those inside the music industry, her
friends and also her fans and
on June 30th, 1995, only hours before a
scheduled performance at the
Apollo Theatre in New York, Phyllis'
lifeless body was found in her
apartment where all efforts to revive
her failed. Her suicide, while
shocking, was not a surprise to many
insiders. We, like so many
others who know her, believed she would
pull her life together.
Sadly, we were mistaken.
In the posthumous release, I Refuse To Be Lonely (1995, Zoo/BMG),
Phyllis alluded to her inner struggle on
several songs, five of
which she co-wrote. Her most intimate
and emotional project yet, I
Refuse To Be Lonely has reached the top
15 in Billboard's R&B chart,
proving that talent of this caliber will
always stand the test of time.
Her passing has left a void in the entertainment world, and in the
hearts of many, including ourselves.
Phyllis Hyman. Our hero, our
friend. We miss you.
Michael Grimaldi
*******************************************************************************
Subject: Good News!!
From: Louisa J. Middlebrook
Dear Walid and Fellow Fans of Phyllis,
It's been a long time since I have heard
from you all and as I was managing my
mailbox I came across an old newsletter
posting and thought of you. As we
are moving into the holiday season I
hope
that you all are well.
I just wanted to share some good (actually
great!) news with you all. I and
another
member of the list - Mr. Anthony E.
Lewis
are getting married next year!!!! Our
wedding
date is October 17, 1998 and we plan to
dance
the night away to all of Phyllis' love
songs.
I know it's a ways away at this point
but I just
thought that I would share the
announcement
with you all. Consider this a virtual
engagement
announcement. Hope that you all are in
good
spirits. Have a great Thanksgiving and
Christmas
if I don't talk to you sooner.
Sincerely,
Joy
*******************************************************************************
That's it for this issue. Thank you to
Jesse Melchor, Koko McFadden,
Per Akesson and Derek Bald for their
contributions.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Walid & Richard (Editors)
PHYLLIS HYMAN
INTERNET NEWSLETTER # 13
MARCH 7, 1998
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
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
******************************************************************************
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
******************************************************************************
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!!!
********************************************************************************
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
******************************************************************************
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
******************************************************************************
From: Connie
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
*****************************************************************************
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
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
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
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 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
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...
****************************************************************************
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.
PHYLLIS HYMAN INTERNET
NEWSLETTER #14
1998
Hi Everyone.
In our
last issue we asked you to send more of your responses to us, and you did.
We have received comments from several who had not written before, as well
as our "Old Friend", Tom Conroy, with a very interesting Phyllis Hyman
interview that I know you'll love.
One of
the comments we have heard concerns the question of why we don't have
input from some well-known people in the business. Well, the simple fact
is that this Newsletter is not the New York Times, with everyone in the
world aware of our existence. You are a part of an exclusive club,
unfortunately. Part of the challenge to all of us is to get the word out
about the several tributes to Ms. Hyman that exist on the World Wide Web.
I have
written several letters to well-known names, including Barry Manilow, the
Whispers and Michael Henderson. Thus far there have been no responses, but
we will continue in our attempts to contact those with firsthand stories
to tell. In the meantime, however, we will also continue to request YOUR
memories as fans. As much as Ms. Hyman enjoyed the admiration of her
peers, she really appreciated the devotion of her fans. She reveled in the
fact that she could, for example, fill up Chastain Park in Atlanta without
having a current hit record. Such ticket sales were no doubt the result of
the respect and loyalty of the people who came to hear The Voice; to see
The Woman. As one of them, I can only hope that other people like me who
loved her, will continue to stand up and make their presence felt.
Richard
******************************************************************************
Basil
Fearrington is a professional astrologer as well as a professional
musician. He played bass on Phyllis' album "You Know How To Love Me". He
has also toured with and/or recorded for such artists as George Benson,
Roberta Flack, Stevie Wonder, Grover Washington Jr., Mary J. Blige,
Stephanie Mills, James Ingram, Erika Badu, Teddy Pendergrass, Michael
Urbaniak, The O'Jays, Sister Sledge, Donny Hathaway, Chuck Mangione, Chaka
Khan, Brandy, Al Green, B.B. King, Nancy Wilson, Bobby Womack, Richie
Havens, The Temptations, The 4 Tops, Al Jarreau, Johnny Gill, and many,
many more.
Here is
what Basil had to say about Phyllis when I e-mailed him:
What a
surprise it was to have received your request. I do not have very much
personal experience with Phyllis. I met her for the very first time in a
club in Manhattan called Mikell's. I was there with a group of friends
playing and in-between sets, she walked up to me and said, "Who are you?
What's your name? You're a bad _other _ucker!!!!" I'm thinking, "Who is
this assertive woman?" She introduced herself and asked me what I was
doing. I explained that I was about to join the Roberta Flack group and go
away on tour to Japan and China.
Years
later when I was a part of the Mtume/Lucas production team, we did the
Hyman album that spawned the dance hit, "You Know How To Love Me." (I play
bass). I recall Phyllis showing up at the studio with her entourage, wine,
food, drink, etc. She wanted the recording session to be as much of a
party atmosphere as possible and although we had to control things a bit,
it worked out well and we put out a good product.
By and
large, I remember Phyllis as a strong, assertive, even brash woman whose
outward appearance seem to belie the deep sensitivity that I know she has
(I am also a professional astrologer). She was passionately ambitious and
seemed to be one of those artists whom everyone respected. It was that
consummate respect, I think, that frustrated Phyllis because she couldn't
make inroads with her career in ways that would afford her the notoriety
given to people like Whitney and Mariah.
I heard
about Phyllis's death while walking on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City and
I just couldn't believe it. In many ways, it still hasn't sunk in that
such a vibrant, assertive woman with so much life is no longer in the
physical form for all of us to enjoy. I miss her gifts.
Warmly,
Basil
Fearrington
******************************************************************************
From:
"TOM CONROY"
Subject: PH Interview
Hello
Walid and Richard,
I
received an audio tape of an interview that Phyllis did a few years back.
The tape came from a college student in
Louisiana
that caught the newsletter. She copied it from her mom in
California...
>From Berkeley to Louisiana to Pittsburgh and now to Phyllis' fans around
the world...
The
tape was replayed on station KBLX from
San Francisco
as a tribute to Phyllis shortly after her passing. The interviewer was
Kevin Nash, he talked to Phyllis while she was in the area for some
appearances. Later in the tape he talked to drummer and producer Norman
Connors on the phone about her life and music. I've transcribed it
literally from the tape.
