Phyliss hyman biography

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Those of you that I love know who you are. Almost immediately she began to find work at least intermittently as a vocalist, and by 1974 she had formed her own band, Phyllis Hyman and the PH Factor.

“You Know How to Love Me”

In 1978, Arista Records acquired Buddah Records, which began Hyman’s relationship with legendary executive Clive Davis.

A commanding physical presence and riveting stage performer, Hyman was a tragic figure beset by personal troubles. Jazz? It is a beautiful and haunting record of the emotional pain that fueled the life, and untimely death of this complex and extraordinarily gifted artist. We’re looking back at the life and career of the soulful diva who left us way too soon.

A Talented Teenager

Phyllis Linda Hyman was born on July 7, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

She won a spot in Broadway's Duke Ellington revue Sophisticated Ladies, and once again flourished in a role where her talent as a live performer could be showcased. Hyman said the demands of her career left her with little time for romance, something, she said made her life very lonely. She continued to struggle with addiction to food, alcohol and cocaine, which lead to a painful cycle of weight gain, depression and financial struggles.

“Being a woman in this industry is very lonely,” she said in an interview.

Hyman’s therapist, Dr. Portia Hunt told ‘Unsung’ that after observing her shift between periods of extreme highs and lows over a period of time, she diagnosed her with bipolar disorder.

In 1986, Dr. Hunt convinced Hyman to enter treatment to help her deal with her reliance on alcohol and cocaine.

Maybe I do need and want a man."

At the time, though, the singer was very much occupied with her still-growing career. But maybe I'm wrong. Investigators found a note Hyman wrote on the scene, which read, ”I’m tired. Whether it was one of her ballads like “Somewhere in My Lifetime” or an uptempo track like “You Know How to Love Me,” her voice was undeniably unique and kept audiences wanting more.

She also sang jingles for popular brands like Sasson Jeans, Clairol and Burger King.

Inducted: 1996

The late Phyllis Hyman was one of Philadelphia’s most gifted vocalists. Alexander became Hyman’s manager and eventually her husband. Hyman was nominated for a Tony award in 1981, and remained with the cast of the show for three years.

Hyman died tragically of a drug overdose on June 30, 1995, just six days before her 46th birthday.