Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood,
in association with Walid Itayim,
presents
Archives of the Phyllis Hyman Newsletter

 

NEWSLETTERS 1 THRU 5

NEWSLETTERS 6 THRU 10

NEWSLETTERS 11 THRU 15

NEWSLETTERS 16 THRU 20

NEWSLETTER #21  |  NEWSLETTER #22  |  NEWSLETTER #23  
 NEWSLETTER #24   |  NEWSLETTER #25

 "I wish Phyllis knew how many women
admired her. I think she is beautiful.
I still look at all her album covers.
I look in her eyes
to see if I can see the pain..."
-Sherita Martin

 

 

 

 

 

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 21
JUNE 17, 1999

 

Hello again, friends. It is with great joy that Walid and I
welcome you aboard the 21st issue of FANZINE, the Phyllis
Hyman Newsletter. The joy, of course, is based in the
celebration of Phyllis’ 50th Birthday. Our Diva would have
been a half-century old on July 6th. Like you, I plan
to be calling my local radio stations  jazz, pop, r&b and
oldies  to make sure they recognize Phyllis’ work on this
important day.

Also like you, I cannot help but wonder where Phyllis Hyman
would be today had she lived to see her 50th birthday.
There are so many questions; so many what-ifs. For example,
by now would she have been given her due recognition as one
of the truly great voices in recording history? 

How would she have coped with her depression, and having
dealt with it, would she have then sought to help others?
Musically, would she have worked with Babyface, or sang a
duets with the likes of Will Downing. Perhaps an
inspirational  album would have been recorded (as if her
life itself was not inspiration enough).

Would she finally be held in reverence; doing the
honor-circuit dates at hallowed venues like The White House
or the Lincoln Center? Perhaps the future held a Grammy or
an Academy Award for singing the title song of a Hollywood
blockbuster.

Would Phyllis have found more work in films, playing strong
matriarchs. Or, with her wonderful sense of humor and
splendid sense of timing, would she have starred in her own
sitcom?

One thing is certain, our Diva would have remained the
standard by which all other balladeers are measured. And
she would have continued to accompany the rising stars of
the jazz idiom.

In recent years, we have lost Ella, Sarah and Carmen. If
Phyllis were here, she’d no doubt be standing toe-to-toe
with the reigning royalty of song as the elder stateswoman
of popular, jazz and rhythm & blues music.

At 50 Phyllis would not have to be concerned about hit
records, not that she ever was.  She would still fill the
large venues and intimate clubs because her kind of talent
is terribly lacking in today’s fast food entertainers: Here
today, gone ….today.

For this issue, we have included the touching tributes and
memories that you have become accustomed to from FANZINE.
Larry Atello, leader of the rock band Atello, shares his
memories of his friend and the special song he has recorded
in her honor.  S. Anthony brings a heartfelt tribute to the
subliminal music heard during childhood, and tells how it
found its own level as a permanent life-long impression.

Our friend Tom Conroy checks in with a great idea for how
to honor Phyllis by contributing to a local mental health
clinic. Great suggestion, Tom!  A fan in UK, David Turner,
shares with us his special memories and lets us know that,
in his work as a DJ, he is doing his part to keep Ms.
Hyman’s music in the forefront. Gino Monsieur of Belgium
also shares his joy at the discovery of The Lady and
her music.

Then we have Lynn Smith, who passes on her rave review of
David Nathan’s new book, “The Soulful Divas,” which
includes a very special chapter on Phyllis. I, too, love
this book and will be commenting further in a future issue
of this newsletter. In the meantime, rush out and buy it!
(Trust me on this).  Lynn also steps forward in defense of
Phyllis, with regard to her illness and the struggle
she endured. Bravo, Lynn, Bravo!

Byron Malik Wilkerson focuses our attention on a wonderful
poem by Nikki Finney, which was originally published in the
September 1995 issue of Essence Magazine, just a few months
after Ms. Hyman’s death.

Scott Toschlog shares a slice of record producer Ron
Dante’s memories of working with Phyllis on her second
album with Barry Manilow. Sandy McDowell offers a special
note of thanks for the PH Newsletter. Tracie Jay and
Darrell both join in with the praise. I’m sure Walid would
join me in expressing our thanks to Scott, Tracie and
Darrell …as well as everyone of you for being a part of
this ongoing tribute …. particularly on this, the 50th
anniversary of Phyllis Hyman’s birth.

Even with all the speculation, the truth is that we will
never know all that she might have become, given time.  But
that’s all right, we do know all that she was, through
all that she gave us and all that she left us. And as a
result, Phyllis Hyman lives on in our hearts. She sings
endless love songs, conjuring majestic and magical
memories  worn and warm, like a comfortably familiar
chenille robe  …. or the love of an old friend.  Phyllis
left a light with us. And the same light that exposes our
tears is the one she sometimes used to make funny
finger-shadowed puppets against our memory’s wall. No
surprise there; for that is what Love is all about  the
inter-dispersion of smiles and tears.  And much like the
eternal light, Phyllis’ Love is an everlasting, indelible
spirit, lingering just beyond the last chord, of the last
refrain. Just as it comforts us in the sorrow for our loss,
it cheerfully joins in our party to celebrate the Life
honored. A life as rich and raucous, as it was short-lived
and, at times, tragic.

So light the candles, pop the cork, savor this moment and
be thankful that “somewhere in our lifetime” she was here
with us.

Happy 50th Birthday, Phyllis.                  
We Love You.

Richard Kenyada, Co-Editor
Mr. Kenyada's Neighborhood
**********************************************************

Singer Larry Atello was a friend of Phyllis.
His band Atello recently released their debut album "The
Big Payoff" which includes a song called "Hold On" that he
wrote as a dedication to her.

Larry included the lyrics to Hold On in his article for
the newsletter (see below).
                  *********************
 
I think that if I got into a detailed description of my
friendship with Phyllis Hyman, I'd probably be at this
computer for a long, long time. I'm going to do my best to
paint a complete, yet concise portrait of someone who
I loved & miss dearly.

I first met Phyllis at The Blue Note in NY in 1986....right
about the time of the "Living All Alone" album. I was
working at a major music retailer at the time & played the
cassette over & over EVERY DAY! When I saw she was playing
locally, I booked a reservation for two nights (knowing I
would love the show!). On the second night, when she came
down to start the show, she leaned over & whispered in my
ear "Nice to see you again, young man..." Well...needless
to say, from that point on I was HOOKED! Every night, no
matter what venue in NYC I was there! Particularly at The
Blue Note...table seven was called (even by Phyllis
herself), Larry's table. I finally got up the nerve to ask
to speak to her privately one night after the show about
running a fan club for her. I was invited to her apartment
in Philadelphia to iron out the details. At one point,
Phyllis asked me if I wanted to hear a demo of a song that
was going to be on her upcoming album. I naturally
said yes & listened to Phyllis sing along with herself to a
tape of "Whatever Happened To Our Love"....... I was a mess
by the end of it! As a singer myself, what she did with her
voice blew me away....but to have a private audience was
another thing altogether!

Okay...fast forward....we're friends now. Weekly phone
calls.....comps for shows ( I still went to all the shows
with or without a comp). I was in a band that was playing
The Village Gate in NY one night & asked Phyllis if
she would like to come. Much to my surprise she said YES!
(Keep in mind, I'm a singer in a rock band...totally
different genre). Well...when I hit the stage (the same
stage that Phyllis had stood on once for an engagement of
her own) to perform that night I felt 10 feet tall! Phyllis
was ALWAYS very supportive of up & coming talent & never
made you feel like you were beneath her in any way. Years
went on...we always stayed in touch. I took her to The Blue
Note to see a few shows (you can imagine how I felt walking
in with Phyllis Hyman on my arm!!!!), we always got
together for our birthdays...went out together etc.

Okay, now the hard part: in May of 1995 I gave Phyllis a
call to see how she was doing. She was very terse with me &
said "Hold On" & went to answer another call. As I was
holding on (for a long time) I thought to myself that the
past few times that I spoke to her she didn't seem like
herself. At the 15 minute mark I hung up the phone
annoyed....saying to myself that I would call her later in
the week to see what was up. I took off for a Jamaican
vacation & came home on June 30th & turned on the news only
to find that my good friend, my idol & pretty much a woman
who meant so much to so many had ended her life. I attended
the Memorial Service (due to a communication problem I
didn't get the details of the funeral)..and tried to deal
with my grief. The only thing that seemed to help me deal
with her suicide was writing down my feelings...which
became the song "Hold On". Each time I sing it I can see
Phyllis.....

"HOLD ON"

I've heard it said "when you feel good don't"
And when you think that it will it won't
I never thought it would happen to me 'til you vacated my
life so suddenly
After the years of just us two, solitude has taken the
place of you
You left a void so deep in my soul........the anger chokes
me so that I'm losing hold
Where did it all go wrong? Why did you leave me alone?

Hold on were the words that she said
But I couldn't hear what was inside her head
Hold on it seemed so easy to do
Tell me how could not holding on break us in two?

Pieces of dreams go floating by
As I try to understand the "hows" & the "why's"
Your strength was what had drawn me to you
Too bad you couldn't see a reflection of you
You taught me how to be strong...It's for you that I sing
this song

Hold on were the words that she said
But I couldn't hear what was inside her head
Hold on it seemed so easy to do
Tell me how could not holding on break us in two?
How could it break us in two?

Hold on! Hold on!

You taught me how to be strong
Why did you leave me alone?

Hold on were the words that she said
But I couldn't hear what was inside her head
Hold on it seemed so easy to do
Tell me how could not holding on break us in two?
How could it break us in two??

(fade out with whistle............)
**********************************************************

From: Dishmi9194


Greetings to the organizers of the PH Newsletter, and also
to all the fans...

I have not contributed in a while, so I would like to take
the time and share this with you because I know that every
memory we have of her, whether it be a close encounter, a
concert experience, or just the emotional surge of a song
truly keeps her in our hearts and on our minds.

Now has just begun that time of year that occurs between
winter and summer, and along with it brings to my mind
distant memories of a woman named Phyllis Hyman that only a
young girl could have identified with...

It was a scornfully hot afternoon in 1991, and I remember
walking with my mother trying to scope out some good deals
at a local outdoor market. We had come across a record
stand and I witnessed my mother rummaging through the
stack, picking up a few favorites here and there. She was
on the "grown folk" side of the stand and I was on the
"can't understand what they're saying" side. We paid for
the music and I remember asking to look through her
selections. I recognized some of the performers, but not
one woman in particular. This woman, of course, was Phyllis
Hyman. Her "Prime of My Life" album had just been released
and I recognized it as being one of the first and only
Hyman albums my mother ever owned at that time. Being only
twelve years old, I often tagged along with my mother when
she felt like "running the streets" on any given weekend. I
became well acquainted with Ms. Hyman's music quickly due
to the fact that the cassette was never changed out. The
only other "grown folk" album I can recall listening to
was Stevie Wonder's " Characters" album. That album was and
still is our "traveling out of town" album...

Four years had already passed and I was now sixteen years
old. Phyllis had not come out with anything new and for the
past few years we had been still listening on and off to
her last recording. As the summer of 1995 came stomping in,
and no sign of Phyllis' long awaited album, it seemed as
though a new passion for "Prime of My Life" arose. That
tape was constantly in the tape deck as if it was still a
fresh recording. The only thing that I can testify to is
re-listening over and over to that undeniable voice's
message. Now that I was older and could comprehend much of
the meanings, I remember how we often commented on Phyllis'
music sounding so sad and distant. I hadn't heard any other
recordings, so I wasn't sure if all her music had the same
undertones. During that time, I heavily recall Ms. Hyman
and that tape suddenly standing out like a sore thumb for
three straight weeks... 

It was June 30th, and I remember talking on the phone with
my best friend and watching some music videos on BET. The
next thing I remember is seeing Ed Gordon announce that
"Phyllis Hyman, an R&B/Jazz singer who was to appear at the
Apollo Theater that night was dead at the age of 45." I ran
and told the news to my mother who looked surprised, but
not in shock. The news was truly a heartbreak, but I don't
think it was a total shock because we had been recently
engrossed in her music on a continual basis again and often
felt her sadness all over again. It was too ironic that we
were suddenly heeding the call and feeling the pain of a
woman who's single album was our only familiarity, and
suddenly, as quickly as she reappeared in our minds she
disappeared from our lives. 

Needless to say, I became an avid fan who vowed to herself
that in her memory I would gather some more of her
recordings. My first encounter was her "Legacy" album. Even
though very few titles looked familiar to me, I decided to
buy the album. As I listened, I discovered that many of
these songs I had heard somewhere in my lifetime. I'm
guessing because she was never too "hyped up" that the
music slipped my mind, but I certainly had heard her music
in my younger years. It was a total shock to hear Ms. Hyman
"gettin' down" on some of those tracks. From that point on,
I have become a bigger fan than I expected to be and I try
to hip as many of my friends on to her music as possible. I
do wish that I could sit back and recall memories of seeing
her perform live at such and such a place, but as you can
see that was not possible. I am grateful, however, to read
about those treasurable memories from others. God Bless.

S. Anthony

P.S.
I've often read about singers holding tributes to the late
Ms. Hyman, but I have yet to witness one in my Fort
Lauderdale/ Miami area. I would like to see an event take
place down here too because I'm sure she still has plenty
of fans down south.
*********************************************************
 

From: TOM CONROY


Hello Walid, Richard, and Phyllis fans everywhere...

    Can it be yet another year when we mourn the passing of
Phyllis, then a week later celebrate her birthday?  I found
myself wondering how I could honor her life and the gift of
music that she gave to me. Last year I kicked back
alone (had to be alone) on the patio with a bottle of wine
and that voice lifting me to that 'Phyllis' place,where all
is sweet and passionate and warm.  And for a few hours
under a darkening sky I revisited all the concerts where I
fell so hard for this tall, stunning woman with that
VOICE... the voice that my wife and I danced to, sang with,
made love to, the voice with whom we spent our youth. When
the last song was winding down on the CD player and I had
just a little wine left, I raised the glass to the stars
and thought, "Damn, Phyllis, here you go, again...another
memory for you and me..."

    I'll probably do the same this year, me, Phyllis, and a
good wine. But I've decided to do something else too.  I'm
going to send a check to a local mental health clinic in
Phyllis' name, to help those who battle depression. I'm
going to join the fight against this disease that stole her
from us, that silenced that voice from future concerts that
my wife and I and all of us should have enjoyed into our
golden years.

We all know someone who suffers from it, Phyllis was one of
many.  And after reading Vincent Wolfe's account of what
she was really like, I think she'll be pleased.  You might
think of doing the same, my check cannot be large with lots
of zeros, but it will pass on lots of love and gratitude in
the memory of one incredible woman.

    I hope we hear from Glenda Gracia soon with good news
on the Phyllis Projects, and as I told Walid earlier, there
is a new Norman Connors CD, "Melancholy Fire", (a best-of)
with an unreleased duet of Phyllis and Norman.  And I wrote
Arista Records and let them know about US and asked for
release of her Arista albums and they wrote back to let me
know that Phyllis' Arista music will be on a release this
July, the "Arista Master Hits" series.  Let's hope it's her
un-released stuff!  They were not very clear, I think it
will be a compilation disc.  Buy those CDS up, kiddies, so
those companies are encouraged to give us MORE!

    I love the new photo pages and the chat room, Walid!
I'm really proud of how you have nurtured this into the
great site it has become. Good job from you and Richard, we
appreciate it deeply.

    I hope this finds all of you and yours well.  Till next time...
           
Peace,
Tom
**********************************************************

From: David Turner

Hi Walid,

Thanks for the great news letter and keep up the good work,
I will pass the word within the soul fraternity here in the
UK.

I had the privilege of seeing Phyllis not only perform here
in the UK at our legendary Southport Soul Weekender to a
packed out audience, but along with my good friend and soul
partner Mike we were privileged to actually sit in during
her rehearsals before the gig.

Apart from the sound and light crew Mike & I were the only
ones present and what a special time that was, the most
treasured moment in my musical lifetime!

Phyllis was kind enough to give us both signed photos and
Mike had the forethought to take along all his Phyllis
albums (the full set by the way) Phyllis signed them all
with love.

I first heard Phyllis sing "Betcha By Golly Wow" on the
Norman Connors album "You Are My Starship" in 1976 courtesy
of Mike who is not a soul music fan but a fanatic of may
years standing, since that time I have collected most of
her albums and singles.