Kevin
Nash: Phyllis, who did you grow up listening to?
Phyllis
Hyman: Well, not much music. I didn't consciously listen to music. I was
really into reading, and like most kids of my generation, I watched lots
of television! I like to know a little bit about everything and not a
whole lot about anything in particular. But then one day I heard Nancy
Wilson singing "Guess Who I Saw Today". And I thought "Okay, and now I'm
supposed to be a secretary?" But at the same time I thought if you
couldn't sing like Nancy Wilson, why even bother? It was James Brown who
gave me the intense feeling of wanting to be in control of my life and
career. He was the owner of radio stations, a business entrepreneur, he
made records from 5 or 6 notes! OOOOWWWW, go on and hit me! (It's here
that you hear Phyllis' beautiful, lusty laughter) James Brown was making
hits forever, and I wanted to be like James Brown!
Then
there was the Last Poets. They were a revolutionary group out of the 60s
and 70s who spoke about community issues, the importance of loving our
communities, being kind and connected to one another, celebrating the
entire human community. Their messages in their songs knocked me out. They
were my idols as well.
I also
had the chance to work with a group called Sounds of Ebony. We dressed in
Afro-centric clothes and hair, we sang everything from spirituals to
community based love-thy-neighbor songs with lyrics stressing the
connectedness of all peoples. They were basically my influences.
K.N.
Did you have fun recording your first hit,"Betcha By Golly Wow"?
P.H.
NO! (Another hearty laugh). This was the beginning of my career. I was
working in a place in New York called Russ Brown's between Amsterdam and
Columbus Avenues, my first three or four months in
New York City.
I didn't know Norman Connors, he heard me sing and asked me to do this
record. I'm in the studio and it's going so slow and I have to go to work,
I have two shows to do and they weren't quite finished and I said,
"Listen, I'm signed to do this gig". I was getting very flustered. Norman
had this assistant with him, and because they weren't going fast enough
for me I told him I had to leave to go to work and I'll come back to
finish, I have got to go! He asked me to do one more take and then I could
leave. He calmed me and I said okay and we did it and that was the take
that made the album.
So it
was very hard for me because I didn't understand(starts singing) Betcha by
golly wow, you're the one that I've been waiting for forever...next to
that chord structure, it sounded very bizarre to me because the chord
structure was very jazzy. It was so different from what the Stylistic's
had done. If you take the vocals out and hear the music alone....I didn't
know what to do with it. I could not figure it out! But then Onaje(Allen
Gumb), who arranged the song, came in and played it all for me...After I
heard him play it came to me and I said Okay!Let's do it! And we did the
song. I never thought for a minute that song, which began as such a source
of frustration to me would turn out so beautifully and become sort of my
trademark song.
*****************************************************************************
From:
debra diana blue
Subject: Phyllis Hyman
i guess
it's time for me to put my 2 cents in. it's hard for me to talk about her,
i get so emotional.
you
know, i remember hearing phyllis in the days she was with norman connors
and pharoah sanders. when i really got into her was when i first heard
'you know how to love me'. i am a singer and i was absolutely sick when i
heard that song, that voice - i wanted to possess it, to own it, to devour
it. there's a line in the song that goes 'like a haunting melody, you came
inside and captured me.' that's exactly what she did to me, she shook my
soul. sometimes i start off singing a 'phyllis' song absent mindedly and
then i become aware of what i'm singing and it's almost like i can feel
her. no, i know i feel her. it's eerie...sometimes i stop, sometimes i
don't. i have never seen her live and i regret that, but who knew our diva
would just up and be gone one day.
my
husband had a temporary construction job in new jersey back in '84 or '85.
he took the train back and forth every couple of weeks. he came home once
raving about this tall, statuesque women on the train that was rehearsing
some songs....wearing a cape, big hat...heavenly voice. he told me 'i
think she was somebody, but i don't know who' i was like 'yah sure'. then
we were watching tv some months later and phyllis was on, he jumped up and
screamed, that's who was on the train with me. i was excited and livid at
the same time. how could he not know who she was? he could have gotten her
autograph, invited her to our house for dinner..something, anything.
anyway, i forgave him. he will never stop telling that story.
i don't
wish phyllis back, because i love her. but it sure hurts that she's gone.
there...done...thanks for reading.
--
debra diana blue
Fiction
Editor, BiNet News
******************************************************************************
From:
GMoney0725
Subject: Loving You, Losing You
If
you're reading this, chances are you are still a Phyllis fan, although
it's been almost three years since her tragic death. She is remembered on
radio here in New York, but not as often as she should be. When it comes
to Ms. Hyman, certain songs are remembered and discussed more often than
others-- "You Know How To Love Me," "Living All Alone," "I Don't Want To
Lose You," "Meet Me On The Moon," "Somewhere In My Lifetime." Still, we
all have our favorites. Just when I thought I couldn't possibly appreciate
Phyllis any more, I turned to some of her older work which isn't as well
known. Truthfully, these three pieces showcase Phyllis at her musical
best, giving us not only her wide vocal range, but her brilliant
interpretation and inflexion. "Be Careful (How You Treat My Love)" is from
the Somewhere In My Lifetime album (1978), produced by Larry Alexander and
Skip Scarborough, who also produced "The Answer Is You." "Don't Tell Me,
Tell Her" from the Can't We Fall In Love Again album (1981) is another
one, produced by Chuck Jackson and Norman Connors of "You Are My Starship"
fame. Finally there is "Loving You, Losing You" from Ms. Hyman's
self-titled debut (1977) produced by Jerry Peters. These three jewels
shine as brightly as the more popular ones. Maybe I'm the last to know!
Tracy
Grant
******************************************************************************
From:
KWashington
Subject: PH
I can't
recall exactly when I first heard her voice. The music I have of hers goes
all the way back to her being featured on Norman Connors' album. But if I
can correctly recall the sequence of my introduction to her, I would say
that it was when I went to a place called Soldiers and Sailors Memorial
Hall in Oakland (Pittsburgh, PA). She was the opening act for Grover
Washington. This was sometime in the 70's, but I'm not quite sure when.
Anyway, when she came out on stage, (sorry I can't remember which song she
was singing) I do remember being in "awe" of her voice. As she continued
on with her performance, I was more and more mesmerized by the quality and
the uniqueness of her voice. It was unlike any voice I'd ever heard
before. Somewhere near the end of her performance, she kicked her shoes
off and said that it felt so good to be "home" and that she felt so
comfortable being in
Pittsburgh again. It was at this point that I realized she was from
Pittsburgh. But
how could I have never heard of her??? She put on a performance that I
will never ever forget. It could have been her show and not Grover
Washington's, that's how tuff she was. I was like.... Grover could be
opening up for this woman.
It was
at that point that I knew I had to have some more of her music and that's
when I started buying whatever had her voice on it.
Fortunately I had a friend who always seemed to have each and everything
that was out at the time. If you looked at the top 20 in singles or albums
in the JET book, she had them all. I mentioned Phyllis Hyman and she
hooked me up. I played her album until the grooves seemed to have gotten
deeper. Then there was "You Know How To Love Me". That still remains one
of my all time favorites, but as you all know, it's simply hard to have
one favorite when it comes to Phyllis. They're all usually your favorites
for one reason or another, one memory or another.
There
was some time in-between that concert and when I saw her again. But when I
did, it was with David Sanborn and Al Jarreau at the Stanley Theater in
Pittsburgh. Again she was the opening act. Needless to say, I got there
late (very late) and she was on her very last song. Matches were lit,
people were out of there seats.... I knew what kind of a performance would
bring on that type of response. Pardon my French, but I was "pissed" to
put it mildly because my tardiness was no fault of my own. My date, could
have disappeared and it would not have made me any difference after he
made me miss that performance.
I
waited patiently, which was another year, and she came back again with Al
Jarreau and David Sanborn. This time I went alone and believe me, it
didn't matter. I enjoyed the concert to the utmost, every single second of
it.
Although she did come back to
Pittsburgh several times after that, I never got the opportunity to
see her again. I continued to buy her music when I could find it, but it
always puzzled me as to why she never seemed to get her "props" right here
in her hometown in
Pittsburgh.
I very seldom heard her songs on our #1 black radio station and you would
have thought that with such a talented person out there representing our
city, they would have been playing her music all throughout the day.
Then
there was the song "Riding the Tiger". When that came out, I simply fell
in love with that and it was my summertime theme song that year. I messed
around and didn't buy it right away, then when I decided to, I couldn't
find it.
Many
years passed between "Riding the Tiger" and now, but she never stopped
being my favorite female vocalist, nor will she ever. She had a talent
that was simply beyond comparison. Her voice was truly unique. I only had
the opportunity to see her in concert twice. Those of you who have seen
her countless numbers of times....what a gift!!!! I wish I had seen her
more than two times. But as I'm starting to see, she touched so many more
lives in just the manner that she touched mine. I'm just so glad the
Internet has provided me with the opportunity to share my feelings with
other people who feel the same way about her as I do.
Well
I'm gonna close for now. I do plan to say in touch with the newsletter and
any fans who would like to "chat".
Peace,
I'm
out.
KWashington
******************************************************************************
From:
Eric C Stanley
Subject: Re: Lack of response to Phyllis Hyman's Home
Page
Hello.
My name is Eric and I would like to respond to comments made in the 13th
issue of Phyllis Hyman's newsletter regarding the lack of response you are
receiving from fans. I have strong feelings about why this is so. However,
first I want to thank you for keeping this site going. I was depressed
over learning of Hyman's death in 1995 because no one I knew really knew
of her and I wanted to share the feelings I had with someone. Your site
showed me that many people felt similar to me and wanted to keep her
legacy alive. That's a positive thing. Many, many people who never got to
personally meet Phyllis or attend her concerts have shared their love and
memories of Phyllis (even if only through how her songs touched their
lives) in the 13 issues of the newsletter I have read. I'm happy that I
witnessed this. Thank you.
...But
it is not the fans of Phyllis who've submitted testaments of love that is
lacking in the newsletter. It is the music industry friends and family who
knew Phyllis personally who've failed to come forth and submit much of
anything. When I look through these letters, I feel like the only friends
Phyllis had were the ones she sang to through concerts and her albums. Why
are there no insights into the PH Factor that was Phyllis from friends
like Patti Labelle, Producers Gamble and Huff, Angela Bofill- people fans
have identified with for years? High profile people? We, the fans should
invite them to the table! I would like to hear stories about Phyllis from
people she created music with, not just incandescent memories from fans
that never saw her in concert. There are far too few of these submissions.
And when these people such as Will Downing or Hiram Bullock do submit
anything, it's often short and bland. The things the fans say are far more
passionate. Were Phyllis' big named friends also fair weathered or what?
Also, I
am turned off by the idea that submissions to the newsletter have to meet
this great standard of approval doting on Phyllis' diva status. You ask
people to submit their memories and then you turn around and only submit
the ones you want to the newsletter. THAT SUCKS!!!
I'll
give you a clue... Life is not about making everyone happy. People should
be able to say what they wish about Phyllis Hyman. This newsletter
sometimes rings of a long eulogy. Where's the drama. The biggest irony
came to my mind when Glenda Gracia says that the next unreleased batch of
Phyllis' work will only contain commercially viable material. Let's face
it. Phyllis at her best was not "commercially viable" (spiritual maybe).
So does that mean we will be getting throwaway stuff like the lousy Arista
stuff she sometimes was forced to sing? ... I know, I'll have to ask
Gracia about that one. However, your newsletter should be an open letter
to fans, not one that only illuminates Phyllis' translucence (sp). SIGNED
My Opinion
*******************************
(Co-editor Richard Kenyada responds to Eric's letter)
Dear
"My Opinion": First of all, I want to thank you for responding to my
request for more feedback from the fans. Although your comments have
little, if any, semblance of actual fact, I understand that you are trying
to help to make the newsletter better. So please understand that my
response is meant to explain some things to you, and others who may share
your opinion.
Secondly, the mere fact that this newsletter exists at all is amazing. The
fact that it goes out to hundreds of PH fans, all over the world is
remarkable. In other words, a publication of this kind is a product of
relatively new technology and one man's love of Ms. Hyman's music. Take
away either of those two factors, and this newsletter does not exist.
The
mass media is unaware of this internet newsletter. And without that kind
of recognition, we cannot expect that Phyllis' personal friends and
co-workers in the industry will ever find us. Believe it or not, the
Internet is not as widely utilized as those of us who use it on a daily
basis would like to believe.
Walid
and I have been lucky enough to have secured the approval and the blessing
of Glenda Garcia, Ms. Hyman's manager, friend and executrix of the Hyman
estate. We consider that to be a major coup, in that it told us we have
official authorization to distribute the newsletter.
That
means a lot because, when those friends and family members finally come
online and find us, they won't have any reservations about trusting us to
have Phyllis' best interests at heart.