What makes Phyllis special to me is hard to put into words
but I can personally say that she has a gifted voice and a
presence like no other I have seen, and to me Phyllis is
one of the best female vocalists of all time.

Just one listen to the likes of " Baby (I'm Gonna Love
You)" or "Loving You -  Losing You" and I was hooked, then
being blessed with the Arista sound for several years, the
music will stay with me for all time.

As a DJ for almost twenty five years you can imagine the
part that Phyllis has played in my music sets, I think that
when Phyllis released the "You Know How To Love Me Track"
here in the UK everybody and their Auntie was dancing to
this and it was the turning point in the UK for Phyllis.

I still turn the wheels of steel occasionally at specialist
Soul Nights and one thing for sure there will always be a
Phyllis Hyman track in the set somewhere.

By 4 Now
Dave Turner (UK Fan).
*********************************************************
 

From: Gino Monsieur

Subject: Phyllis Hyman...I missed something in my life

Hi,

My name is Gino. I live in Belgium. So, if my language
isn't always correct, please forgive me.

I'm 38 years old and a great, great lover of soul music in
general and what I like the most is 'Philly Soul' (PIR). My
all time favorite group is "The Three Degrees". Yes, this
trio, once truly top group of the record-label, is still in
the run; so great for me.

Because I live in Belgium, I never heard here about
Phyllis. But because I have the Internet, I try a lot of
music and what happened: I discovered this great artist. I
REALLY FELL IN LOVE. What a beautiful voice and the
appearance. What I didn't know is that she's dead. I'm sad
about that. I wanted to have all her recordings. So I'm
very busy buying them and searching for them. On one of the
cd's I saw your webpage. So here am I. I can say that this
lady is far above all the others in my collection (I own
about 600 cd's) and I love a lot of other great diva's such
as Deniece Williams,Anita Baker, Donna Summer, Aretha
Franklin, and many, many others but this lady
whaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwwwwww you see I'm in love(again). So
I'll hope to find interesting things about her. She's such
a fantastic lady and I want to collect every piece of
music. It's a big gap in my world of music.

Bye and I hope to hear from you !

Gino Monsieur
Belgium
**********************************************************
 

Most of you know who Vincent Wolfe is from the wonderful

article he wrote about Phyllis in the newsletter a few
months ago. Finally, Vincent's debut CD has been released!
The CD includes a tribute to Phyllis, his own version of
her song "You Just Don't Know" along with several well
known Jazz standards. Here is the press release announcing
the release of the CD:

Vincent Wolfe debut CD release, TRUST THE VIBE, is now
available from Counterpoint Records (Catalogue # CPR-013).
On TRUST THE VIBE, Vincent covers a range of musical bases
with an inspired array of covers, standards and originals,
accompanied by two of today's top jazz-based players: Sean
Bray (guitar) and George Koller (acoustic bass).
Also guesting on the CD is saxophone legend Pat LaBarbera
on 2 of the tracks. The album is co-produced by Bray &
Koller for Bray's own Counterpoint Records label. It's a
collection of richly modulated performances that showcase
Wolfe's warm, charismatic vocals.It's an eclectic, acoustic
blend of jazz, pop and soul, with tunes like Curtis
Mayfield's PEOPLE GET READY, Leon Russell's A SONG FOR YOU,
John Hiatt's LOVER'S WILL, Robbie Nevil's HERE I GO AGAIN,
the Bacharach/David classic THE LOOK OF LOVE and Vincent's
tribute to Phyllis Hyman, a new version of YOU JUST DON'T
KNOW! Also on the CD are updated versions of the standards
GOD BLESS THE CHILD, EVERYTHING HAPPENS TO ME, I FALL IN
LOVE TOO EASILY, MAIS QUE NADA and one of Wolfe's own
compositions ALMOST YOU. Wolfe dedicates the project to the
memory of Phyllis.

***********************************************************
From: lynn smith

Hi Walid,

I just had to e-mail regarding the book "Soulful
Divas",there is a chapter in the book on our favorite
lady,PH. Let me tell you this is truly some very, very
informative reading on PH.  It is basically a sort of a
short biography  & at times it gets into some pretty frank
details & I do mean some pretty frank details that PH
herself had stated. I enjoyed reading this information on
her of course because it again gave me some more insight
into the lady herself as well as the singer. Phyllis as we
all know was a talented lady & she was a smart business
lady also. I just wish like others that she could still be
here to share all the love that we all still have for
her. So I am telling everyone that is a PH fan to buy the
book "Soulful Divas". I know you will enjoy the chapter on
PH.

There are a lot of other talented ladies in there also but
I have not had an opportunity to read those chapters yet
but I will. But I must confess I really bought the
book strictly because of PH . I am not going to give any
specific details so that when you read the book you can
fully enjoy reading it as much as I did. Also before I go I
would also like to make mention of something I read on the
Internet concerning ph'illness(bi-polar) or as most of us
know  it as depression. According to someone that wrote
this information,Phyllis was taking prozac(hopefully I
spelled it right) but according to the person who wrote
this,this medication made her gain a lot of weight.As a
matter of fact the article said she went up to 230
pounds!!!! Obviously that upset phyllis as it would anyone
so she stopped taking the medication. I just wanted to
relay this information & share it with everyone so that it
will be known that phyllis did try.But just like all of us
when it seems like you do the best you can & to you it
appears you have tried everything, this can tragically
sometimes lead to something as drastic as what Phyllis did.
All i am saying is that don't be so quick to judge someone
else until you have experienced the same thing or as the
old saying goes "walk a mile in my shoes" then you can
advise me. I will always admire & love Phyllis, & the more
I learn about her, it just increases the love I have for
her even more.She will always be one of the most talented
people that I have encountered in my lifetime.Well that's
it for now. I enjoyed the last newsletter greatly & will be
looking forward to the next one, & remember you & Richard
keep up the good work. I really & truly love you guys for
what you are doing & I really mean it!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See ya next time & take care.

lynn smith  
*********************************************************
 

From: Scott Toschlog

Subject: Ron Dante

Hi Walid,

I asked Ron Dante (lead singer of the 60's cartoon band,
The Archies, who produced music on Phyllis' second album
with Barry Manilow) what it was like to work with Phyllis
and thought you and the newsletter readers might like to
read the response:

"Phyllis Hyman was easy to produce. I remember her coming
to the studio with her then boyfriend and sometimes
producer [Larry Alexander] who kind of hovered over her. He
watched our every move trying to get some tips on making
good records I think. Phyllis was very charming and a
piece of cake to direct. She wanted to sing "Somewhere In
My Lifetime" a little bigger than Barry and I wanted her to
but she went along with us and sang a beautiful vocal that
day. I remember thinking that if she continued to sing
these kind of songs she would be a huge pop star but
she didn't go in that direction. She never ever got bored
that day working with Manilow and myself. She seemed to be
very up and very happy with the session."

A little different from the image we often hear about of
Phyllis hating recording. Also, the sound on that song is
so big, I can't imagine her doing it "bigger", can you?

Scott
**********************************************************

From: Catiosca
Subject: The Most Beautiful Newsletter I have ever read.

Never have I ever heard so many beautiful things in all my
life. But its a wonderful thing to know that so many have
not forgotten Phyllis Hyman. Beautiful, Statuesque,
Sophisticated, like calming waves in the ocean after a
storm within all of us Phyllis Hyman. Always Phyllis Hyman,
she knew how to touch all our hearts in a way that no other
singer has been able to do. She could interpret our
feelings in all her songs. Why? Why? did she have to go
away and leave us. We loved/love her still. I want to
thank you so much for everything. Its wonderful to know
that so many still remember and miss her so much. In her
songs she would take you to a place that you haven't been
to in over 25 years remembering how you met your first
love, how you felt deep inside your being, what was going
on at the time, those wonderful feelings that put wings
within your heart allowing you to explore those romantic
feelings that you thought were gone. Reminiscing always
reminiscing and  can put your relationship back on track
where it should be. I am a romantic and so I know and can
tell you about such things. Again thank you sooooooo much
for everything on behalf of Sandy McDowell in NJ aka
Catiosca God Bless You now and always and may he
also keep you out of harms way.
***********************************************************
 

From: BYRON MALIK WILKERSON

Subject: POEM

MAY 11, 1999

Walid, I was wondering if you have heard of a poem that was
published in the September 1995 issue of ESSENCE on our
beloved diva, Phyllis Hyman.  The poem was done by Nikki
Finney and I would like to include that if I could.

For Phyllis
Phyllis Hyman 1949-1995

REMEMBERING

Whenever I played Phyllis I knew it wouldn't be some simple
jingle sing-along I knew water was about to break knew I
was about to feel some phantom of love pain shoot back
through me that would make me a willful rider on her quiet
storm Oh Yes I would be led to the river i could hear the
sensual baptism coming

No such thing as playing accidentally I could never reach
for her starship voice without remembering how she had this
way of melting my resolve into a pool of some old sweet
reckoning for something or someone no good for me
but that I wanted anyway at least until her final note had
slowdragged all through my throat

I only played phyllis when I was still in it or wanted to
feel it undiluted and spoken melancholy plain as only a
six-foot two-inch Pittsburgh diva could Oh I knew I had to
get back to my strong self eventually

But there were these sometimes when I wanted to dunk myself
down one final time that's when I reach for Phyllis and
together we would Hymanize about the friendship slipping
away or the sweet swayback of the lover leaving kicking up
a code blue dust of broken promises in my heart one last
time

Phyllis took me back with no guilt or shame I would fumble
for the knob grip my fingers around the steering wheel
stare through the speaker in search of her piercing eyes
and lift to her dark swirling octave currents wondering how
she could read all my broken hearts from there

Phyllis and I would talk back to each other I'd start
looking for my tissue while touching up volume

If it was her symphonic mouth reeling in tight of emotion
then I was gonna feel it without a chaser and the raw pure
notes she sang straight of my most private self were gonna
sting

Phyllis was the black woman's mass choir voice of her
albums started coming in the days before warning labels
when we didn't want or need to be warned not with her kind
of singing please sneak up on me again we begged memories
through the trembling curvacious sweep of her voice that
chased the spirit in us all around the village of our
loneliness was singing when she Hymanized

WE thought her sweet voice microphoned the lonely out
leaving it there onstage but really she was taking it back
home

There are too many reasons why black women sit in the dark
with secrets without old friends and disappear into their
privacies too many black women who sing about the haunted
who relish the sky and bet their last breath on all things
celestial

At our dusk dark day tomorrow look outside see if you see
this black woman tell her by her lips tell her by her
down-home ways dangerously strolling in the middle of the
street singing her honest mind prophesying through her
lyrics telling us her sadness is still for sale if you see
her before I do if you get to her before I can somebody
take it off her hands this time

You will know when you see her by now she should be
gospelizing on the road with Bessie and Miss Sarah
Billie's got her arm now in Chicago out on Daufuskie Island
Nana Peazant is helping her carry her things into the guest
house Time to rest singing woman

 
Best Regards,
Byron
***********************************************************

From: TRACIE JAY


Let me add my thanks to Vincent Wolfe for his article on
The Lady.  His love for her shone through, even as he told
about her later dark days.  She was truly a tortured soul
-- especially the last few years.  How ironic that The
Powers That Be can give us immense talent on one hand and
immense insecurity on the other.

Anyhow, thank you once again for providing much desired
insight about this breathtakingly beautiful and talented
lady that we all still miss so much!!!   

And thank you for the newsletter!!
**********************************************************
 

From: DA4806


Wow! I haven't been on AOL in quite a while and I was
delighted to find the PH newsletter. I, like you I am sure,
cannot explain the connection and bond that I have with
Phyllis. The idea of an event to celebrate her 50th
birthday sounds exciting. Please keep me posted on any and
all developments.

Cheers!
Darrell
***********************************************************

That's all we have for this issue.


I would like to thank Larry Atello for sharing with us
his memories of Phyllis. Also, S. Anthony, Tom, Dave, Gino,
Lynn, Scott, Sandy, Byron, Tracie and Darrell for your
contributions!

Last year, reader Ian Wonnacott in the UK suggested the
idea of holding a 50th. Birthday celebration for Phyllis
in Pittsburgh where readers of the newsletter and other
PH fans could get together. As a result, I got many
e-mails from other readers endorsing the idea.
Unfortunately, it doesn't look like anything of the sort
has been organized. However, I just received an e-mail from
Glenda Gracia, PH's manager, in which she wrote:

>I've been reviewing the fans desire to promote and
>remember Phyllis in some special way for her 50th birthday
>this year.  Although there are some great plans in
>development for the promotion of her Legacy, none of them
>will debut in time for her 50th Birthday...

>However, I have been able to develop a NATIONAL RADIO
>TRIBUTE to her that will occur from July 1 to July 7
>throughout the United States.  It's going to be very cool.

>Within the next week or so, I should be able to confirm
>the stations in each of the major markets that have signed
>on to honor her and wish her a great celebration for her
>birthday week.

>Please tell everyone I send my love and that I am always
>grateful for the continued love and support of Phyllis!


Glenda's radio tribute to Phyllis sounds great ! I will
inform you of any details as soon as I get them from her.

Finally, I want to thank the 132 people who replied to
my e-mail of June 4 letting me know that they received
it ok. The response to the new photos in the gallery
was very good. As soon as I find more pictures, I will
update the gallery.

I will now sign off. I welcome your e-mails, be they
posts about Phyllis or any comments/questions.

Happy 50th. Birthday , Phyllis!!!!!!
Walid

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 22
SEPTEMBER 4, 1999

Hello again, friends. Walid and I are happy to welcome
you to the 22nd issue of FANZINE, the Phyllis Hyman
Newsletter. Some of you may have wondered where we were,
but we’re still here. The great thing about this
newsletter is that we publish when we have something to
say, and that “something” is heavily dependent upon your
responses. That is what has allowed this newsletter
remain focused and relevant to the celebration of Phyllis
Hyman’s life.

From the very beginning, we have sought to provide a
platform for Phyllis’ fans to share their memories and
information. It’s no surprise that during the summer your
responses slacken off a little. All of us are out and
about taking vacations, three-day weekends, celebrating
etc. doing what most folks do in their quest to cram
every minute of fun possible into the longer daylight
hours. And then ….partying well into the night :^) We
think Phyllis, of all people, would understand.

As we all wind down towards the end of summer, this
month’s FANZINE brings us more special recollections and
tributes to Ms. Hyman. Gitau Githinji and Arnetta Scott
have both shared wonderful in-depth memories of how
Phyllis’ music changed their lives. New friends like
Lizan Pendergrass, PW Green and Paula Johnson have
expressed their feelings about her music that, though
unique in every respect, are profoundly universal in
this forum. Jerome Spears, “The Fight Doctor,” shares
with us his heartfelt dedication to our Diva with his
song, “Rest in Peace (Phyllis Hyman Tribute).” And Tracie
Jay checks in with some thoughts triggered by David
Nathan's hot new book,"The Soulful Divas."

While reviewing this issue, it suddenly dawned on me how
sensational it would be to compile a book of the memories
of Phyllis Hyman’s fans that would include rare photos
from family and friends. In twenty-two issues, spanning
nearly three years, certainly we have touched many hearts
and tasted many tears on the edges of our smiles. Maybe
Phyllis’ Manager, Glenda Gracia could look into the
possibility of such a venture.

We’ve heard from the professionals who knew her behind
the scenes. They’ve analyzed and dissected each and every
moment offstage. We know that Phyllis was at times
unhappy and lonely. Aren’t we all,at times? We know that
she struggled with inner conflicts and fought demons of
depression at times. There were layers upon layers of
happiness/sadness before the lights went on, before the
tape started rolling. But what about those of us who were
seated at our cocktail tables, or at the concert? We saw
the Phyllis Hyman we came to see, and she touched us
someplace beyond The Lyric and The Melody. She was so much
more than The Song, as evidenced by the fact that no one
has yet been able to sing her songs as well. She brought
something to those recording studios that no one has ever
been able to duplicate with the same feeling or presence.
A singer? Phyllis was a painter of song; an artist -
somewhere between van Gogh and Picasso who set her own
standards. She did not follow the route of a Talent
treasure map. She’s the original who hid the treasure
that all the divas-for-the-moment are trying to find.

Let this book record our experiences with Phyllis Hyman
from the other side of the microphone and the stereo
speakers. Let it end forever the sad cerebral portrait of
Phyllis’s death, done in gray-stroked muted tones.
Replaced instead by a celebration of her life, in brash
red-violet, feathery boas and broad seismic-thunder
laughter. Maybe such a book will go so far as to suggest
that her life was not tragic, but triumphant. It did not
end on a whimper, but a chuckle without any backward
glances of regret.