Your
comments about the responses we print is way off base. We print each and
every response that we receive, as evidenced by the fact that we printed
your unflattering remarks along side of every other reader's comment. If,
in your opinion, the newsletter reads like a eulogy, it may be because her
fans continue to hold very loving memories of her. I, for one, make no
apologies to you, or anyone else, for my unwavering adoration of Ms.
Hyman.
The PH
Internet Newsletter has been in existence for well over a year, and yours
is the first negative letter we've received, compared to many supportive
and positive responses. Neither Walid nor I receive any compensation for
our work on this publication. It is a labor of love. We would hope that it
is received in the same manner in which we send it out.
If you
wish we will remove your name from our mailing list, because it is
doubtful that this publication will ever fulfill your need for drama.
Best
wishes.
Richard
Kenyada
******************************************************************************
(The
following was an entry in the guestbook of the PH Pages)
From:
Anita McDowell
This is mind boggling! I, like the person signing your guest
book before me, just happened to be "surfing the net" and came across the
page you have dedicated to Phyllis Hyman! I just had to visit her site! It
is a real pleasure to be able to view so much information in one place
about such a talented and unique singing artist. I consider it a privilege
to be able to express how her throaty vocals mesmerized ME. I've always
treasured my LP and CD collection of Phyllis. Often she would move me to
tears! Fortunately, I was able to attend one of her last concerts.
She
exhibited a very down to earth human side when she bonded with her
audience, kicked her shoes off to get comfortable, and discussed her
loneliness with the audience. It was as though she was a personal friend.
This made me appreciate her music all the more, for I'd always known in my
heart that she was singing from experience in much of her music. This live
concert just verified my gut feelings! She was warm, genuine and so REAL!
I, like many of her true fans, greatly miss her, for the world has lost a
great vocal talent. We must keep her alive in the legacy of the music she
left behind for us to enjoy.
******************************************************************************
From:
"Carmen Miller"
Subject: Contribution to the next Phyllis
Newsletter
I had
the pleasure of seeing the incomparable Ms. Phyllis Hyman in concert at
the Celebrity Theatre in Anaheim, California. It was May 1993, and the
Celebrity was packed. Phyllis was the opening act for the Whispers that
night. For those of you who have never been to the Celebrity, let me tell
you, it is absolutely THE best place in
Southern California
to see your favorite artist in concert. Why? Because every seat in the
house is a good seat. The farthest seat is only fifty feet from a
revolving circular stage, with the stage being in the center of the
theatre. All of the seats are arranged in the form of a circle around the
stage, and each row of seats sits a little higher than the next so that
each person can have a great view of the concert.
My
memories of Phyllis in concert that night have become all the more
precious to me since her passing. I remember how she was escorted out from
the back of the hall and quickly ran up and took her place on the
revolving stage. Phyllis seemed almost larger than life. Her clothes,
hair, make-up, everything was impeccable. Her album covers, pictures and
videos never quite did her justice. She was much more beautiful in person.
During the course of the evening, she sang all of her most popular songs
and even a few television commercial jingles that she had done for some
major advertisers. I remember how she sang "Living All Alone" with such
feeling and depth, it is easy to see and understand now that she was
really singing about her own pain and heartache over a lost love. My most
favorite memory of the evening was when she kicked off her shoes, got real
comfortable and proceeded to take requests from the audience! She told
everyone "on the count of three" to scream out their favorite Phyllis
song, and that she'd sing it right there on the spot. Well naturally, I
seized the moment, cupped my hands around my big mouth and screamed out my
favorite, "BUT I LOVE YOU!! BUT I LOVE YOU!! BUT I LOVE YOU!!!" I prayed
she'd hear those words above the roar of all the other screaming voices,
but to no avail.
Phyllis
sang her heart out that night and she gave a spectacular concert. That
night, Phyllis ended the concert with her all time classic, "You Know How
to Love Me," and as they say, the rest.......is history.
Thank
God for the beautiful legacy that Phyllis left us and the wonderful gift
of her music.
Carmen
******************************************************************************
From:
MLEE1624
Subject: Phyllis Hyman
I just
got my PC a week ago and just got on the Internet! I stumbled across your
newsletter and how happy I was to know that there are Phyllis Hyman fans
out there who still love and care about the lady! I have been a fan since
my sister bought her first Arista single "somewhere in my lifetime". She
later bought the album and I think she later regretted it, because
everyday I was playing the darn record till it made her crazy!!! I knew
each and every song by heart! Years later I would have the privilege of
seeing her in concert twice and let me tell you-- she was magical! The
first and my favorite performance of her was as a club in NYC named "Fat
Tuesdays". It's a small little jazz club, a real smokey little dive on the
east side of the city. I still remember to this day the picture of Phyllis
in the window advertising her concert at the little venue. I went alone to
this concert --I wanted to bask in her presence and have her all to myself
. In my fantasy Phyllis was performing just for me....No one else was in
that place....this was a personal serenade to me. I was lucky to get a
front seat. Now I must tell you that this club was veeery small, and the
ceiling was very low, and it was quite an intimate setting; this only
served to fuel my fantasy. I was sitting at a spot so close that when
Phyllis came out and stood in her spot, (there was no real stage, per se,
because the place was so cramped with her band of musicians and their
instruments, that there was just a little trail for her to walk to and
take her spot.), she stood right in front of me! I could actually stretch
out my hand and touch her gown if I wanted to! I remember just being in
awe of her towering elegance, her beautiful face as she closed her eyes,
opened her mouth and started her opening song, "just me and you".... I can
still recall the clarity and smoothness of her voice as she sang with such
ease and perfection. This concert was the 3rd and final set that she was
doing for the night , and her voice was quite warmed up and rearing to
go...In that little jazz club that night Phyllis gave a show that I have
not seen or heard any of todays singers even come close to... I will never
forget that night, especially after having the opportunity to be just
inches away from her as she sang to me the whole 90 minutes.. Oh what I
would give to be transported back to that night. Oh Phyllis if you could
just come back for 1minute and take me back to Fat Tuesdays for one more
tune....I would be there...to 'meet you on the moon; I wouldn't be
late...in the middle of the sky...u and I would be floating on a
cloud...soft as you please, sailing on a breeze in the everlasting moment
of love......"
Needless to say I was totally devastated when hearing of her death. I went
into depression for weeks. I played her records endlessly and got even
more sadder at the thought that her voice was now silent. There were so
many more songs to be sung Phyllis, so many...If you had just hung on in
there a bit longer...I know that's selfish of me to ask, especially not
knowing about your personal pain and heartaches, but there were so many of
us out there who loved and needed you. If you had only extended yourself
somehow, someway...I miss you and will always love you with all my heart.
Your music will forever be in my soul, and my children will also know of
the beautiful talented sophisticated woman whose records and CDs their
daddy plays unendingly. Your music will live on for generations to come,
my lovely one.
Love,
Mark Lee, NYC
******************************************************************************
That's
it for this issue! Thanks to Basil Fearrington for responding to my e-mail
about Phyllis. Tom Conroy, thank you for transcribing the radio interview!
Also thanks to Debra Diana Blue, Tracy Grant, Kim Washington, Eric
Stanley, Anita McDowell, Carmen Miller and Mark Lee for your
contributions!!
Hope
you all had a great Easter!!
Walid
|
|
PHYLLIS HYMAN
INTERNET NEWSLETTER # 15
JUNE 4, 1998
Welcome to the Phyllis Hyman Internet
Newsletter Issue #15
As many of you are aware, June 30th
marks the third anniversary of
Phyllis’ passing, and July 6th would
have been her 49th birthday.
This is the time of each year that is
most difficult for us when we think
of her. The bittersweet duplicity of
celebrating her birth and mourning
her death in the course of one week can
sometimes be overwhelming.
I’m sure you join us in the celebration of Phyllis Hyman’s Birthday.
Walid and I are extremely grateful for
the outpouring of support from
so many of our readers. While we
continue to put forth our best effort,
your words and memories inspire us. In
many ways, The Newsletter
generates an energy of its own that
seems to power us forward, from
issue to issue. That is why your input
is so important. Of course, there
is another force present, giving all of
us the strength to face our loss
and continue ….
She is among us even now, you know. Wherever we are, whatever we
do, she slips into and out of our days
and nights, as only she can.
Sometimes, when it’s quiet and I stand
perfectly still, I can almost hear
her. She sings, still- as full and
vibrant as ever to a new audience,
among the other angels, where curtain
calls and ovations are awash in
Eternal Love. Now orchestrated by the
wind and surf, her songs take on new
meaning, with no beginning and no
ending.
She left us with memories and songs sung with so much feeling that
they touch something within us in a new
way each time we hear them.
But there is so much more. No other
voice is like hers; no other phrasing
interprets a song in her special way. No
other stage presence is like
hers the way she made each performance
a personal “sit down”
between two friends.
Though she now walks in Glory and Goodness, her laughter is no less
hearty;
her grins no less mischievous. She sings
now with a new
freedom that is truly free. And when she
reaches out to hold us in those
long, legendary arms, there is room
enough for all of us. There is even
room for Phyllis herself. For it is all
right now, the pain is gone and has
left in its wake a new day of
tranquility and joy everlasting.
I am happy for Phyllis. And it is not the first time my smile has
tasted my
tears.
-- Richard Kenyada
*******************************************************************************
Michael Henderson is well known to all Phyllis Hyman fans.
His duets with Phyllis "We Both Need
Each Other" and "Can't
We Fall In Love Again" are Hyman
classics. I subscribed Micheal's
e-mail address to the newsletter back in
November 1997. In response
to Richard's mentioning in the last
newsletter that we have not
yet heard from him, Michael wrote the
following:
THIS IS IN RESPONSE TO YOUR E MAIL.. YOU'RE RIGHT I HAVEN'T RESPONDED
YET
BECAUSE THERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY THERE
AND IT IS VERY PAINFUL TO REMEMBER IT
ALL SINCE SHE IS NO
LONGER HERE. I FIRST MET PHYLLIS IN NEW
YORK WHEN WE
WERE WORKING WITH NORMAN CONNORS ON THE
YOU ARE MY STARSHIP ALBUM..SHE WAS
BEAUTIFUL, CLASSY, AND WE WERE BOTH VERY
TALL....SHE WAS ALSO EXTREMELY
TALENTED.. I
WROTE AND SANG THE TITLE SONG YOU ARE MY
STARSHIP AND I ALSO WROTE A DUET
FOR PHYLLIS AND I TO SING TOGETHER WE
BOTH NEED EACH OTHER.. THAT'S WHERE IT
ALL BEGAN/ WE TOURED TOGETHER, WE
ENJOYED WORKING TOGETHER AND
SOMETIMES IT WAS VERY TIRING AND
STRESSFUL BUT IT
WORKED OUT FOR THE BOTH OF US... I
THINK WE HAVE ALL SUFFERED A GREAT LOSS
ESPECIALLY HER FAMILY AND CLOSE FRIENDS.
I TRULY HOPE THAT PHYLLIS HAS FOUND
THE PEACE
AND HAPPINESS THAT ELUDES A LOT OF US IN
THE ENTERTAINMENT FIELD. GOD BLESS
ALL OF YOU FOR
REMEMBERING HER IN YOUR THOUGHTS.
Michael Henderson
*******************************************************************************
Phyllis sang backing vocals on Jon Lucien's album "Premonition"
at the beginning of her recording
career. I found Jon's site on
the web and e-mailed him informing him
of our newsletter. The
write back:
Dear Walid,
Sorry for taking so long to respond. I met Phyllis many years ago. A
young man, Larry Alexander, the brother
of Monty Alexander, jazz
pianist, told me "You got to hear this
lady sing!" (Phyllis Hyman)
We went to the club, she came out, started singing and immediately I
told Larry, "If you don't mind I'd like
to take Phyllis to L.A. to record with
me."
Phyllis was so beautiful and sang like a Meadow Lark. There was no
doubt in
my mind she would be one of the finest
singers around. I
was distraught by her untimely death.
Jon Lucien
******************************************************************************
From: Kimberly Carter
It has been awhile since I visited the PH Web Site, but I wanted to
accept your gracious invitation for me
to share my feelings about Ms.
Hyman. I live in Washington, D.C. and I
can vividly remember my very
first Phyllis concert at the infamous
Blues Alley. I have had many
opportunities to attend a Phyllis
concert but as a full-time student and
working a full-time job the closest I
could get to a Phyllis concert was
to listen to WHUR Midnight Concert
Series. However, upon graduating
from college, I was determined to treat
myself to see this marvelous
woman for myself and experience what
others had experienced, after
all, I sang her songs in my sleep and
every waking hour.
For the three weeks after purchasing my tickets, the only thing I
could
talk about was Phyllis Hyman. I invited
a close friend to go with me
and we had our night planned. I was so
excited about going to this
concert, upon parking, I locked the keys
in the car and left the engine
running. My first thought was, I am
going to see Phyllis, if I have to
leave this car running all night.