Such a book, while paying tribute to a truly gifted
woman, would at the same time allow her the same foibles
and digressions that make us all delightfully human. If
her voice did nothing else, it made us listen …beyond
the music. And once having listened, some of us
understood.

Sometimes it’s just that basic.

Richard Kenyada, Co-Editor
Mr. Kenyada’s Neighborhood
*********************************************************
 

From: Gitau Githinji


I only discovered this newsletter a couple of months ago
while surfing the Net. Many thanks Walid and Richard for
the marvelous job you are doing of allowing genuine fans
of the incomparable Phyllis Hyman to reminisce about
her and communicate with each other.

Like many youngsters growing up in Nairobi in the
seventies and eighties, while in my teens I held a
fascination for American music and American musicians.
 

I maintained a subscription to an American magazine

called Right On! which often introduced me to the names
and faces of people for whom I would subsequently acquire
a fondness (by listening to their music or seeing them on
the screen). This was how I came to know about Phyllis
Hyman. I forget the exact date of the particular issue of
the magazine but it would have been round about 1982 or
1983. Little was said in the article save that Phyllis
Hyman was very tall and had a powerfully seductive voice.
Accompanying the brief article was a lovely full page
color photograph of Phyllis in a hat which I cut out and
stuck to my bedroom wall.

Not long after that, I learned that my friend and
schoolmate, Alan, had some Phyllis Hyman music. He
compiled a tape for me which included “Loving You Losing
You”, a true gem of a track. Phyllis’ entry after that
long musical introduction always causes the hairs on the
back of my neck to rise. A few years later, I acquired a
copy of “Living All Alone”. It was this album that
confirmed me as a diehard Phyllis Hyman devotee. This,
probably her greatest, was also the album which
reinforced my belief that she ranks among the century’s
all time greatest female vocalists.

Alan and I became sort of closet Phyllis Hyman fans.
Knowing and enjoying her music put us in a different
class from everybody else ­ especially as hardly anyone
we knew in Nairobi had ever even heard of the name
Phyllis Hyman.

Later, while Alan and I both lived and worked in England,
we each acquired a small collection of Phyllis Hyman CDs.
By then we had each earned ourselves a reputation as
ardent collectors of black music. We often found that
people would ask us to record compilation tapes for them
to play in their cars. I would often include the odd
Phyllis Hyman track in these compilations and
deliberately fail to list the song or the name of the
artist and then wait for the reaction. If the recipient
of the tape came back and asked whose amazing voice was
featured on, say, “When I Give My Love This Time,” he or
she would be inducted into the informal Phyllis Hyman
appreciation club. Alan would often do the same thing and
we both thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great way of
getting new girlfriends! Many of the readers of this
newsletter will, I am certain, attest to the fact that
there is nothing comparable to seducing a lady with the
sultry sound of Phyllis filling the room. This “informal”
fan club set us apart from everybody else: we were
special - we knew about Phyllis Hyman and the rest of the
world didn’t. It gave one something of a warm feeling, a
sense of exclusivity. This would not have been possible
with a big name like Aretha Franklin.

While I lived in London, Alan lived in Birmingham. He
would sometimes visit me in London and we would often
throw a party at my flat in Brixton. These parties would
invariably result in people sleeping off their
drunkenness at various corners of the flat. Jazz FM, a
London radio station, had a special session on Sunday
mornings hosted by an excellent DJ called Robbie Vincent,
who seemed to have an encyclopedic knowledge of black
music. The show was a wonderful hangover cure.

One Sunday morning after a raucous party in my flat, Alan
went into the kitchen (where I kept a radio) to make some
coffee for the various bodies littered about my living
room floor. He came back to the living room and
announced “guess what, another Phyllis Hyman fan!” Robbie
Vincent was, clearly, waxing lyrical about Phyllis while
Alan was in the kitchen. Somebody in the room piped up
“who is Phyllis Hyman?” Alan and I smiled wryly to
ourselves.

On a late evening in early July of 1995, I arrived home
from work to find a curt message from Alan on my
answering machine. It simply said: “Alan here. Ring me
when you get this message. It’s about Phyllis Hyman.” I
thought perhaps that there was a new album out or that
somebody had purloined his set of CDs ­ anything but what
I was about to learn. I telephoned him.“ I was driving
home from work today listening, as usual, to Buzz FM.

Remember the Birmingham radio station I mentioned to you
which sometimes plays Phyllis Hyman tracks?” “Yes,” said
I, a little perplexed as to where the conversation was
leading. “Well, the DJ played ‘Ain’t You Had Enough
Love’ and I was singing along to it as I drove when he
said, at the end of it, ‘the unmistakable voice of the
late Phyllis Hyman who, tragically, took her own life a
few days ago’.” I did not say anything for nearly a
minute. Eventually, I said “I didn’t hear that, Alan,
you’re having me on.” “No, Gitau, Phyllis Hyman is dead.”

I put the phone down and sat down. I felt ill. This was
not happening. A thousand thoughts went through my mind.
I probably sat still for about an hour. Almost in a
trance, I got up and played “Slow Dancing”. Then I
began to cry.

On the following weekend my fiance threatened to leave me
after the umpteenth repeat of “Loving You Losing You” and
“Old Friend”. It seemed, she said, that I cared more about
mourning the death of Phyllis Hyman than being with her.
At the time she was probably right.

I left England two years ago and now live and work in
Johannesburg. A local radio station called Kaya FM does a
wonderful job of keeping the memory of Phyllis alive.
Hardly a day goes by without one or more of the Kaya DJs
playing one or more Phyllis Hyman track.

I have bought every posthumous release of the great
woman’s music ­ including the unsanctioned “Phyllis Hyman
Remembered”. It is largely forgettable but there is a
half decent track on it called "“Hold Me”.

She may not be alive to carry on entertaining us but we
will always have the beautiful music and the wonderful
memories which Phyllis Hyman left us.

Gitau Githinji
*******************************************************

From: Arnetta Scott

I just spent the last two hours reading and viewing the
articles and pictures on the website. This is a great
site. This might sound strange, but I believe Phyllis
Hyman saved my life.

I was not a long time fan nor did I know anything about
her music before the night she touched my life. I saw her
once in 1991 in a club in Philadelphia named "Zanzibar
Blue" downtown on 12th and Pine. It was after a show she
performed at the Valley Forge Music Fair. I had been in
Philly for a couple of years, at the time, I was having a
drink with my sister as I was preparing to move to
Seattle.

Phyllis and her entourage drove up to the front of the
club and we saw them getting out of the limo as we were
sitting by the window. My sister commented that it was
"Phyllis Hyman" who I had vaguely heard of. Mind
you, I had been living in Albuquerque, New Mexico from
1980 - 1989 so, I was totally out touch with the music
and the culture for quite a while. Anyway, my sister began
to give me the "411" on Phyllis from her perspective (she
was very much a part of the Philly party and club scene)
as the group began to come into the club.

I thought it was quite amusing to see how the people
around her where behaving - pawning over her as she
strutted in with her boas and furs. She dropped one of
the boas and some lackey bent down to pick it up and dust
it off. I was quite entertained by the scene. Once
inside, Phyllis proceeded to straddled the nearest
barstool and started fussing with a couple sitting
at the bar. The other folks went into the back where
there was a restaurant.

My sister told me a few years later after Phyllis had
passed away that she went over to Phyllis that night and
made a comment to her to which Phyllis responded by
turning her head and continuing her conversation with the
people at the bar.

Anyway that was August, 1991. The next time I heard about
her, I was living in Seattle and going through a
difficult time in my life. I was on a downer about life,
alcoholic friends and family, the effects of drugs on
other people in my life, the absence of kindness and
decency, in general. These kinds of things were heavy on
my heart. I was asking for relief and spiritual peace.

One night in May of 1995, I heard on the radio that
Phyllis Hyman was in town at a club called "Jazz Alley."
I thought it might be good to go check her out since I
had never heard her before and I was not feeling very
well about myself. I hadn't been out for a night on the
town in a couple of years and decided to go alone. I
thought I'd treat myself to a nice dinner and drinks,
enjoy the show, maybe get a lift out of the funk I was
in. I thought I might get a little of that old "Philly
groove" moving in my soul - I had all kinds of
expectations. Needless to say, I was not the least
bit disappointed. In fact, that show left an indelible
impression on my heart and lifted me right up. From the
first note that came out of her mouth, I felt that God
had sent this woman to deliver me a message - that
life is really not that bad, someone does love you even
when you don't realize it.... I felt that this woman,
this total stranger was reading my thoughts, my emotions,
my deeply hidden fears. Chills went up the back of
my neck as she sang....

During the show, I sat in the lounge away from the area
of the stage, by the dressing room. I saw Phyllis as she
went past to the stage, but the view from my seat was not
very good. I didn't know much about her, but she seemed
to be much bigger than I remembered. Many of the comments
she was making about herself, other artists (Whitney
Houston, in particular), her general attitude was really
bad. I could tell she was on a downer herself and my
heart reached out to her. I don't know who it was, but
someone in the audience requested a gospel song and she
started laughing and making jokes about their being at
"the wrong show". She claimed she did not know any gospel
songs. I thought this was very strange for a Black woman
to admit and commented to someone - a woman from her band
or entourage, maybe her manager- who happened to sit down
at my table that I wished I could give her one - a simple
gospel song like "Wade in the Water"... I commented to
the woman that any gospel song would do - I wished I
could give her one "to sustain her through the rest of
her life" or so I thought.

After this comment the woman left my table and the show
continued. Throughout the remainder of the show, Phyllis
tried to accommodate with requests, but it was apparent
that she was losing her memory and kept asking for the
words to the songs. I could tell what was going on and
wondered if others could tell...

Strangely, she kept coming back to the gospel song
request, apologizing for not being "religious" and
explaining her "spirituality". I could feel her feeling
guilty for not being as "perfect" as she wanted to be. I
was loving the whole interaction with the crowd - the
people in Seattle were very charitable and appreciative.
I was happy for her that they were receiving what she was
able to give.

Funny, during one of her songs, she made her way from the
stage, around the room, and landed - yes, landed, at my
table. I was a little nervous because she just swooped up
a chair, turned it backwards and straddled it all while
she sang her song and played games with the band.

I was having a wonderful time until the strangest thing
happened. She went back to the stage and said she was
going to sing a song that was not really a gospel song,
but had a "spiritual lyric" - she proceeded to improvise
on a theme about her childhood and how she was introduced
to prayer by a neighbor who took her under her wing. A
light seemed to shine on her while she sang and all of a
sudden she started to break down and ran off the stage in
tears.....The last thing I remember was the look of
terror and the stark fear in her eyes and she rushed into
the dressing room.

That night as I walked towards home, I was so elated. I
felt like all of my heavy burdens had been lifted. When I
got home, I remembered that I had an album of Phyllis'
that I had never listened to. It was "Somewhere in my
Lifetime" - I played it for the first time and realized
how absolutely lovely this woman's voice was. I felt like
I had been given a second chance and she was the
messenger -- the bird on the wing...I pulled out the
inner liner and found a little picture of Phyllis when
she was a young child. I cut the picture out and put it
on my mantle with the rest of my family. I sat down and
wrote a little thank you card to Phyllis Hyman and
vowed to return to see her show on Sunday - which was
Mother's Day. She had told the audience about her
mother's passing and asked folks to come to see her on
Sunday if they could.

Ironically, I never made it back to the show on Sunday
although I called down to see if she was still there. I
thought of taking the card down with some flowers and
leaving for her at the desk, but I never did.

A couple of weeks later, I called Jazz Alley to see if I
could get an address for Phyllis to send her the card I
was still holding on to. They told me to call back and
ask to speak with the manager who had the information. I
guess I just gave up thinking that it was probably a dumb
idea anyway. Who did I think I was expecting that Phyllis
Hyman would care about a card from me anyway? I tore the
card up.

The next night - June 30, 1995, my sister in Philadelphia
called me to tell me they had heard a report on WDAS the
local radio station where she had been interviewed and
played all the time. She knew I would want to know
about this because I had shared with her the great time I
had and the observations I made about Phyllis the night I
saw her in Seattle. I broke down and cried like a baby --
as if I had known her all my life. I felt her pain at
that moment and remembered how she had sang for me only a
couple of weeks before and lifted me up so high!!!!!!

I want you to know that I am not a nut or some weirdo.
I've been a hopeless romantic all my life and grew up in
Philly where music became everything to me as a child and
remained the one healing factor in my life - along with
God.

I think I now have most of the songs that have been
produced by Phyllis Hyman. Even though I did not know or
appreciate her music until long after most of her fans,
I'm still "That Fan" - the one who knows from way down
deep that this woman was given a voice to send out to the
universe as a blessing. God Bless Her Soul and Give Her
Peace.......

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this
wonderful experience with you.

Yours in light and love,
Arnetta
*********************************************************
 

From: LIZAN LLL


Dearest Walid,

I felt as if I had found many friends after reading your
newsletter this morning. It is comforting to know so many
feel as I do about Phyllis even after so much time as
elapsed. I am still deeply touched by her music and
lyrics and often refer to her songs for guidance or
reassurance when making life decisions. She was so real
and seemed so strong...but I guess when something gets a
hold on you, sometimes you just can't shake it. I try not
to feel sorry for her because I don't think she wanted
that, I tell myself if she could have done it all over
again she would have made a different choice, but I also
say I have to at least learn from her mistake---when I
feel as if No One Cares, I'm WRONG! She couldn't
have known so many people were so deeply inspired by
her-not just her music, but HER. Because she wouldn't
have gone that route. I will always miss her like a best
friend, even though I never met her, she has helped me
through some tough times, and I feel sad because she'll
never know.

Anyway, I would be happy to receive ANY and ALL
information regarding Phyllis Hyman, including Sites
where her music can be purchased on line.
Thanks again for the first USEFUL E-mail I've ever
received! LOL

Yours Truly,
Lizan Pendergrass
********************************************************
 

From: TRACIE JAY


Just a thought or two:

I immediately ordered The Soulful Divas after the last
newsletter and eagerly read the chapter on The Lady,
herself. Although candid, it felt clear that David Nathan
was fond of her. Reading of his long up and down
relationship with her and how much he still misses her
today reminded me of how sad it is for us that she's no
longer down here with us. Phyllis Hyman was a singular
talent; no one else sounds like her and no one else ever
will. It is such a tragedy that she never felt that way
about herself. The real sadness is that, had she waited,
she might be here now, reminiscing about the past and
how she managed to get through it all and all the
stronger for the struggle, and looking forward to a
brighter future.

I'm listening to You Just Don't Know right now and I
listened when my local radio station featured The Diva's
music on July 6th. How terribly sad that the rich,
full-bodied, expressive and versatile voice has been
stilled but how truly fortunate we are that the voice and
the lady behind it were here with us for as long as they
were. Thank you, Diva, and happy birthday!!
*********************************************************
 

From: JohnsonPaula


Hi,

I just want to briefly say how a big Phyllis Hyman fan I
am. Phyllis Hyman was a beautiful lady with a beautiful
voice and I do not care what anyone says, there is no
female out here today, that comes near to what Phyllis
Hyman put out. I feel deeply saddened that she had to
take her life in such a drastic way because she was
definitely someone I admired and strangely, felt as if
the songs she was singing were songs about my life, how
weird!. Even though I never got to meet her personally, I
just want to say, Phyllis I love you and miss you dearly.
You are a woman of substance that will never be
forgotten.

Paula
*********************************************************
 

From: "The Fight Doctor"


All I can say is WOW !! Thanks works too !! Knowing that
others feel the same way that I do regarding a musical
wonder is a great feeling. I don't know where many of you
reside, but I can say that here (in the
Baltimore/Washington area) Phyllis always had a home away
from home. I'm known as the "Fight Doctor" in these
parts. I commentate professional boxing matches for local
cable TV in the area. Additionally, I'm a "regular" on
the am/fm radio circuit where I "talk-up" and inform the
public on the sport of Boxing !! I'm also a musician,
songwriter, performer and independent record label CEO.
My company is called Talent Hunt Inc.Productions (the
record label is Talent Hunt Records). I was in the
middle of recording my debut CD "LIVING TWICE" at the
time of Phyllis Hyman's untimely and tragic passing.

Each and every Phyllis Hyman fan around the world I'm
sure paid their last respects to the Great Lady in their
own way. I was moved to pen a tribute to her songs, her
life, her memory. It was the only way for me to properly
say goodbye to my "top female performer" (my top male
performer Donny Hathaway was already gone and now this!!)
The song is simply titled: REST IN PEACE (Phyllis Hyman
Tribute).