Sensing my frustration, other concert
goers flagged down a police officer for
me but it took them forever to
unlock the door. I remember telling one
officer, when you get it
unlocked, bring my keys to Blues Alley.
Needless to say the Boys in
Blue came through and I had the most
wonderful time in my entire life.
Phyllis was just how I pictured her,
classy, very much down to earth
and in love with her fans as mush as we
were in love with her. I
literally could not talk the next day
because I lost my voice singing
along with her. After that magical
night, I never missed Phyllis when
she came to town.
The day that Phyllis left us, I also remember very well. I had a
blind
lunch date earlier that day. The one
thing that the gentleman and I had
in common was Phyllis. We compared
concert notes and memories. I
remember him calling me and asking, "did
you hear the news?" I felt
chills when he told me and we both hoped
it was not true. That night
when it was confirmed, I turned on the
radio and listened to the many
tributes in honor of my nominee for the
"Queen of R&B".
Phyllis will never die in my heart.
Kimberly Carter
*******************************************************************************
From: phyllis j. jones
I have thoroughly enjoyed this newsletter. Phyllis and I have the
same
name. I was first swept away by her
when she was featured by Norman
Connors and completely captivated when
she recorded "Somewhere in
My Lifetime". "Kiss You All Over" was my
first favorite, but then, "No
One Could Love You More" haunts me more
now more than ever because
she and I knew that pain of loving
someone who does not return that
love anymore. "Here's That Rainy Day" is
truly a jewel I discovered now
that I have matured. I always wanted to
meet her and being a musician
myself, I wished we could have been
friends. I really understood where
she was coming from. She was truly a
poet and a gift from God. I've
been trying to find the movie "Killer
Reflex" that she appeared in and
place it on order. Walid, thanks to you
and all the people responsible
for this newsletter. And please hang in
there! I appreciate the tip on
her new CD!
Phyllis J. Jones
*******************************************************************************
From: Kenneth Burch
Subject: The Lady
I'm writing because I want you to know how much of a super fine job
you
are doing in trying to keep the lady we
all love alive. Phyllis touched
the lives of so many people through out
the world. I say the world
because I know of one gentleman who
devoted a whole webpage to
her over two years ago.
I remember shortly before her death searching for information on
Phyllis Hyman through the internet. I'm
sorry to say there was very
little to be found. You must understand
that I felt a little sad having this
direct connection to the information
super high-way only to find there
was little info on the woman with such a
beautiful voice. I can remember
my wife and I going to Philadelphia Pa.
in search of her music on LP.
It's a shame, but even in 1984 one had
so much trouble finding any of her
recordings. I remember going to
Washington DC only to find one LP
of hers selling for $50.00!
It wasn't so much the price as it was sad to find an album only a few
years old, already out of print. I hope
I'm not out of line when I say
this, but for me Phyllis Hyman was a
talent so many took for granted. I
honestly believe that this was a problem
Phyllis herself understood all
to well....and it hurt her very much.
Nothing that I could think of hurts
more then to give everything you have
only to still be somewhat over
looked. I know that for many they won't
want to hear this but it's true.
Sure, I know you have your new bright
young stars, many with very fine
voices. But Phyllis Hyman had more then
just a golden voice. She did
things with her voice. She pushed it
like an instrument dancing up and
around notes. Often she would just stand
there bending them and
curving them to fit the other
instruments playing. Do you know how
many other female singers are doing that
today?......NONE. They're
too busy selling out for sex in their
videos. But that's all behind the
woman with the golden voice. I could
write you an e-mail
miles long telling of all the good
things of the woman, of how she
touched me and moved me. I could tell
you of how as the years as
they've peeled away, have not tarnished
the sound and the quality of
her performance. Oh yes my friend, one
could fill 30 or 40 megs of text
talking about how sharp a lady she was.
What I believe now is that
through her death, Phyllis Hyman's voice
is only now just being heard.
I'd like to take this time and thank you. You have pulled together and
created the PH Newsletter. I read
everyone of them although I'm
ashamed to admit that I don't always
write in. I'm from the Phyllis
Hyman Fan ole' school. We loved and was
digging her back in the mid
'70's. We were the ones who called her
"All That" long before that
phrase came about. I've collected
everything I could on the woman.
I now have a nice collection of PH's
music and look forward to more. I
know of the many concerts she performed,
and can only hope that
some of that footage will someday make
it to video. Until then....it's
music, music and music.
By the way, since I seem to have your attention. Maybe we could get
together and write Arista and tell them
to get off their ass and give us
what we really want. I Kenneth Burch
will speak for the entire fan club
of the planet earth when I say: We want
a complete box set of Phyllis
Hyman! You heard right. We want her the
complete works of Phyllis Hyman on
CD. I don't care how much it cost, for a
woman who's made such an impact on
R&B and soul music you owe her just
that! We the
fans want the box set to be real nice
too. It should contain every one
of her LPs with original covers. And put
it in a nice package with a
booklet covering her life and times. Oh
and one other thing.......GIVE
IT TO US BY CHRISTMAS '98.
Kenneth and Pamela Burch
******************************************************************************
From: "Tony Moor"
Checkin' out "One on One" almost nonstop.
Initially, I was disappointed that some
things weren't on the CD, but
the liner notes suggest that everything
that was accessible is included.
The early stuff is clearly dated, but it's still nice to hear the
skilled beginnings of the later PH
mastery. The voice appears rich from
the very start. The ad libbing ability
seemed effortless even back then. My
favorite is "Baby, I'm Gonna Love You."
On "Do Me" I thought the "Do me lord" was a nice touch and wondered,
for just a minute, but decided it's
probably not that deep and there is
no allusion.
Am I the only one or does anyone else suspect Jimmy Jam and Terry
Lewis
might be serious studies of Norman
Connors & PH? Is it me or
is there a similarity between the
openings of "Remember Who You Are" and
Janet's "Let's Wait Awhile"? And does
Janet's "If I Was Your Girl"
contain a riff similar to the opening of
"Leavin' The Good Life Behind"?
Just asking.
Of the stuff that's new to me, I really like "Obsession" and "Remember
Who You Are" the best. "Maybe Tomorrow"
is a beautiful song, but
something was missing. I couldn't put a
finger on it; it lacked the fire
(for lack of a better description) of
her duets with Michael Henderson.