At this time I would like to present "the full lyrics" to
REST IN PEACE so that the "complete message" can be
reviewed, understood and hopefully appreciated.

REST IN PEACE by- The Fight Doctor (Jerome Spears) / July
1995

Phyllis . . . / You were at the TOP of my list / If I
could; I would have given you what you missed / So that
you would want to stick around and maybe sing your songs
from town to town / Or just do what you want to do /
Don't live for all of us / Just Live / Just Live For YOU!
/ Oh Phyllis . . . / You made me laugh you made me cry /
I didn't even get a chance to say so long - good bye /
Not the way I wanted to / You were really loved / IF ONLY
YOU KNEW / Oh Phyllis . . . / May you Rest In Peace /
Then this way at least / All the pain which lived with
you / Would no longer make you blue / Just rest and be
calm or maybe sing a song / You do what you want to do /
Oh Phyllis. . . / You were such an OLD FRIEND / This . .
. / Time could never end / I BETCHA BY GOLLY WOW / If I
could only be with you right now / I'll MEET YOU ON THE
MOON / I'll bring your favorite tune (yeah) / You've
always sung to me - maybe now I'll sing to you! / I DON'T
WANT TO LOSE YOU - I LOVE YOU AS YOU ARE (yeah) / Cause
NO ONE COULD LOVE YOU MORE THAN I DO YOU / NO ONE NEEDS
YOU MORE THAN I NEED YOU / SOMEWHERE IN MY LIFETIME /
It will be you and me Phyllis / Because the ANSWER IS YOU
! / REST IN PEACE.

Fight Doctor
*********************************************************
 

From: PWGreen3rd


I first discovered Phyllis Hyman around 1984 or 85 - when
I was in high school. I had just broken up with a
girlfriend, and I heard the song "Old Friend" on a quite
storm radio station late one night.

That was it for me - I had to try to go out and find that
tape ( all I could afford in high school ) and others,
which I did the next day! After that, Phyllis Hyman was
the only female vocalist that I could almost relate to on
a personal level. I felt her music inside....very deep. I
cried when I learned of her sudden passing years later.
To this day, I still try to find hard to find recordings
of her. Working in a music store allows me to do that.
 

Anyway, thanks for the membership, and I appreciate the

newsletters, pictures, and anything of the great Ms. Hyman
I can get !!
 

PG

North Miami Beach, Fl
*********************************************************
 

Well, that's all for now! Thanks to Gitau, Arnetta,

PWGreen, Tracie, Fight Doctor, Paula & Lizan for sharing
with us their memories and thoughts on Phyllis!

Before I sign off, I would like to remind everyone of
the latest CD release from Arista "Master Hits"! While
some of the songs have already appeared on some previous
compilations, there are others that have never been
available on CD (Just 25 Miles To Anywhere & Riding
The Tiger & a others). Arista says that they have
no immediate plans to reissue any of her albums but who
knows, if sales of this latest compilation are good, it
might encourage them to do get on it. Meanwhile, Bill
Shultz, who works with Glenda Gracia, has just informed
me that three of Phyllis' Arista albums are due to be
released in Japan this fall! They are: "Somewhere In My
Lifetime", "Can't We Fall In Love Again" and "You Know
How To Love Me". These will only be available in the USA
as expensive imports so let's hope Arista makes Phyllis'
albums available worldwide sometime!

Until next time, take care.

Walid
Editor - PH Internet Newsletter

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 23
DECEMBER 14, 1999

Happy Holidays!! Walid and I are indeed happy to welcome
you to the 23nd issue of FANZINE, the Phyllis Hyman
Newsletter. We could not let the holiday season go by
without sending out our warm greetings all over the
world, as part of our continuing celebration of Phyllis
Hyman's life.

his month you're in for a rare treat as Mark Matlock
shares with us personal memories  of his working
relationship with Ms. Hyman. And in the tradition of
holiday gift giving, our friend Tom Conroy tells us about
how he took time out from shopping for everyone else, and
treated himself to a triple gift - three Arista Japanese
imports of Phyllis' CDs.

Another super fan, Konta, checks in from Japan with
questions that only a PH-Historian could answer without
too much research. It's always a thrill to learn a little
more about Phyllis than we knew.  And LaVar Thomas
re-visits us on his first anniversary  of discovering the
Newsletter.  While singer Deborah Cobbertt, inspired by
The Diva, shares with us the news of the completion of
her first CD recording. We applaud the effort, as we
applaud all of the fans whose tributes appear here this
month.

Of course, this holiday is particularly noteworthy
because we are about to pass into a New Millennium.
There is much uncertainty in some circles about the next
century, especially with regard to the first *minute* of
the next century.  That's why I intend to let Phyllis
Hyman's music accompany me into the Year 2000.  After
all, she was always ahead of her time, so I'm sure she's
already made it comfy for us.  And what could be more
settling - and welcoming - than the sound of her voice.

This century has seen many great singers, who were all
special and unique in their own ways. But Phyllis Hyman
stands out among them as the performer whom compelled
other performers sit in the audience like mere mortals.

Her voice was so effortlessly powerful, yet sensitive
enough to evoke an audience's sympathy.  Sometimes The
Creator gives us gifts of which we may be unaware.
Something to protect us, or to lighten the load of an
extra burden he places upon us. Perhaps Phyllis was given
her magnificent statuesque presence to disguise her
vulnerability; given her hearty, full-throated laughter
to help her through her sadness. And The Voice  ...maybe
it was the ultimate gift, given to compensate for the
relatively short length of time Phyllis was given to
share it. We will, of course, never know. All we can each
properly gauge is this wonderful woman's impact upon our
lives, and upon the industry she honored with her
presence.   

So this Holiday season will find me giving those who are
yet unfamiliar with Ms. Hyman, the gift of a sampling of
her talent.  Such a gift will serve two purposes:  It
will undoubtedly give birth to a brand new Phyllis Hyman
fan, ensuring the longevity of this Newsletter :-)  And
secondly, it will tell the recipients how very much I
care for them.

May all the blessings of Peace, Love and Understanding
find all of you on the other side of Y2K. And may
Phyllis' memory continue to live on through each of us.

Happy New ...Century!

Richard Kenyada, Co-Editor
*********************************************************

From: Matlock, Mark
Subject: PHYLLIS HYMAN & MARK FROM ZOO ENTERTAINMENT

I won't ever forget the day I met PHYLLIS. I was the
national promotion manager for Zoo Entertainment,
a division of BMG, Inc., which was housed in what was
known as the RCA/BMG building on Sunset in the early
90's. The building is right across from the Cinerama
Dome movie theatre.

I was the second pop music promotion manager hired
by the label, a new imprint, which had the then new acts
MATTHEW SWEET, THE ODDS, VOICES (a pre-teen girl
group, which had the twin girls who later starred in the
TV sitcom SISTER,SISTER), etc. Zoo Entertainment, also
known as Zoo Records, entered into 2nd party distribution
of indie labels including SRC Records (CAUSE & EFFECT-
"You Think You Know Her," DAVID CLAYTON-THOMAS formerly
of BS&T, etc.) and the legendary PHILADELPHIA
INTERNATIONAL RECORDS (PIR), which had previously been
distributed by Columbia/Epic Records and EMI-Manhattan
Records.

Because of PIR joining the Zoo family, the releases were
known as the Philly Zoo records.  PIR only had 2 acts Zoo
distributed at the time. The first being THE DELLS (the
legendary soul quartet with a 40-year soul legacy on
labels like Vee-Jay, Argo/Cadet/Chess, Mercury and 20th
Century Fox Records), and second being MISS PHYLLIS
HYMAN.

When word got out that a new PHYLLIS album was being
released by Zoo ("Prime of My Life"), all my friends at
other labels, that were not the least bit concerned with
the other product I was promoting at radio, quickly
called me up to demand the advance CD or cassette of the
album as soon as I got it in hand. I must admit that,
although I knew who PHYLLIS was, I had really not heard
her music. I was happy to be the center of attention with
having forthcoming product that everyone seemed to want.
Even the BMG sales managers informed me that there was a
big buzz about the project at retail, that responded with
big pre-orders of the album in the L.A. market. This
album was going to be a big one, not only for the artist
but for Zoo as well.

It was a Thursday afternoon; I was in my office talking
to a pop radio programmer, who had just promised to add
another single I was working to their playlist for next
week, which made me feel great, but just as I was
ending the conversation and putting the phone down, I
looked up and saw Lou Maglia, president of Zoo, walking
to my office---but my eyes were transfixed more on who he
was bringing to my office!  It was a Black Goddess, who
dwarfed him. She carried herself with such charisma and
verve. She wore pretty much the outfit that is in the
photograph attached.  I needed no introduction as to
who it was; it was "her"---PHYLLIS HYMAN herself. At that
special moment in time, I knew my life was perfect right
then and there.

I walked around from my desk and before Lou could even
say to either one of us, "I would like for you to
meet..." I came right to her open arms; we hugged and
kissed, me saying that I had been wanting to meet her for
a long time and us trading pleasantries. PHYLLIS was
something more than some famous star.  In just seconds we
were friends on the spot.  Lou continued to escort her to
meet the other Zoo staff, but we made plans to hook up
when she had a chance.

She came back a few months later, after "Prime Of My
Life" was released, to do her first L.A. show to promote
the album and the then hot R & B single, "Don't Want To
Change The World," which eventually became PHYLLIS' first
and only #1 record of her career. A photographer was
hired to take press shots of PHYLLIS with the staff
before her show, with Qwest/Warner Brothers Records
artist KEITH WASHINGTON as the opening act.

I wanted to get a shot alone with PHYLLIS, grabbing her
by the hand the moment she appeared and quickly engaged
the photographer to take a close-up of the both of us. I
told him to come closer for the shot and this idiot kept
saying it would be a close-up, which I could tell by his
distance he was going for a body shot instead At first I
just stood next to her with my arm around her shoulder,
but both her arms went around me as I brought mine to hug
her close to me. Usually when I hug anyone, my arms can
go around them, with me being a big guy. However, imagine
my surprise when PHYLLIS was able to put her arms
totally around me! No one had ever done that before then
or now.  PHYLLIS was a tall, big girl--not fat--a strong
Black woman. Standing there cheek-to-cheek, in her
strong, gentle arms, inhaling a wonderful scent she
was wearing,  I felt like a little kid, protected. She
was my Black Goddess in the flesh.

In the first shot, I whispered to her, "You sure do smell
fine," to which she gave an earthy PHYLLIS-type response,
"That's because I washed my ass." I broke out in a laugh
right when the second photo was snapped. Looking at
this photograph of PHYLLIS and me, especially after all
that has happened, I guess I have to thank that
photographer wherever he is today. This is one of my most
treasured photographs, and also one I cannot bear to look
at sometimes due to feeling utter and complete sadness.
 
Signed,
Mark from Zoo Entertainment
*********************************************************
 

From: "TOM CONROY"

Greetings Walid, Richard and Phyllis fans from around the

world....hope this finds all of you well. It has been a
few months since we have connected and I trust that the
newsletter is still alive and well, passing on the music
and spirit of the lady, spreading memories of our
Phyllis.
   
As I write this I am listening to my new copy of "Can't
We Fall In Love Again" in CD form (that's right, a CD)!
For those of you who don't know, Arista released the
above title as well as "Somewhere in My Lifetime", and
"You Know How To Love Me" as CDs, although they are
pricey Japanese imports.  I found them cheapest at CDnow
on the Internet(22.00), but I had all three of them in my
greedy hands within a week and what the hell, I'll
work a little overtime to pay off the card. A small price
to pay for the joy she has given me through the years.
Now, when they release "Goddess Of Love" and her work on
McCoy Tyner's "Looking Out", I can die a happy man.

Listening to these CDs makes me feel as if I am
discovering her all over again. Among my family, friends
and associates my passion for Phyllis is well-known.
It's much more than my "musical taste" or appreciation of
a great artist, it has for years been literally part of
who I am.  I can only try to explain it, because it is
hard to describe something when you cannot find the words
that have not already been said. I simply tell people to
pour yourself a glass of wine, slip in any of her CDs,
turn off the light, get close to someone and let the lady
take you both.  The journey will be like no other.
There will be highs and lows, there will be soft whispers
then lusty growls, there will be cries for broken love,
wonderings for new love, assertive exclamations of
confidence, passionate moments of self-doubt. She
questions the fairness of the world, how people you trust
can be strangely unkind.  She implores us to take care
of the kids, she'll have you screaming at the moon, then
follow with a soft plea to meet her on that moon, in the
middle of the sky, "Just you and I". Somewhere in this
lifetime, she'll kiss you all over. And sometimes she
would just make you dance your butt off.

If hearing the voice of Phyllis Hyman is a moving
experience, seeing her perform was proof of a happy and
benevolent God.  She was tall and regal, beautifully
dressed, with a warm, sexy beauty, and she commanded the
stage by her appearance alone.  When she sang the whole
room went on the Phyllis journey, swept away by her
voice, her creation of music that could only come
from her.  And after the performance you knew her,
because on that stage she had laid bare the person she
was.  Through her music.  And you didn't stand a chance.
She had you.

Hopefully, for all of us, someday  we will be able to see
a package of music videos, televised appearances and live
concert material.  I just know that there are more
unreleased songs somewhere, or is it wishful thinking? 
More jazz material, any holiday songs?  A biography.   A
compilation of her commercial jingles.  Anything!

Hell, everybody, as long as we listen to her, connect
with each other and share the memories and the love for
her, she'll never be  gone.  She had us as soon as we saw
or heard her, but now we have her in our hearts.

But I still want more!

Peace,and Happy Holidays to all,
Tom Conroy
********************************************************

 
From: Naoyoshi "Konta" Daido

Hello, editors
Thank you very much for the newsletters.
I wrote 10 notes on Phyllis. If you have more
information, please let me know.

1, I want to know about the group called "THE NEW
DIRECTION". I heard Phyllis was in the group before she
became a solo singer. The Group released an album "The
New Direction"(Neptune 200) produced by Gamble & Huff.I
read about the record in the book"SOFT ROCK A to Z"
published in 1996 here in Japan.On that album cover there
are three men and a girl.And she seems to be so tall.Is
that girl Phyllis or anyone else ? The article
says The New Direction is The Fifth Dimension-type group
and they sing Burt Bacharach medley,DIDN’T WE' by Jim
Webb, 'IF YOU SHOW ME THE WAY' by Thom Bell on the album.
And I also read the liner notes(written in Japanese) of
the album "GODDESS OF LOVE" and got to know that one
of Phyllis' favorite records was Dionne Warwick's "HERE
WHERE THERE IS LOVE" album.

2,In the movie "TOO SCARED TO SCREAM"(THE DOORMAN)
Phyllis was. She plays a model named Phyllis. Her
appearance is in just a few seconds but she walks
on a catwalk in red dress. And a song "I'LL BE
THERE"(written by French actor and singer-songwriter
Charles Azunavour) sung by her is used at the ending.
This 1982(1985?) movie is Hitchcock's "PSYCHO"-type
mystery and directed by an actor Tony Lo Bianco and
starring Ann Archer, Mike Conners, Ian McShane, Maureen
O'Sullivan(Mia Farrow's mother) and John Heard. It's an
enjoyable and interesting B-class movie. I wonder If
there exists this movie's soundtrack album. I wish this
"I'LL BE THERE" were released on CD !

3, Phyllis' "IT'S NOT ABOUT YOU(IT'S ABOUT ME)" was used
in the 1996 film "THE WATERMELON WOMAN" directed by
Cheryl Dunye. Though I saw the picture two years ago at
the lesbian & gay film festival here in Japan, I can't
remember where in the movie the song was played. But at
the ending,there is certainly the credit. please check it
out on video.

4, On 1979 released Niteflyte's 1st album
"NITEFLYTE"(ARIOLA RECORDS),Phyllis did the background
vocal with Harmish Stuart(of Average White Band).
Niteflyte consisted of Sandy Toreno and Howard
Johnson(who released solo albums on A&M label later).
Sandy Toreno is the co-writer of Phyllis' "SOON COME
AGAIN" and he produced several songs on Phyllis'1st album
with her then-husband Larry Alexander. Larry Alexander
also wrote 3 songs for the "NITEFLYTE" album. He and
Sandy Toreno formed the group "TORNADER" and they
released an album "HIT IT AGAIN"(Polydor 1-6098) in 1977.
I haven't found the album yet, but I suppose that Phyllis
might have taken part in it too.

5, A new female singer Junita Dailey sings "YOU KNOW HOW
TO LOVE ME" with Jean Carne & Angela Bofill !!! on her
debut album "FREE". And that song was produced by Norman
Connors ! But the result is.... Robin S. and Lisa
Stansfield sing that song too. I like 1991 released
TAFURI's version(FFRR/POLYGRAM) better.

6, I want to know about "THE FISH THAT SAVED PITTSBURGH"
soundtrack album. I have the video of it and "MAGIC
MONA(MONA'S THEME)" sung by Phyllis was used in it. But
there is another song "TYRONE'S THEME" by Phyllis
appeared in the end credits. The song was not included in
the picture. Are both songs included on the soundtrack
album ?

7, Phyllis came to Japan a few times. She sang at "Blue
Note Tokyo". I could not go to see her sing there, but
it was aired on TV in February 1990 in Japan. And
I watched it. Her great performance really knocked me
out.Here are the songs she sang then.

PHYLLIS  HYMAN       
LIVE  AT THE BLUE  NOTE  TOKYO

KEYBOARDS : TERRANCE  BURRUS
BASS : RONALD  RICHARDSON
DRUMS : DENNIS  ALSTON
SAX : JOHN  VALENTINO
VOCAL : ERIC  JONES

  1. WHAT  YOU  WON'T  DO  FOR  LOVE
  2. YOU  JUST  DON'T  KNOW
  3. I'LL  NEVER  DO  YOU  WRONG
  4. MEET  ME  ON  THE  MOON
  5. MY  FUNNY  VALENTINE
  6. LIVING  IN  CONFUSION
  7. OLD  FRIEND
  8. WHAT  EVER  HAPPENED  TO  OUR  LOVE
  9. NO  ONE  CAN  LOVE  YOU  MORE
 10. SOPHISTICATED  LADY
 11. TAKE  THE A TRAIN
 12. I  GOT  IT  BAD  AND  THAT  AIN'T  GOOD
 13. LIVING  ALL  ALONE
 14. WALK  AWAY

     aired : February  23, 1990

8, I heard that there is a song for Jesse Jackson called
"RUN JESSE RUN", which Phyllis sings with Lou Rawls &
James Cleveland. Does anyone know that song ?

9, I have a video of Fred Williamson film,in which
Phyllis plays Irene Crawford - a night club singer and
lover of the villain. Co-stars are Bo Svenson and Maud
Adams. And the title is not "THE KILL REFLEX" but "SODA
CRACKER" (Maybe it has two different titles, I guess).
Soda Cracker is the name of Fred Williamson's role.(And
Japanese title is "DYNAMITE DEKA". Deka means cop in
Japanese.) The film itself is so dull and a flop. But it
is so precious because of Phyllis. She sings "MEET ME ON
THE MOON" in it, and that is not 'live' but lip-synching.
On that scene she's wearing a light green dress (the same
one that she wore at Blue Note Tokyo).Phyllis wears
four beautiful dresses designed especially for her by
Cassandra McShepard in the film. And Phyllis' hair is
blond! This video was issued in 1991 in Japan and is no
longer available now.

10, I've been so so crazy about Phyllis since 1983. I
first heard her song in that year and was a college
student then. Now I'm 35 years old. Like many gay men, I
love Streisand and Miss Ross but Phyllis is very special
to me! Thank you for reading this & pardon my poor
English.

Naoyoshi "Konta" Daido
*********************************************************

From: LeVar Thomas

hey, what's up, phyllis hyman luvas! i was moved to write
something about phyllis, based on the fact that it's been
a year since i joined the newsletter.

since then, i have to come to know and love the peeps who
have enjoyed and experienced the sensation known as
Phyllis Hyman.........

i now know she was a deeply spiritual person, not in the
sense of hellfire and brimstone everyday and every
way-type, but she, even though much is not said,
routinely praised God as the one who makes all things
possible in interviews.

she also was very sensual yet classy, a true
DIVA...........she shared food along some of you people
at concerts and was down-home, could impress people
with her aura yet kick back with the realest of them.

her music has touched me in a way no other artist has. i
found a singer whose depth and emotiveness is
unmistakable and is a teaching tool for me. i always
looked for someone, since i was 13, who had a deep voice
and could SANG, and seems like they could do
anything....i have found the singer.....

i can't help to wonder who would be the leading lady in a
feature film but i have a suggestion: lonette mckee
(sparkle,jungle fever, he got game).this lady is
remarkable, and brings it to the acting game like no
other actress today.

it seems like i can't help but wonder if phyllis ever
knew the story of dorothy dandridge. i taped the movie,
which halle berry did splendidly in,and it seems like
phyllis and dorothy have so much in common. i mean both
were beautiful, talented, classy, yet had some inner
problems.

i can't wait to experience the new projects glenda gracia
and the estate of phyllis hyman has planned. i wonder if
an inspirational track or spanish track would be on any
album. i also hope that the soundtrack to the film
would feature live tracks from phyllis.

i hope that the plans for film and books will start soon.
and as i live longer (i'm only 19!), her music is very
inspiring to me. the song that means the most to me is "
the sunshine in my life". that really lifts me up
and also "let somebody love you". it really speaks to me,
dealing with lifelong situations i have experienced.

well, it's great that we can express how we love phyllis.
i just hope soon that we can meet soon, like a
celebration or observance.

i wish i could chat longer, but i only have limited
time!!! Thanks to all the phyllis peeps i've met: rande,
tom, and walid. and any others. and if you want to chat
with me, don't hesitate to write and drop me an email!

and glenda, we love YOU!!!!!

peace and God bless everyone........we will make it!!!!
*********************************************************

From: Reagerharp

I am a devoted fan still missing Phyllis. I still can't
believe she's gone. She had a voice that I will never
forget. I got the opportunity to see her here in Atlanta
at the fabulous Fox Theater along with Jonathan Butler(
or was it Keith Washington?) I can recall going to the
foyer/lobby area during the first act, and as I waited in
line to be buy a drink, I looked to my far left and there
was Phyllis along with her entourage and I couldn't
believe it, but of all the people in that area, as she
scanned the room, I actually made eye contact with her!!!
She smiled, so I smiled. I was so nervous and embarassed.
I really wanted to say something to her, but I didn't
have the courage. Anyway, I couldn't wait to get to my
seat and tell my girlfriend. The concert was the
bomb!!!!She sang all the songs I wanted to hear. She
always came back for an encore. It's such a shame that
she was so  great but her record company did not know how
to market her ....a true vocalist. Tall, talented  and
beautiful. Phyllis, why did you leave so soon????????????
*******************************************************

From: Ladypch

Brought tears to my eyes reading through some of the
emails in your newsletter. I too am a huge fan of the
late Diva Phyllis Hyman, she was and is still the best in
my heart.

I keep her CD's in my changer and listen to her before
going to work and upon returning. 

Inspired by Phyllis' soulful voice, I recently completed
my very first CD. Entitled "Meet Me On The Moon," remake
of that tune, which is one of my favorite of hers.
Hoping that this will not be one of my last
accomplishments in music, I pray for the opportunity to
do more of her sounds in an effort to keep her voice
living in all our hearts who love her so dearly.

Deborah Cobbertt-
*********************************************************

From: SOUL911

Walid, maybe you can clear something ELSE up for me. For
YEARS I have been looking for an extended version of
"What you wont do for love". I was first TOLD about it
and then finally heard PART of it myself during a midday
mix show on N.Y. WBLS.  However they NEVER played it
again. I never found this much more dynamic version than
the one on the cd. Do you have it or know anyone who
does? I NEED a copy of this track. If not the original,
then one burned onto a CD will suffice. THANK YOU IN
ADVANCE for your help !!

Donald Cleveland
********************************************************

From: ty sturgis

this newsletter is awesome, i always knew phyllis touched
millions of people,and the responses on the newsletter
just amplifies that. I live in chicago,,and chicago loved
phyllis,,and i think she loved chicago as well,i used to
see her at georges lounge,it was so intimate. I wonder
if she knew how many people loved her,its a shame that
artists like phyllis and others dont get the respect from
the industry that they deserve. I hope there are
jukeboxes in heaven....
********************************************************

That's all we have this time around. Before I go,
I want to thank all of the contributors Mark, Tom,
Konta, Levar, Donald, Deborah, Ty and Reagerharp.
I want to also encourage those of you who have never
written to do so! We all would love to hear from you
and besides, the more postings we get, the sooner you
get the next newsletter!

In Tom Conroy's letter, he mentions the three Arista
albums that have been released in Japan. Those of you
who already bought them must know how great it is to
have them! If any of you would like to buy them and don't
know where to find them, they are available online.

Unfortunately, I have no news from Glenda regarding
the Legacy campaign that she talked about last year.
All of us are very eager to be able to buy CDs with
previously unreleased material, the video documentary
mentioned before, a biography, etc... Glenda, if you
reading this, drop us an e-mail! We would love to hear
from you!

Time for me to say goodbye!
Have a merry Xmas and a happy new year!
See you in the 21st. century!:-)

Walid

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 24
JULY 6, 2000

The following is a message to the fans from Glenda
Gracia, Phyllis' manager and executrix of her estate:

Dear Friends...

First, let me say that your wonderful and continued
support and love of Phyllis is such a blessing for me and
her family.  We love you all very deeply for it.

Since Phyllis' transition, I have relied on you all for
guidance in the development of Phyllis' Legacy Campaign :
making sure that her record companies hear your requests
for new product, coming to you directly with ideas for
you to vote on so that we do the right thing by
Phyllis... and, generally doing what can be done to give
you what you want to support your memory and appreciation
of the great artistry of the one and only Phyllis Hyman!

A couple of years ago, Walid and Richard were kind enough
to organize a poll of the readers of the Newsletter,
asking everyone what they would love to have access to.
The overwhelming responses were around two things :
releases of new studio recordings and a
documentary-styled film about Phyllis' life.

Well, for the past three and a half years, I have been
working on the development of a feature length
documentary film project about the life and artistry of
Phyllis.  Supporting me in this endeavor have been my
partner and co-producer, Martha David, along with two of
our associates, Adria Hughes and Bob Lott.  Last fall, we
produced our first interview for the project.  It was
with Nancy Wilson.  The interview was beyond
perfection...

We have just completed a ten minute trailer that contains
portions of this interview by Ms. Wilson and wonderful,
wonderful footage and stills of Phyllis -- performance,
as well as interview and candid moments.  Now we begin
the task of developing our distribution partnerships.
Once we have distribution in place, we will be able to
complete the project.

Producing a feature-length film requires enormous
patience, focus, tenacity and ... faith.  In the face of
all challenges, the key is persistence and faith. 

As part of this Phyllis Hyman Legacy Campaign project, we
will also be organizing what should be the definitive
collection of recordings by Phyllis.

We will keep you posted as everything evolves.  While we
have uncovered what we think is almost everything out
there on Phyllis in terms of footage and stills,  If any
of you have any footage or stills of Phyllis, I would be
grateful to know about it.  We'd love to screen what you
have for consideration for the project. 

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Hold this project in the light.  We are doing it for you
and ... for Phyllis'  spirit!  I'm saying Happy Birthday
to our girl.  How about you!
 

Stay in the Light and Love,

Glenda
********************************************************

Though we've been away for awhile, Walid and I are
delighted to welcome you to the 24th issue of FANZINE,
the Phyllis Hyman Newsletter, which has evolved into what
amounts to a lovefest for the fans of one spectacular
talent in the form of Phyllis Hyman.

This issue is lovingly presented in celebration
of Phyllis' 51st Birthday - July 5th 2000. That is the
date we would prefer that you remember, rather than that
fateful day in June 1995. For the more we learn about Ms.
Hyman, the better we understand the Lady was about living
...until she could no longer. And through her music, our
memories of her live performances, as well as the
biographical material that's available, it is not
entirely farfetched to believe that Phyllis lives on.

As we gather around this world-dispersed newsletter,
there is every indication that she moves among us,
greeting us while flaunting her 51 years like a fine
wine. She works the crowd in stocking'd feet, having long
since removed the heels. Slipping her arm around a waist
here; over a shoulder there. Her hearty laughter is heard
throughout the room, as she celebrates her life.

I can only imagine that, ......

At 51, Phyllis Hyman has been rejuvenated. A recent
winner of Broadway's Tony Award for her stellar
performance of an autobiographical one-woman show, she
has kept showbiz crowds waiting in long lines among
her adoring fans. Not only has Phyllis completely won
over a new generation of music lovers with her
Babyface-produced, multi-platinum CD, My Name is Phyllis;
she has won critical praise for the supporting role in
the recently released remake of "Raisin in the Sun."
There is an Academy Award buzz being heard all over
Hollywood for Phyliis' performance as Denzel Washington's
Mama. It a role Ms. Hyman fought for, even though her
makeup regiment included donning a gray wig and a
wardrobe that makes her look 30 pounds heavier than her
now slender frame.

Who knows... this speculation may be as plausible as
anyone else's. The point is that we celebrate Phyllis'
life as it was, as well as for all of  its promise and
potential. Admittedly, in many ways she, though made
familiar by her discography, remains a mystery. I can't
help but believe that this is exactly what Phyllis Hyman
would have preferred.

For this issue of Fanzine, we have some special friends
who help in our celebration with special memories of
their own. We welcome Darrell King, Christina Mathis,
and Nick Nixon, who share with us their memories of
Phyllis. Michele contributes her experiences with
bi-polar depression as another way in which she connects
with Phyllis. Michelle Thomas exposes the impact Ms.
Hyman on her life, while Konnta discusses Phyllis' 12"
singles. Alan Mosby  explains how we may be able
to influence the record companies to release Phyllis'
live performances.  And we begin with our friend Tom
Conroy, who shares his thoughts about Phyllis on her
birthday.

Happy Birthday, Phyllis. We Love You.

Richard Kenyada, Co-editor
*********************************************************

From: TOM CONROY

Greetings Walid, Richard, and Phyllis fans from around
the globe!

It has been many months since we connected, the Christmas
holidays to be exact.  I looked for the newsletter each
month, waiting and wondering. Were Walid and Richard
alright?  Did the fans lose interest? Was everyone
too busy?  Maybe not everyone was as Phyllis 'crazed' as
I am.  But then I re-read the previous newsletters and
threw out that thought.  Then I had a realization. I was
part of the problem!  I had not submitted anything for a
long time and Walid didn't have enough material to put
one together. So here it is, on the eve of her passing
(can it be 5 years?) that I sit, sipping some good wine,
her CDs lined up in the player, and write to all of
you. First I want to encourage all of you to submit your
thoughts and feelings about our girl and her music to the
newsletter. We must keep the website and the newsletter
STRONG, first as a tribute of our love for Phyllis and
to let the record companies and her estate know that we
crave more of her, whether it be more unreleased music,
more re-issues, video, or photographic memories of her
life and career.   Your submissions can be short or long,
and you don't have to be a 'writer', just give us your
feelings and thoughts, tell us about seeing her perform,
or simply what her music means to you.  Pop your favorite
PH CD in and believe me, her spirit will move you!

That said I'm just going to ramble on a bit, just some
things that come to me when I think of Phyllis...I've
wondered why there are not many pictures of Phyllis
smiling on her album covers.  I know that her image was
sultry and sexy and sophisticated, but she had a killer
smile and grin and I wish there were more photo records
of it.  The camera obviously loved her though, I have
never seen a picture of her that I did not like.

Ever hear a great song by another artist and imagine what
Phyllis could have done with that song?  With all due
respect to the others, I hear songs like "Black
Butterfly" by Deneice Williams, "If You Asked Me To" by
Patti Labelle or Celine Dion, "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka
or Whitney, "Midnight Train to Georgia" by Gladys Knight
and I can hear Phyllis whispering, crooning, growling and
wailing her way through those songs, tearing them up
and giving them life as only she could do.  Understand
the above mentioned ladies are some of my favorites too,
and there versions are perfect, but just imagine what
Phyllis could have done....But, our Diva chose to go with
material that was uniquely HERS alone and that makes her
all that more special to us.  Imagine a tremendously
gifted artist that would only do tunes that meant
something to her and her position in life, one that would
actively fight being labeled as this-or-that kind of
singer.  That is why we hear and FEEL her passion, we are
her experiencing her very life when she sings to us, her
joy, her doubts, her playfulness, her sexiness, her
pain. You will not find very many vocalists( I always
hesitate calling her just a singer), who will share all
aspects of her life, but Phyllis did, in the tunes she
chose and the way she interpreted them.  She made the
words and the melodies live for us and she did great
honor to the writers and the musicians she worked with.
Imagine having the words and/or the music you wrote given
life and passion by the great Phyllis Hyman!