That her vocals and Levi Stubbs' were
recorded separately (as the
liner notes reveal) might explain why.
Thanx to a really cool individual I met through the PH newsletter, I
was
introduced to PH guest work with McCoy
Tyner and Pharoah Sanders awhile ago.
The songs " Love is Here" and "As You
Are" -- which she
sang on Sanders' "Love Will Find a Way"
-- became immediate favorites.
I wish "In Search of my Heart" (on McCoy Tyner's "Lookin' Out") had
been included on "One on One." PH's
performance is, of course,
superb. But there's a particularly
prophetic and eerie urgency here
unlike anything else I've heard from
her. At the close of the song,
she's pleading: "Won't you please
remember me." The word "remember"
endures a PH vocal obstacle course; and
a whispered "remember"
on one occasion brought tears to my
eyes.
I also wish that "Sacred Kind of Love" (with Grover Washington Jr. on
"Time Out of Mind") had been included.
But at least it's available, as
is her duet with Barry Manilow, "Black
and Blue (on "Swing Street"; the
only one of his recordings I own or ever
purchased).
I'm still thrilled about "One on One." I was able to get recordings of
songs I've been looking for. Now, all I
need is "Children of Sanchez"
(Chuck Mangione), "Premonition" (Jon
Lucien), "Delight" (Ronnie
Foster), "The Fish That Saved
Pittsburgh" soundtrack and an album
by the Fatback Band. Anybody know the
title?
TONY MOOR
*******************************************************************************
Subject: Hyman Family
I just wanted to share a few things about the Hyman Family that I had
the pleasure of experiencing while
growing up with the family. They
were a warm and loving family. Mrs.
Hyman, was a second mother to
everyone in our neighborhood, she
received MUCH love from all the
kids. She opened her heart and home to
a lot of people. She also
loved cats (she took in stray cats all
the time) and birds. Phyllis's
grandmother (Gramps) was a very feisty
woman but lovable
just the same, she used to keep us kids
laughing all the time with
her storyies. We couldn't put anything
past her either. When we
thought nobody knew some of the things
that we had done, she knew,
and she'd tear into our behinds. I
personally miss her the most.
Phyllis's sister (Anita) and I are very
close and I was around the
family all the time. During that time
Phyllis was away building her
career but when she came home OOH was it
party time!!
Once when she was home doing a concert
here in Pittsburgh, she had
sent a limo ((she always did) to pick up
her family and her mom had
cooked some of her favorite meals and
let me tell you we chowed that
day (Mrs. Hyman mad some bomb chilli,
cakes and pies).
Friends of the Hyman siblings had a
chance to go to the concert, and I was one
of the lucky ones to tag along. Phyllis
was showcasing at Metropol,
which is located in the Strip District
in Pittsburgh, and we all had
a chance to go back stage and be a part
of everything. We met
everyone in her entourage, the band
members, hair stylist, etc.. we
were greeted with a buffet table full of
specially prepared dishes
and wines, there were presents for all
her nieces and nephews, it was
a joy to know someone who shared so much
with her family and
friends. I will always cherish that day
and all the other times when
she came home. I still socialize with
her family, Anita and I are still
good friends and always will be. I miss
their mother very much and
no one can hold a candle to their
grandmother, she was an inspiration
to us all. I just wanted to let you
know that, not only was I a fan of
Phyllis's but an even bigger fan of the
Hyman Family.
Karen Beatty
******************************************************************************
I, for one, believe that you are doing a tremendous job with your
publication and tribute site dedicated
to Phyllis' musical legacy. I
have truly appreciated the chance to
witness the great outpouring of
affection and respect for Phyllis and
her work. I predict that once
more of Phyllis' fans and fans-to-be
come on-line, your publication will
get more responses to your requests for
reminiscences, etc.
Honestly, I enjoy reading the comments of ordinary fans whose
lives
have been touched by Phyllis just as
much as the recollections of her
entertainment industry peers. The fan
comments about encounters
with Phyllis usually describe a warm,
compassionate and encouraging
person; a person who took the time to
talk to her fans and relate to
them as people. Sometimes ( from my own
observations), she would
hug her fans to express empathy for some
problem they told her about
or just to show them that their support
really mattered to her. She would
mingle with her fans, joke with them,
and insist that they treat her as
the relatively down-to-earth person that
she was. She did not come across
as some distant diva with a superior
attitude who took her fans'
adulation as her due. The testaments of
her fans show that Phyllis was
a rarity among persons of her public
stature.
Here is one example of how the fans and her musical peers showed
their love and esteem for Phyllis and
the affecting musical performances
she gave us.
A few months after her death, I attended two consecutive tribute
concerts held in Phyllis' memory at the
DuSable Museum in Chicago.
Norman Connors, Michael Henderson, and
others performed on an outdoor stage
- - at one point, in the midst of
torrential rain - - for a crowd
of enthusiastic people who sang along,
danced, and cheered through it
all. Nothing could extinguish the
crowd's zeal for celebrating Phyllis'
life and her music.
The musicians were able to offer the inquiring crowd little
insight into the reasons for Phyllis'
untimely death: they simply
exhorted us all to honor and support our
artists while they are still
alive to benefit from it. Then, the
musicians proceeded to rock the
house with a transcendent set of
Phyllis' signature songs, heroically
performed by two local singers. The
singers did a great job of
reminding us all of Phyllis' lively
personality, her sly wit and wild
sense of humor, the zest for experience
and the depth of emotion she
brought to her singing. The crowd left
exhilarated, and the musicians
appeared proud to have done justice to
the memory of one of their own.
When I remember Phyllis, I like to think of the woman who lent
her
time, image, and other resources to the
fight against ills as breast
cancer, hunger, homelessness, and the
lack of opportunity for poor
youth ( check out some of the
widely-broadcast public service
announcements she did on such issues!).
I remember a human
being who struggled with exhausting
personal trials; yet was still able
to create marvelous musical and acting
performances that remain
indelibly etched in our consciousness.
This was a performer who
could grab ahold of an inattentive
audience and whip them into a
near-religious fervor with impassioned
singing that threatened to blow
the roof off the joint! A performer
with such emotional power that the
audience was sometimes stirred to rush
the stage and engulf her,
cheering and shouting for more. For
those lucky enough to see one of
Phyllis' great live performances, the
word " electrifying" verges on
understatement in trying to describe it.