I have read many descriptions from those of us lucky
enough to have seen her perform and each time I do I wish
that each of you could have seen her onstage as I was
lucky enough to have done several times.  I saw her at
the beginning of her career in the 70's to the last time
on May 9 1990.  I got her autograph that time, not being
fortunate enough to meet her, but I asked one of her
young nieces at the end of the show to get it for me.
Phyllis' shows back here in Pittsburgh always included
her nieces and nephews sitting right in the front row
with her sisters and brothers, believe me, that Hyman
family was one great big bunch of good-looking people,
Phyllis came by her beauty honestly.  Her niece,
probably 11 or 12 years old, asked me my name, went to
the dressing room and came back with a yellow piece of
paper that said, "To Tom and friend,
Love You Both!  Phyllis Hyman  5-9-90"  If I had died at
that moment I would have died happy.  My buddy Ike was
with me, he had seen Phyllis in Vegas while he lived
there.  My wife unfortunately, couldn't come that
night.  None of us knew that that would be the last time
we would ever see her. There is a song on the "Legacy" CD
called 'Why Did You Turn Me On', originally on the
"Goddess of Love" album where Phyllis asks "Why did you
turn me on, if you knew someday you'd be gone..." then
she whispers, "Tell me why..." Those words became
prophetic to me after her passing and I've asked her
those words lots of times.  But Phyllis was Phyllis and
I've learned to not question since she left us.  I just
thank her for being here at the same time so I could
enjoy her and her music.

But i think it's important to remember that even though
nobody could tear up your heart and soul with a ballad
like Phyllis, that she also could kick dance floor ass
with great tunes.  For those of you who knew her from
the beginning, remember being on the disco floor losing
it to "You Know How to Love Me"?   Pittsburgh had a great
disco called 'Heaven', a beautifully marbled former lobby
of a grand old building that could fit 400 dancers
comfortably and we would move, groove and sing along
with her.  She performed there once, the closest I ever
got to her, right at her feet from the stage.  I remember
holding my wife close to "Somewhere in My Lifetime"
Damn... It was there, when she performed, that she
brought the house down with her rendition of "Kiss you
All Over", an old rock song by a group named Exile. (You
can hear it on the Arista Heritage CD). She growled her
way through that song letting us know that she could sing
down and dirty with the best of them.  And we roared our
approval and loved her for it.  And I truly believed she
loved us back.

Phyllis was also known for great duets, as evident from
her work with Michael Henderson.  Ever put together a
fantasy duet with your favorite male singer? She toured
once with Gino Vannelli (never hit Pittsburgh that
time), one of my favorite male singers, and I can only
imagine what they could have done together, two great
voices singing Gino's poetry.  How about Phyllis with the
late Marvin Gaye?  Donny Hathaway?  Jeffrey Osborne,
Luther, George Benson (another Pittsburgh treasure).  Or
someone unexpected, like Sting or Rod Stewart?

And we can't forget the ladies;  Imagine a duet with her
friends Angela Bofill, Roberta Flack, Jean Carne, Patti
Austin, Patti LaBelle, or...hold on....a body of work
with her mentor, the great Nancy Wilson? For those
young fans of Phyllis, looking for more great vocalists
with some unique singing chops, check out the above
ladies.

For those of you always looking for anything Phyllis,
check out David Nathan's R&B website for her imported
CDs, and his book has a long loving tribute to her.
Remember Vincent Wolfe, one of her friends from the New
York music scene who wrote such a touching and real
account of his time with Phyllis?  I  found his CD,
"Trust the Vibe" on CDNOW and his music is real fine,
reminding me of a modern Kenny Rankin.  Check him
out, he was all right in Phyllis' book.  Go head brother
Vincent!

June 30th marks the 5th anniversary  of Phyllis' leaving
us, July 6th would have been her 51st birthday.  Think of
her kindly on both these dates, she needed our love as
much as we wanted to give it to her.  Don't judge her
last actions, just be glad and grateful that we lived at
the same time as she, so we could enjoy the instrument of
her voice and the beauty and grace of her presence.

Well, I think I may have worn out my welcome.  I hope you
enjoy the latest edition of the PH newsletter, many
thanks to Walid and Richard for the dedication and time
they give to us all and to the lady's memory. I hope we
all get good news from Glenda Gracia and the estate about
the Phyllis projects soon. Remember, help to keep this
tribute going strong and put it out there for all to see.
Give your family and friends Phyllis' music for gifts;
you'll doing them a big favor and spreading her music to
more of the world.  Until I contact you all again,  I
wish you all PEACE 
  
Tom
********************************************************

From: darrell king

Having read as many articles and tributes as I could get
my eyes on, I perceive that the only one missing from the
Phyllis website is from a fan. Years after her death, I
still get caught away thinking about the goddess like
structure that graced many stages where I was a guest.
From my budding teenage years until present, Phyllis'
voice continues to resonate in my head as if "it was only
yesterday".

It was only twice that I saw her in the musical
production of Sophisticated Ladies, but each time I heard
her  voice from that production, it was like floating on
air.  Not being totally naive, Phyllis had her great
moments and not so great moments on stage. One of her
greatest moments, (and mine), was listening to her at
McHale's, a very tiny club in New York City.  The
small intimate setting put her in close range with the
audience and it seemed as if she were singing one of her
longest sets ever, to me personally.  Of course my wife
was uncomfortable with that...nonetheless she performed
some of my all time favorites, "Here's that Rainy Day",
"Gonna Make Changes" and others.

I since have amassed my treasure of posthumous releases,
"I refuse to  be lonely" & "Forever with You".  I know
that I am only echoing the sentiments so often expressed
when I say, I really do miss this beautiful lady.  I
thank her for the gifts she left behind.  Also thank you
for the beautiful pictures which you put on her fan
website. I use one of them as my wallpaper for my PC.

Sincerely,
Darrell King
********************************************************

From: Christina Mathis

I've adored Phyllis since I was a child in 1979. My first
memory was her strong vocals on "you know how to love
me". And while she sang with power simultaneously she was
oh so soothing.
 

She had class and a certain dignity about her that is

rare today in many female r&b artists.

I think what touched me the most about Phyllis is I could
identify all to well with her inner war. I understood her
although I did not know her personally. I too suffer from
depression. I know she struggled with so many issues to
numerous to mention. Only Jehovah God knows her heart. I
am so glad she left us her gift of song and vocals. It's
a shame she didn't get this praise recognition while she
was here!

I had the privilege of seeing her live one year before
her death in Philadelphia at the Robinhood Dell East in
Fairmount Park. She was in pain then and I grew
concerned. I whispered to my friend that if Phyllis
didn't straighten up or get it together she will not be
with us much longer. She was too calm that night. I
wanted so much to go talk to her. However, I would have
been a "problem" to security. But like Phyllis I feel the
pain of others. I've had fatal thoughts of suicide. I
knew something was wrong!!!

On a lighter note, the image that stays in my mind is
when she sang two songs off of her last recording before
here death. The favorite for me was "I refuse to be
lonely" She sang it with so much pride because that
was her song. I believe she wrote it herself. I miss her
so much. I take comfort in knowing that she has a hope to
come back again in the New World that God has promised us
all through his son Jesus. She will be in paradise.

I hope my memory of Phyllis was one worth sharing with
you. Thank you for keeping her memory alive. Keep it
up!!!
********************************************************

Subject: Phyllis' 12inch singles
From: konnta

Hello PH's fans all over the world !

This time I wrote about PH's 12inch singles.
I have been searching for Phyllis' records in used record
shops. And all I found are the following ten 12inch
singles. Are there any other PH's "bigger, longer &
uncut" versions out there ? I want to know.

(1) BUDDAH BDS 56700 (Canada) (1977)
Side 1. LOVING YOU / LOSING YOU (7:41)
Side 2. ONE THING ON MY MIND (5:30)
 
(2) ARISTA SP-42 (1979) (PROMOTIONAL ONLY)
Side -. KISS YOU ALL OVER (DISCO VERSION) (6:18*)
Side -. SO STRANGE (DISCO VERSION) (8:50*)

(3) ARISTA 12ARIST 12323 (1979)
Side 1. YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE ME (7:34)
Side 2. GIVE A LITTLE MORE (4:04)

(4) ARISTA ARIST 12343 (1980)
Side 1. UNDER YOUR SPELL (4:46)
Side 2. KISS YOU ALL OVER (5:10)
        HOLD ON (4:19)

(5) JOE SAMPLE Featuring Phyllis Hyman - MCA RECORDS
L33-17019 (1985)
(PROMOTIONAL ONLY-NOT FOR SALE)
Side 1. THE SURVIVOR (Extended Mix) (7:54*)
            Remixed by Louil Silas, Jr.
Side 2. THE SURVIVOR (Radio Edit) (4:55)
        THE SURVIVOR (Instrumental Version) (4:55)

(6) Philadelphia International V-56032 (1986)
Side 1. OLD FRIEND (Short Version) (3:54*)
        OLD FRIEND (Long Version) (4:52)
Side 2. SCREAMING AT THE MOON (Short Version) (4:02)
        SCREAMING AT THE MOON (Long Version) (5:51*)

(7) Philadelphia International SPRO-9910/9911 (1986) (NOT
FOR SALE)
Side 1. LIVING ALL ALONE (6:03*)
Side 2. LIVING ALL ALONE (3:16*)
        WHAT YOU WON'T DO FOR LOVE (4:03)

(8) Philadelphia International V-56051 (1986)
Side 1. AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (Extended Version)
(6:32*)Remixed by Nick Martinelli & David Todd
Side 2. FIRST TIME TOGETHER (4:02)

(9) Philadelphia International SPRO-79019/79020 (1986)
(NOT FOR SALE)
Side 1. AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (Extended Version)
(6:32*)Remixed by Nick Martinelli & David Todd
        AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (Instrumental)(5:28)

Side 2. AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (Percussapella Version)
(5:38*)Remixed by Nick Martinelli & David Todd
        AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (Short Version) (4:15*)
 
(10) Philadelphia International 12PIR 4 (ENGLAND) (1987)
Side A. SCREAMING AT THE MOON (Extended Remix) (5:53*)
            Remixed by Godwin Logie
Side B. SCREAMING AT THE MOON (5:51*)
        AIN'T YOU HAD ENOUGH LOVE (4:08)   

* These versions are different (or edited) from the ones
on the original albums.

(11) Philadelphia International SPRO-79138/79139 (1986)
(NOT FOR SALE)
Side 1. YOU JUST DON'T KNOW (4:15*)
Side 2. SLOW DANCIN' (4:30)

*The PH's vocal part of this "YOU JUST DON'T KNOW" is
same, but this is a sax featuring different version.
********************************************************

From: Michelle Thomas
Subject: Old Friend

It's so nice to see The Magic of Phyllis on the net.
This woman has made such a remarkable impact on my life.
My life seems to have been told in the songs only Phyllis
could sing.  It really broke my heart when I found
out by reading the Jet that she had taken her life. I
immediately felt apart of me die. Then I thought whose
going to tell my story now.  the Best & Worst times of my
life were comforted by her music, her sheer beauty and
her omnipresent regality.  She is well missed. I had the
pleasure of seeing Phyllis in concert at Music Hall in
Cincinnati on the winter of '90 where she was the
Headliner and Najee and Jonathan butler opened up for her
and it was most definitely a stellar performance of a
great master. That was the last concert I attended.   I
recently bought "The Legacy of Phyllis" Just to enjoy her
vocal presence and share my passion for her all the more
with my children.  I want to thank you for putting this
site together because I have truly enjoyed it.

Phyllis, your spirit lives on.....
********************************************************

From: AlanM1166

Hello Walid,
      
I am a Phyllis fan. This you already know. I'm also a
Whitney Houston fan and that's why I'm writing - I had an
Idea, Last month MTV aired an awards show that was
recorded in the UK and had aired there a week and a half
before they showed it here in the USA- It Featured
Whitney amongst others - When they aired it here they cut
Whitney's three songs to one. Myself along with some of
the other Whitney fans fired off letters to MTV demanding
that they show us Whitney-We requested it to be shown as
a video and that it be returned to the show for future
airings. To our surprise they did it! They gave us
everything that we asked for! That shows the POWER OF
WRITING LETTERS! Now that brings me to Phyllis-Why don't
we ask the fans to email Arista (and her other labels)
and ask them to release a live album by Phyllis, I'm sure
they have some recordings somewhere. Maybe they can
release something from her last concert appearance or
something like that. While we are at it we can email VH1
and ask them to show one of her concert(If they can get
one) and/or do a "Behind The Music" For Black History
Month. I don't know how many people are on the mailing
list but it would be worth a try. Maybe we could set up a
Yahoo (or Hotmail) mail box and ask them to BLIND copy or
forward us so we can track the numbers of request. I
think that if we work at it could really work. By doing
this we will let them know that there are still a lot of
people that love Phyllis and want to
know about her. I think that some of the people that
wrote in about their meetings with Phyllis for the news
letter can help VH1 with the "Behind the Music." So YOU
can put that in your email since you are the leader of
this WONDERFUL family. Let me know what you think.

Peace, Alan Mosby
********************************************************

From: NNixonUnlimited

Standing in line outside of the famous Uptown Theater on
Broad Street in North Philly in the winter of 1986,
waiting to see the Whispers in concert and, as pumped up
as can be when suddenly, I heard sighs and ooh's. Just as
I began to focus on the direction of the applause, there
she was....walking, gliding, literally floating above the
crowd in route to the backstage door to the theater.
Frozen, & some what in a daze I was truly blessed to have
witnessed a living angel.  She smiled at me as if she
knew that from that moment on "I would love her forever".
   
Loving her was not an easy thing to do you see,  I had so
many to chose from, not to mention the fact that they
kept her out of sight and, gave me new voices and pretty
faces to keep me preoccupied. But, they didn't know
what she knew. (FOREVER).... 1991 Circle Star Theater in
San Francisco gave us a chance to meet again, but this
time I was prepared (or so I thought). Something
happened, She was different, How could she look so
different in only five years? Then She began to whistle
and I knew even before a single note that a spiritual
depth of emotions was upon us. Never before had I
felt such a feeling of admiration and serenity.

1995 and, after the Goddess was gone did I understand
what her smile was really all about. As an emerging
Commentator and Fashion show producer Oakland
California's Convention center set the stage for a
"Tribute To Phyllis Hyman" in fashion & song. WOW, I had
to go back even further than that cold night in Philly
and it's was during this production that I learned why
I will love her forever.

NOTE: I HAVE SO MUCH MORE TO SHARE.......PLEASE STAY
TUNED AND THANKS FOR BEING HERE.

NICK NIXON
CEO/ ELITE MARKETING GROUP ...LAS VEGAS, NV
********************************************************

From: VIPER24626
Subject: African American women and suicide

I am not really a fan of Phyllis Hyman, but I do enjoy
listening to her songs.  I was helping one of my sister's
do a research paper about African American women and
suicide.  I am so glad that I decided to look up
information about Phyllis Hyman.  I too am  Bi-Polar or
Manic Depressive.  I am the youngest child of ten in my
family.  More than half of us suffer
from some type of depression.  My oldest sister, Doris
committed suicide on September 4, 1995.  I have also
tried to kill myself several times.  Two years ago, after
I had my fourth and last child, I started taking lithium
and prozac.  It took a long time, lots of medicine and
different doctors to help my life become as stable as it
has ever been.  I just wish everyone
would try to get help before they end their lives.
Everyone on earth is special and is needed her for some
reason.  Everyone's death effects someone.  I am trying
not to repeat the cycle of depression in my immediate
family.  I know there is a big chance that some of my
kids may have a chemical imbalance.  I will do anything I
can to help them make their lives happier.

Sincerely,
Michele
******************************************************

After an absence of almost 7 months, it's wonderful to
be back with this issue of the newsletter! Many
subscribers sent me e-mails asking why they had not
received it in so long. A lot of those actually believed
they were taken off the mailing list for some reason and
wanted resubscribe. I want to thank all of you who sent
e-mails showing their concern.

Special thanks to Tom, Darrell, Christina, Konta,
Michelle, Alan, Nick and Michele for their contributions!
You have all made this a very special issue.

Also, thank you Glenda for the very interesting update!
I can't wait for the feature length documentary and I'm
sure all of you feel the same! Please keep us in touch
with any and all new developments!

I have been receiving a lot of requests for a Phyllis
lyrics section at the website. One reader, Passion
Delanti, suggested that I ask you, the subscribers of the
newsletter,  to submit lyrics. This is a great idea!

That's all from me! Happy Birthday, Phyllis!!!!!!

Walid

PHYLLIS HYMAN  INTERNET NEWSLETTER  # 25
JULY 7, 2001

 

July 6 2001. Today, Phyllis would have celebrated her
52nd. birthday. Happy Birthday, Phyllis!

This issue of the newsletter was put together from
the readers' e-mails many months ago. We had the
intention of sending it out sometime in March but we
delayed it because we were waiting to hear from Glenda
Gracia of Phyllis Hyman's estate. She had promised to
give us some information pertaining to the legacy
campaign and the different upcoming projects .
Unfortunately, that didn't happen and issue # 25 was
set aside for a few months. Today, on Phyllis' 52nd
birthday, we decided that we will not let the day pass
without sending you the newsletter!

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

 

Walid and I welcome you to the 25th issue of FANZINE,
the Phyllis Hyman Newsletter.

A Sense of Responsibility

I want to issue special thanks to all of you who have
expressed your concern, with regard to Fanzine.  It feels
nice to be missed, but let us reassure you that we’re
still standing. From time to time, though, we may
experience “technical difficulties” that interfere
with the distribution of the newsletter, but such
interference is only temporary.

Unlike many of the super rich “DotComs” that are falling
from the cyberskies, the Phyllis Hyman Fanzine was never
founded as an instrument of revenue. So we have no
corporate overseers whose profit forecasts we must meet.
We have no marketing meetings in which tap dance; no
sales charts to draw up, using fuzzy math.  No, my
friends, Fanzine was the vision of Walid Itayim, an
extraordinarily dedicated fan of Miss Phyllis Hyman.
There is no profit motive hidden beneath it all.

We’re not trying to sell you any widgets or preach to you
any political agenda. We’re here - whenever we appear in
your e-mail IN-basket - to share the love we all feel for
the music of Phyllis Hyman.  However,
just because we’re not beholding to the pencil-neck bean
counters of the corporate globe, doesn't mean that we are
totally without a sense of responsibility.

Walid and I, along with regular contributors like Tom
Conroy, all feel a strong sense of responsibility to
Phyllis Hyman fans all over the world. Whenever we read
your first hand accounts of experiencing a Hyman live
performance …  Whenever we read your reactions to
hearing a Hyman recording for the first time…. Whenever
we read how Phyllis’ music affected your life beyond its
existence on your stereo system….  We understand -
believe me, we do  that Fanzine has taken on a life of
its own, and that we are merely custodians whose job it
is to get it right, which is what we try to do for each
and every publication of the newsletter.

Along with our responsibility to her fans, we also feel
an indelible kinship to the family and the estate of Ms.
Hyman. We want Phyllis’ family to be given the respect
that she herself never completely received while she
lived. So it is important that we only support the
releases of her music that have been approved by those
who have her best interests at heart.
If you have read the previous issues of Fanzine, you
understand that there are those who have assembled a
fly-by-night compilation of some of Phyllis’ work that
amount to little more than “out-takes,” practice runs, of
her studio sessions.  Glenda Gracia, Phyllis’ friend,
manager and executrix of her estate, has been great about
informing us as to the existence of the artistically
bogus material, and we thank her for her
unyielding commitment. Luckily for us, the overwhelming
majority of the available Hyman music out there in the
international marketplace is authentic and top shelf.  

Lastly, and ultimately most compelling, we feel an
immense responsibility to the memory of Phyllis Hyman
the artist and the woman.  I’m often asked how I manage
to write so clearly about Ms. Hyman and my feelings about
her music.  The truth is that before, during and after I
sit down to write the opening statement of each
newsletter, I’m listening to a stack of Phyllis’ music.
Her music always evokes such strong emotions, whether a
carefree happy lark, or a solemnly tender afterglow.
[Note - During this writing, for example, I’m listening
to “My Old Friend,” “Somewhere In My Lifetime,” and “Meet
Me On The Moon.” [with the repeat button in full effect]
Like many of you, I’ve grown even closer to Phyllis
Hyman’s music over the years since her passing, and
previously I hadn’t thought that would be possible. Not
only that, I've also grown very protective of her memory,
and very proud of her longevity in my record collection,
as an artist; and in my heart, as a woman.

I’m certain that the sense of responsibility we all feel
to Phyllis’ music and her memory is more that of a family
member than a potential stalker or groupie.  That is
rooted in the deep, abiding respect that we felt for her
when she was alive.  I was lucky enough to have attended
two of her concerts, and I never saw people pulling at
her or disrespecting her in any way.  People generally
gave her a distance of comfortability, allowing her to
breach it, if she chose to do so . . .  and often times
she did.
             
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

In this issue we are once again treated to the writing of
Tom Conroy, who comes aboard this time with, among other
gems, a wonderful review of the video “Sophisticated
Ladies” which, of course, features Phyllis Hyman.

I am always delighted to read the many memories shared by
our readers. Margaret is the mother of 20-year-old
Rashida, and she shares with us the discovery that her
daughter likes Phyllis’ music.  Those of us who are
parents can fully appreciate that discovery.

Readers Tony Moor and Blaine Gaffney pass on some praise
of Fanzine, while adding their own memories to help keep
it going. Reader Shae shares with us some personal
parallels between her life and Ms. Hyman’s,
including the birth of her daughter, Taylor, on July 8th
[Phyllis was born on July 6th]. Shae’s been told that
Taylor has a remarkable resemblance to Phyllis, too.

Of course, touching tributes, such as those offered in
this issue by readers Debra, Clint, Sheritta, Arnetta,
Mike, Ms Lace, Neotta, FoxyBrown and others, are the
connective tissue that makes this newsletter a living,
loving testimonial to Phyllis Hyman.  This is the kind of
heartfelt praise that cannot be manufactured in trite
sound bytes for media consumption. You and I, all of us,
write because somewhere quite deeply, Phyllis
touched us.  And whether you met her on the moon, or
somewhere in the shadows of the lyrics to Betcha By Golly
Wow,  I know that there is a reason that you look forward
to the next issue of Fanzine, and you are committed to
seeing the legacy of Ms. Hyman passed on to future
generations.  It’s about the love and appreciation of and
artist and her life’s work. It’s about belonging to a
family of mankind that has discovered something worth
celebrating, beyond the party.  It’s about a sense of
adulation and respect.  And once having accepted that, it
becomes something more: a sense of responsibility.

Richard Kenyada, Co-Editor of Fanzine

Mr. Kenyada’s Neighborhood

*******************************************************

From: TOM CONROY

Gretting Walid, Richard, and to all of the worldwide
community of Phyllis fans...

You are reading the writings of one happy man.  I
recently celebrated a birthday and was surprised by my
family with a special gift. I was presented with a video
of "Duke Ellington's Sophisticated Ladies" starring our
own Phyllis. I never had the opportunity to go to New
York while Phyllis appeared in that play and always
regretted missing her performance.
 
My family found the tape on e-bay, and while it is
professionally done it is circa 1983 and the sound gets
kind of scratchy towards the end, but the visuals are
great and I can tell you that I have never seen Phyllis
look more beautiful nor in more command of her material.
She BURNS up the stage every time she appears, no small
feat when you consider the caliber of the musicians,
dancers and other singers she appears with.  She grabs
the audience first with "It Don't Mean A Thing",
shimmying and singing, then gives up the stage to the tap
dancers as she perches above them, enhancing their
already flawless performances.  Her scatting during "Take
The A Train" ranks up there with Ella Fitzgerald for form
and excitement and the fun she
is having with the song is palpable. Then, my favorite,
"In A Sentimental Mood".  Imagine Phyllis in a long,
glittery low-cut white gown hugging every curve, with
huge fake fur cuffs, long, curly, reddish hair streaming
down her back, slowly pacing the stage, crooning about
rose petals falling, and on the wings of every kiss,
finding paradise complete. Its all like dream to call us
hers....her heart's a lighter thing, since we made this
night a thing divine. 

God, take me now, because I have
SEEN the best of your creation!   Want some sassy
Phyllis? Plenty of that to burn in "I'm Checking Out
Goombye", Phyllis all stylish in a 40's suit, her hair up
and she is having NONE of his stuff!  She reads him off
then struts offstage. For those of us familiar with her
melancholy, she then takes the stage in a purple suit,
sad over the breakup and her
wails are powerful for "I Got It Bad and That Ain't
Good".  I can tell you this, even though most of you know
me as a fellow Phyllis NUT who saw her in concert
numerous times, I was blown away by her performance in
this play, and she was robbed of the Tony Award that
year (and I don't even know who won).  Her presence and
musical acting ability were overwhelming.  We are all
familiar with her voice, that is a given, but after
seeing this, I truly think Phyllis was born for the
musical stage. Those of you who had the good fortune to
see her perform on stage know how comfortable she was in
front of an audience.  Her audience gave her power and
she effortlessly tapped into the huge reservoir of her
talent for us. She gave herself to us, honestly, emotions
bared, and we could literally do nothing but be
completely and happily bowled over by her.

I would like to see the estate release copies of the play
for us as part of her legacy.  Put it out there and maybe
we will see it.

I have project concerning Phyllis going on.  There is a
weekly alternative paper here in Pittsburgh that has a
popular "Rant" column, where readers can complain or rant
about anything.  I am now writing a piece that I hope
will see the light of day.  The subject?  My complaint is
the lack of knowledge of Phyllis here in her hometown
(outside of the African-American community). I'm going to
state her accomplishments as a
performer and as a concerned human being and scold the
community for not revering her the way she should be in
her hometown.   At the very least I hope to stir up sales
of her CDS and spread her music to others.  At most I
hope to see a groundswell of interest and get the name of
PITTSburgh (kind of a negative-sounding name for a city,
don't you think?), changed to, oh
let's see, Phyllisville, or Hymantown or Three Rivers of
Phyllis...if my piece gets printed, I'll forward it to
all of you.  What the hell, even if it doesn't get
printed I'll forward it to the next newsletter.

I had the pleasure to go to a concert late September, in
a local hotel ballroom, starring Roy Ayers, Norman
Connors, and the great Jean Carne. Norman and Jean did a
very moving tribute to Phyllis, along with vocalist
Nathan Heathman and the sell-out crowd loved it.  For
those younger fans of Phyllis who crave unique talent
like hers, check out Jean Carne and Angela Bofill, two
friends of Phyllis who are also great vocalists in that
special vein.

I'm hoping, as I know you all are, to hear from Glenda
Gracia and the estate with news about the continuing
legacy of Phyllis in upcoming newsletters, and I would
like to remind you all to help Richard and Walid keep it
alive by sending your comments, thoughts or ramblings.
We must keep her memory strong and alive, she'll smile
down at us for that and the world will be that much
better if her voice continues to SING OUT!  

Peace to you all,  Tom
*******************************************************

From: TMoorny

Millions of times (or more) I think about her:
The years, the tears, the laughter. Memories that warm me
like a sunny day made it feel so good to see the fanzine
in my in-box that day.

You just don't know, Richard and Walid, how good it
feels, how glad I am that  it's back. The 'zine's become
an old friend, and I ain't had enough yet. I save the
issues -- souvenirs? -- and re-read them
occasionally. The 'zine and its subscribers comprise a
heavenly community that loves the original Goddess of
Love as much as I do. You see, my devotion for Phyllis
runs deep, and obsession is its name. So when you get
right down to it, I'm under her spell. I celebrate
Phyllis daily.

Thanks, Tom Conroy, for turning me on to Phyllis imports
"You Know How to Love Me" and "Somewhere in My Lifetime."
As you point out, we still need "Goddess of Love" and
McCoy Tyner's "Lookin' Out."

I find some consolation in a tape a friend made me of
Pharoah Sanders' "Love Will Find a Way" and Tyner's
"Lookin' Out." Thanks to "One on One," we get Pharoah
Sanders (excluding the uninspired duet with Norman
Connors -- for whom I still have much love, but his voice
doesn't complement Phyllis'). But I still want CD-quality
"Lookin' Out" tracks, particularly the sensual yet
chilling "In Search of My Heart," my
nomination for Most Ominous Phyllis Cut.

And though Arista has yet re-release "Goddess of Love,"
through various compilations, every track on the album is
available on CD except -- "Goddess of Love."

And speaking of unavailable gems: Konta, you wrote in
Newsletter 23 that you own a copy of "The Kill Reflex." I
agree with you, though I've only seen excerpts, it's a
bad movie. But Phyllis -- she sho' looks good to me,
despite the blonde-hair thing -- is reason to own it. I
would kill, be willing to spend ridiculous amounts of
money (within in reason) for a copy. So, my fellow
Phyllis devotee, how 'bout hookin' a Brotha up? We can
talk privately.

Luckily, "Sacred Kind of Love" is still available on
Grover Washington Jr.'s "Time Out of Mind" but also on
his "Prime Cuts" greatest hits CD, released just before
he died. And "Black and Blue," the duet on Barry
Manilow's "Swing Street," is out there, too. I've still
got my "Sophisticated Ladies" cast album, but it doesn't
appear to be available anymore; at least I'm having
little luck finding it. Anybody know something? Also, my
video copy of the production (with Phyllis, Paula Kelly
and Hinton Battle; maybe I woulda liked it better with
Gregory Hines) got missing, and I'm not having any luck
replacing it. Can anybody help me there?

Anybody heard Rebbie Jackson attempt "I Don't Wanna Lose
You"? Found it on a "Best Of" collection.

And a friend and I checked out Jean Carne at a club
called SOB's in Manhattan's Greenwich Village. She was
beautiful. In tribute to Phyllis, one of her singers took
a decent turn at "Meet Me on the Moon." (The band,
all male, doubled as singers.) And, interestingly, for an
encore, she did "You Know How to Love Me" and had the
entire audience on its feet. Phyllis is forever loved.

Thanks again, Walid and Richard, for continuing to enrich
this community.

TONY MOOR
*******************************************************

From: Henry Blaine Gaffney III
Subject: A Celebration!

Hi Walid:

Glad to find you are back online with the Phyllis Hyman
new letter, we her loyal fans need to voice our opinions
and feelings about this great diva. I enjoy reading what
other's have to say and it's assures me that I not the
only Hyman addict!

Like Glenda Gracia I think we should celebrate her
birthday rather then the day she left us. It amazes me at
the number of fans that Phyllis has acquired since her
death. Those who were not familiar with her in life
have become fans of late. I have turned on so many people
to her music because I play the albums and the few cd's
of Ms. Hyman's music that I have all the time.

She seems to still get a lot of air play on the radio and
even Muzak has taken to playing her music. I was at work
one day and could not believe that I was hearing Hyman
over the PA system. Most recently today as a
matter of fact I was in the hospital and the lab
technician there was playing Phyllis' "Prime Of My Life"
on her cassette player. I commented that I was a fan and
we struck up a conversation about Phyllis. It seems that
her son had damaged her one of her Hyman tapes and she
was desperately trying to find a replacement. This is one
of the reasons I have been urging you to do all in your
power to see that Phyllis'
earlier works are re-released in their entirety! The
problem with Anthologies and "Greatest Hits" are that who
decides what songs should be included on them. I would
prefer to original copulation's as they contain
music that might not make it on the latter formats. Maybe
her fans and her estate can petition the record companies
to do this.

Lastly to Phyllis: I know you are looking in awe and
wonder, amazed by the numbers of admirers that you have.
You have left a void in our lives that can't ever be
filled. We love you and miss you terribly! Happy
Birthday Ms Hyman, I know one day I will be able to hear
you sing "live" again, until then I will have to be
satisfied with what you left us.

Blaine Gaffney
*******************************************************

From: Musicizbk

Hello, my name is Shae.  Before I start rambling I would
like to say I am in shock!! when the request came for
Phyllis Hyman lyrics, I laughed.  Why?
I thought they were in every one of her albums, and now
CD's.  So, I ran down to my music room, pulled out every
album, (with a smirk on my face), only to find I don't
have the album sleeves, well that's because
I kept my walls for years covered with them, along with
other favorites. The reason I thought I had them is
because I know every word to every song she's ever
recorded....that I could get my hands on.  As a vocalist,
I had several charts taken down for me of Phyllis Hyman.
I could never find the music, but it didn't occur to me
at the time, it wasn't released at all to the public.
She was one of the reasons I went to music school after
many years of paying for charts, I decided I needed to
learn them myself.