Finally, I am puzzled by the comments of the person who wrote to
describe your newsletter as one long
eulogy. I'll admit to not being
well-versed on what a tribute site
should contain; but, again, I think
that your site does a great job. I
would not presume to speak for
Phyllis Hyman, but I can imagine that
she would have been grateful to
discover how much she was valued and
loved by people worldwide,
even people who never had the pleasure
of meeting her. I feel very
fortunate to have known Phyllis: I
would have been glad to know her
even if she had never sang a note. I am
appreciative of having a place
to express my sentiments about a person
who never ceased to amaze me, even
after knowing her for decades. So, one
dedicated reader of
your publication thanks you, and is very
pleased for the time and effort
you put into paying homage to someone
who never got her full due in
life.
Best wishes,
Karen M. Stone
*******************************************************************************
I have always adored Phyllis Hyman. She was beautiful, talented, and
funny. From the moment that I first
heard her music (my father is a disc
jockey), I fell in love with her. I saw
her in concert once and my love
for her simply broadened. Phyllis was a
fabulous performer who
obviously loved her audiences as much as
they loved her. I walked
down the aisle during my wedding
ceremony on Phyllis singing "I
Found Love" November 27, 1994. Words
cannot begin to express what I felt the
moment that I learned of her suicide. I
was hurt and angry. How could she do
such a thing? Didn't she know that there
were a lot of
people in the world who adored her?
"Music soothes the savage
beast"...Didn't she know that there were
a lot of people in the world who
needed to hear her music, see her
perform, and gaze upon her talents and
beauty? Didn't she know that the life
that she so carelessly
disregarded belonged to the Father who
gave it to her in the first place
and that life is to be cherished and
lived to the fullest until the Father
says that it is time for you to go home?
In the credits of her "Prime Of My
Life" album, Phyllis says, "This Album
is dedicated to GOD, to whom I'm very
grateful-for all of my special gifts,
blessings and for being in HIS grace
each day." She went on to say, "God,
grant me the serenity,
to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I
can and the wisdom to know the
difference. Amen." The moment Phyllis
decided to take her on life, she
contradicted her statement of faith,
gratitude and love for GOD. I don't mean
to try and put off my
philosophies on Phyllis or any one else
for that matter, but, I cannot
help but think that suicide is a selfish
act and even now as I am still
loving the memory of Phyllis Hyman and
the music that she so
graciously left behind, I am still
feeling very disappointed that in a
world full of choices, Phyllis chose
what she chose. I miss her so very much
and it did not have to be this way.
I am a Public Relations Chairperson for an organization that raises
monies for underprivileged high school
students to help the school to
create additional programs, grants and
scholarships. Presently we are
focusing our energies on our major
fundraiser coming up in November
1998. I am planning on volunteering to
be an opening act for our
noteworthy headliner. If this idea
materializes, I am going to perform a
medley tribute to our late, great,
talented, and beautiful Phyllis
Hyman. May her memory and her music live
forever in our minds and hearts and
may God have mercy on her soul. Amen
******************************************************************************
Thanks for the Newsletters. Each time I try to read a newsletter I
start crying. I will try and share what
I did experience. I didn't really
know Phyllis on the personal level that
you and many others may have.
I was introduced to Phyllis by the owner
of a record shop in Key West,
Florida maybe around 1976 or 1977. It
was her first album. He knew
my taste and style of music and I was
hooked. I thought I had every
song she ever sang ( I am a few short:)
Phyllis albums seem to come
out just when I needed them. They gave
me inspiration to successfully
complete whatever task I had to deal
with or accomplish at the time. I
only saw Phyllis in person four times.
The first was in D. C. in 1983
or 1984. I was one of the first one's
in line for an autograph session. I
had brought all my album covers with me
. When I was about to give
her my covers one of her assistants told
me that she would only sign
one. She heard him and replied "I sign
all my albums" and she
did. Well I am crying again so I will
stop for now. Thanks again for the
newsletters. I am sure that there are
others like myself. That just
loved Phyllis but moved around so much
that we were not connected to her
other fans.
*******************************************************************************
Thank You for sending me my free back issues of the Phyllis Hyman
Newsletter. I can't tell you how
overjoyed I am to finally be apart of
it all!!! I recently discovered your
Phyllis Hyman WWW Pages no less
than three months ago, but prior to that
I didn't think that such an
experience about Phyllis could be found
on the Net! (Other than a
page or two about her suicide and her
credits to the music world.)
Boy, was I surprised when I stumbled across all this great information
about Ms. Hyman! I mean, the
newsletters, the photos, the different
links to the world of Ms. Hyman really
surprised me. Since that time of
discovery, I have never been on the Net
as much as I am today; reading
all of the back issues of the
newsletters.
I finally made the decision to get the inside scoop as soon as it's
dished out, and I am glad to be apart of
the official PH clique!
Even though I am quite young, I can appreciate good music when I
hear it and Phyllis is certainly an
artist worth listening to. In fact, there
is not a day that I am not listening to
her music and so in awe of that
voice! Although I study the songs and
the style of Ms. Hyman, I could
never duplicate that VOICE. I have never
met this woman, but how her
music and (story telling) has moved me
so. Just as you, Walid, I want
to keep the legacy of Phyllis
alive...even so for my generation.
Thank You for the newsletters.
PS.
Writing the lyrics of a Phyllis Hyman
song at the end of every
newsletter or so is my suggestion.
Phyllis was about music and printing the
lyrics of the music in which she chose
to record would also be interesting
to read. Maybe somehow hooking up her
voice to sing her song would be
possible. Thank You.
******************************************************************************
Well, that's it for this issue! Before I
sign off, I would like to tell
you a couple of things.
The response to Glenda's request that the fans submit their own
quotes about Phyllis was not quite as
good. I would however like
to thank the 30 or so people who did
send in their quotes. I forwarded
them all to Glenda and from what I
understand, about 5 will be chosen
and will be included in the liner notes
of "Forever With You".
Glenda was very happy with your responses to both requests and
has asked me to extend her thanks to
you.
As for the date of release of the CD, I am still waiting to hear about
that from Bill Shultz. Bill also
promised to e-mail me as soon as he
has the final track listing for the CD.
As soon as I get any news, you
will be the first to know.
Finally, I would like to thank all the people who submitted posts
for this issue. Michael Henderson and
Jon Lucien: Thank you for
taking the time to respond! We are all
very happy to have heard from
you! Also, a million thanks to readers
Kimberly Carter, Phyllis Jones,
Kenneth Burch, Tony Moor, Karen Beatty,
Karen Stone, TRYMYDESK,
Sheila Jackson and Dimshi for sharing
with us your thoughts and
memories.
Until next time, take care!
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