I have sang since the time I could talk.  Up until the
70's I sang anyone and everything, though none really
touched my heart and soul, I couldn't identify with them.
 Until one day while I was living in the Bay Area, and
visiting my home Los Angeles, a friend put on her first
albums of  "Phyllis Hyman." It literally took my breath
away, I was in amazement, I can't put
it into words what her voice did to me, I remember
playing the album over and over, lingering on every word
and sound she made.  Every note sent me
on a high.  I then started practicing her songs, singing
her songs, begging to here her music where ever I went.
I remember doing a show at Carlos and
Charlies in Los Angeles, and after a set, a young lady
walked up to me and said "after every song I kept waiting
here a Phyllis Hyman song"  It brought a tear to my eyes,
because each time I added one of her songs to my set,
someone would come up and say is that your song? or who
sings that song? it was incredible, very few times when I
said "Phyllis Hyman" did they know who I was talking
about.  I would do "Here's that Rainy Day" acappella for
auditions, and for shows, when I wanted to really set
people on I would do "Old Friend," "Gonna Make Changes"
or "Was Yesterday Such A. Long Time Ago," all I had
special charts done for.  Her voice cut down into your
soul, it lives you yearning for more.  How could they
not have known who she was? 

I only had the pleasure of seeing Phyllis once in
concert.  And it was a ticket given to me from one of the
other artists in the show, so I was backstage. Not a good
place to be.  But I had one goal only, and it was to meet
Phyllis.  I was so excited.  This was a dream come true.
But it wasn't a good night for her, she didn't want to
see anyone, and was very angry at everyone.  My heart was
broken.  But, I didn't tell anyone, I could never say
anything bad about her, and I didn't want them to know
something was wrong.  I didn't understand then.  But I do
now.  I too suffer from Bipolar/Manic Depression.  I was
diagnosed 9 years ago, 5 years before Phyllis decided to
go home.  I was given a ticket to see her New Year's Eve
at the Fox Theater in Atlanta, because everyone knew how
I felt about her, and I had needed a pick me up, so to
speak. I was suffering very bad that year, and decided I
would see her the next time she came through. There was
no next time.  I missed the chance of a lifetime.  But
since, I her learned to understand and love her more,
though the tears still fall sometimes. 

I have a 12 year old daughter born July 8, 1988, my
mother and friends to this day swear she looks more like
Phyllis than me. I used to ignore them, and thought they
were joking.  Until a few weeks ago.  I decided to
download and copy some pictures of Phyllis, (that you
provided, THANK YOU) and I was devastated the
similarities are scary.  Not only that.  I never
knew Phyllis'  birthday, only to discover she was born on
7/6 and my daughter Taylor on 7/8!  I will submit a
picture if would like.  So Strange.  I believe that her
spirit will live on forever.  There was only one Phyllis,
and no matter how many wonderful vocalist we have or have
had,.... and I have heard my share, NO ONE touches your
heart like PHYLLIS HYMAN. 

As I said in the beginning I was shocked to find that I
didn't have her  lyrics.  However, I do have every one of
them in my head and some on charts, and some of pieces of
paper.  I will try to start submitting some
of them, so that other fans can enjoy the words that she
shared with us. Because of my bipolar I stopped singing
for almost 10 years.  I too tried to take my life.  But
have come through with strength to start again.  I don't
know where this strength came from.  I don't take
medication, it only seemed to make me worse, the real me
got lost, I had no desire at all for
anything.  I don't advise not taking medication, it just
didn't work for me.  But I understand how our dear
Phyllis got lost.  I have come out of
the dark stronger.  And what ever I do with my music, it
will include Phyllis.  I had been approached to do a one
woman show about "Billie Holiday" and even "Josephine
Baker," I considered Billie only because I love her too,
but she has been over done, but my heart is saying
someone should spread the music and life of "Phyllis
Hyman."  I believe we found out more about Billie Holiday
after she was gone, and maybe we will have to do for
Phyllis what was done for Billie, since it
wasn't done while she was here.  Thank you for this
website, and the newsletter, it has become my lost
connection.  If you need anything from me
to spread the awareness and love of Phyllis just ask.

Deliver The Love,
Shae
*******************************************************

From: RRoBin511

I was about 16 years old, when I first remember hearing
the legendary Phyllis Hyman, even though I was young, and
did not understand her music to the fullest or should I
say deepest (because of not being mature enough).
I can recall hearing her voice over the airwaves, whether
it be from a passing car, on a subway platform, an
apartment building from Westchester to the Bronx and all
five boroughs as my girlfriends and I hopped the city.
It was a voice so angelic and demanding at the same time,
It just took you, ear and heart. Her music was of love,
hurt, pain and happiness, 

I finally got to see Ms. Hyman, sometime in the late eighties.
and there was a women so beautiful and of course I have
heard the rumors about her loneliness  and her problems with
finding a companion.  (That night I watched Phyllis, perform with
Grover Washington, and the Beacon Theater.) I said to
myself she is absolutely beautiful; she had grace and
style. She could never have any such problems.  Well
anyway, that night Phyllis was all that and more. She
just gave you her all and all, and left you speechless. I
said to myself she can have anybody or anything she
wanted not just because she was Beautiful but her
personality, her seeming to be so level headed and strong
in voice alone, would capture any heart.  Anyway when I
got older and learned to appreciate her music, Because I
too am a Beautiful woman who basically feels the same way
she did.  I respect her work so much, and you can bring
the Houstons, the Braxtons and the Carey's,   MS. PHYLLIS
HYMAN, IS AND I REPEAT IS THE DIVA OF ALL TIME.  

PEACE 
*********************************************************

From: Berry, Debra

I have listened to Phyllis Hyman ever since she started
to make records.
She sings my life out loud. What can I say, I loved her .
I saw her inside
and I understood her, yet I didn't know her personally.
If there was a
song that I could name that would fill my heart with joy
to hear, and that
would fill my eyes up with tears, it would be Old Friend.
When Phyllis
recorded that particular record, I had just gotten back
with an old friend,
and truly it was nice to welcome him back into my arms
again. I have about
5 Phyllis Hyman's CD's, and when I listen to them, I read
between the lines
that she wasn't very happy with her life, at that time I
could relate
because everything wasn't going so right in mine
"however,  at that time, I
wished that I was in the place to tell her how much she
had to live for.
How many people loved her and how many people that she
touched. I know,
because I'm one of those people. I am a singer, and
sometimes when I feel a
certain way I sing her songs, and play her music. Thanks
for this
opportunity to express myself in a way I've never done
for Phyllis, and
most of all Phyllis where ever you are, Thank You.

Thank God for PHYLLIS HYMAN, an angel that passed though
and touch me.

Sincerely,
Debra Berry
*********************************************************

Hi, I remember seeing Phyllis at the Front Row in
Cleveland Ohio. I saw what I thought was one of the most beautiful
woman in the world. My girl friend at the time said" forget it Clinton
you'll never get within ten yards of her," My sister lived in New York
and worked at NBC at the time and promised to introduce me to her.
I waited but was never called to come
and meet Phyllis. My sister later told me she had not
returned to NBC when she was supposed to. I later told her after
her death that I didn't care when or what date, I would have been
there. I loved Phyllis Hyman, I was in church when the news of her
death came to me and for a second I thought I was only a dream.

Thanks for the Newsletter and the information about the
up coming event, good luck and please keep me informed of
anything about someone who is always on
my mind. Below are only two of the many songs by Phyllis
Hyman that I love. Only wish I could find them.
"Far To Distant Love"
"Goddess Of Love"

Thanks,
Clint
*********************************************************

From: Sherita Martin

I want to tell you thanx so much for having this site.
Phyllis Hyman means the world to me. I am 23 years old and
was raised off of Phyllis. My mom was a band singer at the time
and she loves phyllis, has all these autographed
pictures of her and I know almost every song of hers by
ear. She was an amazing woman and will continue to be in my heart.
There are really two songs that changed my life and I ran in to your site
looking for the lyrics. 1. is 25 miles to Anywhere. (Its a place were
dreamers go there is no pain and no sorrow) and Just another face in the
crowd. These songs mean so much to me. Why, I don't know, I am just
touched. My mother moved to Texas about a month ago and I miss even
to this day her playing the records.
Maybe you can build a lyrics page, well I haven't yet
checked if you did yet because I automatically emailed you.
 I am babbling I know.

The day Phyllis died I remember I was 18 and my mother
called me in tears and I was so scared I thought she was hurt.
When she told me Phyllis was dead I told her to calm down and everything
would be alright. I then cried as if my soul was being tortured. All the
memories of my mothers face when she sang her songs, me holding
anything for a mic to mimic flashed before my eyes. I was hurt cause
she gave up on us. I was hurt because she hurt my
mother. I was hurt cause she was gone. I wish Phyllis
knew how many women admired her. I think she is beautiful. I still look at
all her album covers. I look in her eyes to see if I can see the pain.
I can. I love you Phyllis and I hope you are at Peace.

Oh yeah no one, and I mean NO ONE, sings Betcha By Golly
Wow like her

peace
*********************************************************
 

From: Arnetta Scott


You may remember my letter several months ago -- I'm the
one who saw Phyllis in Seattle a few weeks before her departure.  I
want to thank you both for the updates.  I was in the local Borders
bookstore just yesterday looking for some new music from Phyllis
because I have worn my nine CDs out!!!!!!!!!!

I've become a much better "backup" singer, having learned
every word, breath and beat of her music.  Sometimes I feel her
singing in front and behind me!!!   Can you believe that?

Anyway, for the last few days she has been on my mind --
knowing the dates and expecting that someone, somewhere
outside of Washington state must be remembering, celebrating or both.

I'm glad to hear about the projects, the film [I met
Nancy Wilson here in Seattle on New Year's eve 1997-98 and we
briefly chatted about Phyllis]
I am in total anticipation of this event!!!

Phyllis remains a large part of my life both spiritually
and in the flesh simply because I did get "smitten" so close to her
untimely death and definitely felt all the things that the others shared in
their letters this time.

People, who see me with my headset on at work and the
large number of her records I carry around in my CD cases, think I am
totally obsessed, but truthfully, I am honoring myself in satisfying that part
of me that gets so soul-pleased by her sounds.

As sick as it sounds, I still think I, too, could have
made a difference in her life -- if only I could have reached her.   Now, I
know that I have, we have.  Because of my very strong spiritual beliefs, the
confirmations from many years of feeling and knowing the pain of others,
hearing that someone else is really "empathetic"  -- that is real and not just
our imaginations.
 
I would have told her how right she is, how really and
truly we must, absolutely, must trust ourselves regardless of what
others say, do, don't say or don't do.    Phyllis, have your heard me?  
Have you taken notice from your position in the universe?

Thanks, again -- for the Lighthouse, that brought me back
from the sea.
It is well.

Sincerely,
Arnetta Scott
****************************************
 

From: Oes289nj


It was my pleasure to see Ms Hyman at the Beacon Theater
in NYC in 1993 (I think it was ), I was blown away, mesmerized,
and forever a fan. She appeared in a cloud of smoke in black with
that black feathered head piece..  WOW.

I saw her subsequently at BAM in Brooklyn, where she
appeared to be in a hurry to go somewhere and stated as such from the
stage, she then had Tony Terry follow her on stage. Looking back
now make me pause and wonder. I still think there is/was no other....

I find the newsletter very, very painful to go through,
but yet strangely comforting.. I would love to comment more often,
but like most readers.. it requires so much anguish.

Keep up the work
Mike. B
*********************************************************

From: MsLace2K

As I sit listening to the CD, "Loving You, Losing You" by
the late, great mesmerizing Phyllis Hymen, I find myself questioning why
is there so little available about this "phenomenal woman."  Your site is
virtually the only outlet to learning about her.  Even the Whispers
production was a great stepping stone of introducing the world to the life of
Ms. Hyman.  But I strongly feel that so much more MUST be done.

I first became introduced to Ms. Hymen back in the early
80's and I have been a fan of hers every since.  I think the news of her
death stunned everyone, but must that be the only thing that people
remember about her. There was a woman who lived a life before death. 
I mean, her life was not all pain...there were some moments she was happy. 
 I feel that those are the moments that people should come to know. 
Yes, love lost is what she sung about.  But she touched so many lives
significantly. I  believe that's worth celebrating. 
    
Take care and God bless.
********************************************************

From: RASHIDAK

May I say how glad I am to receive this issue of the
newsletter around the time of Phyllis Hyman's birthday.  Just wanted to share
the following experience I had.  My daughter came home for a long
holiday break from summer school at Duke University in Durham,N.C.. So, of
course while I was at work, my 20 year old must have been playing my stereo,
because after she was gone back to school, I decided to just turn on some
music and low and behold, as I was in the shower preparing for going to
work, I hear a Phyllis Hyman CD come on.  Well, it looks like
the legacy is continuing into the next generation.  Likewise, my child
has an interview at a location radio station in Durham to be on the air.
Hope this is a sign of things to come.  Usually, I don't like for CD's
to be left in the player, but this time, all I could do  was smile and
smile some more.  May the spirit of Phyllis Hyman live on in my child's
heart......

Margaret , aka Rashida's Mom in New York..........
*********************************************************

From: "Anderson, Shinetta"

Hi Walid

I was beginning to think that you guys had taken me off
your email list. Let me start off by staying HELLO to all of
the other fans and what a delight it is to belong to such group. I recently
purchase one of PHYLLIS cds with following titles
1) BETCHA BY GOLLY,WOW,
2) SOMEWHERE IN MY LIFETIME,
3) KISS YOU ALL OVER ...which is my favorite,
4) BUT I LOVE YOU,
5) COMPLETE ME
6) JUST TWENTY FIVE MILES TO ANYWHERE
7) YOU KNOW HOW TO LOVE ME
8) JUST ANOTHER FACE IN THE CROWD
9) CANT WE FALL IN LOVE AGAIN
10) YOUR MOVE, MY HEART
AND LAST ON THE LIST IS RIDING THE TIGER.

I have had the hardest time just trying to find any of the music
that I currently do not have, seems like I keep running into stores that
have the same cds/types. Is there a website that I can visit to obtain
all of PHYLLIS music?

I have been a fan of PHYLLIS way before your death and I
haven't found anyone else who likes your music thus far. Everyone tends
to say and think that this is the saddest music they have ever heard and
she really must have been in a great deal of pain to make such
songs. I only agree with them when they say she must have had a great deal of
pain, but I can actually relate. Each and every song...well maybe I
shouldn't say all of her songs...she tended to put others first in her life
and needed what we all need LOVE, ATTENTION AND AFFECTION but she wasn't
sure as to where to find it. She really did get into her music and I will
always be a fan of PHYLLIS. Please let me know where I may purchase the
latest and greatest of our fallen star. Thanks and talk to you later. 

NE0TTA L. ANDERSON
*********************************************************

From: DeranY2K

I cannot express how I felt when I read the AP story on
June 30, 1995..My stomach never sank so low..Ms. Hyman's
music made a major impact on my life,starting from when I
first heard "Loving you, Losing you" in late 70s.
Throughout the 80s, I was living in DC where she was
favorite in the DC music scene. Sadly a concert at the
Bushnell Theatre in Hartford, CT was cancelled that I had
planned to see her perform in 1987. Her music, her style,
her voice will never, ever be duplicated. I wish she
would have know how much her fans loved her. Thank you
very much for this website. It's been nice to connect
with her fan base.

*********************************************************
From: FoxyBrownYk2

I must say that I'm proud to see that some have given
some thought about Phyllis Hyman. My opinion of Phyllis'
talent is in which no singer could even compare. She gave
every song something personal and deep, almost like
she was telling her story. I can remember one day driving
down the freeway in Houston Texas and Magic 102 played
Meet Me on The Moon. Never have I every heard anyone put
so much heart and soul into a song, it was a moment
that I'll always remember. Yes, I am one of those
faithful Phyllis Fans, me and Phyllis Saturday mornings
on the Pacific. Thank you so much for making
this possible. This is truly and opportunity for all of
the fans to praise our forgotten DIVA.
*********************************************************

That's it for this issue. Before I sign off, I would like
to apologize to all the people who sent me e-mails or
signed the PH guestbook during the last few months and
did not get a reply from me. Due to personal and
work-related circumstances I have not had much time to
spend on-line and as a result, I was unable to send
e-mails to everyone who wrote in. I am genuinely sorry
about this!

 
Happy Birthday, Phyllis!!!!!
 
Walid Itayim
Editor - PH Internet Newsletter