Phyllis Hyman was a powerhouse in the music industry, celebrated for her soulful voice and emotional depth.

However, her life was marked by struggles that ultimately led to her tragic and mysterious death.

Before her passing, Hyman reportedly attempted to warn the world about the darker side of the music business, particularly focusing on the controversial figure Clive Davis.

This article explores Hyman’s life, her tumultuous relationship with Davis, and the ongoing discussions surrounding her legacy.

 

Born on July 6, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Phyllis Hyman showed musical talent from an early age.

She began her career in the 1970s, gaining recognition for her powerful vocals and stage presence.

Hyman released several successful albums, including “Goddess of Love” and “Somewhere in My Lifetime,” earning a loyal fan base who appreciated her artistry.

 

Despite her success, Hyman faced significant personal challenges.

She battled mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and depression, which affected her career and relationships.

Hyman was open about her struggles, often using her music as an outlet for her pain.

However, the pressures of fame and the music industry took a toll on her mental well-being.

As Hyman’s career progressed, she became increasingly vocal about the darker aspects of the music business.

Her relationship with Clive Davis, the legendary music executive, became a focal point of her concerns.

Hyman accused Davis of exploiting artists and manipulating their careers for his benefit.

She claimed that he stifled her creative freedom and pushed her into a mold that did not align with her true self.

 

The release of her album “Goddess of Love” in 1983 marked a turning point in her relationship with Davis.

While the album was well-received by fans, it also signaled the beginning of a rift between Hyman and Davis.

Following its release, Hyman refused to perform any songs from the album, a decision she made to assert her independence and dissatisfaction with Davis’s control over her career.

 

Phyllis Hyman’s life came to a tragic end on June 30, 1995, when she was found dead in her apartment in New Jersey.

The official cause of death was ruled as suicide, but many fans and friends questioned the circumstances surrounding her passing.

Hyman had spoken openly about her struggles with mental health, leading some to believe that her death was a result of her ongoing battles rather than a deliberate act.

 

In the years following her death, conspiracy theories emerged, suggesting that Hyman’s passing was not a suicide but rather a result of foul play, possibly linked to her warnings about Clive Davis and the music industry.

These theories fueled discussions about the treatment of artists, particularly Black women, in the industry and raised questions about the pressures they face.

 

Phyllis Hyman’s legacy is complex and multifaceted.

She is remembered not only for her incredible talent but also for her struggles and the challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white industry.

Her music continues to resonate with fans, and her story serves as a cautionary tale about the darker side of fame.

 

Hyman’s life and career highlight the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the entertainment industry.

Many artists, like Hyman, grapple with the pressures of success, often leading to devastating consequences.

The conversations surrounding her legacy have prompted a broader discussion about the need for support systems for artists and the importance of addressing mental health issues openly.

Clive Davis’s reputation has been marred by allegations of misconduct and exploitation.

While he is celebrated as a music industry mogul, his relationship with artists has come under scrutiny.

Many have accused him of prioritizing profit over the well-being of the artists he represents.

Hyman’s experiences with Davis serve as a stark reminder of the power dynamics that exist in the music industry and the potential for exploitation.

 

In recent years, discussions about Davis’s legacy have intensified, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement and increased awareness of systemic issues within the industry.

Artists are increasingly speaking out about their experiences, challenging the status quo, and advocating for change.

 

Phyllis Hyman’s story is one of talent, struggle, and tragedy.

Her warnings about the music industry and the challenges she faced resonate with many artists today.

As we remember her legacy, it is crucial to continue the conversation about mental health, the treatment of artists, and the need for accountability within the industry.

 

Hyman’s music remains a powerful testament to her artistry, and her life serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in the face of adversity.

As we reflect on her legacy, may we strive to create a more supportive environment for artists, ensuring that their voices are heard and their struggles acknowledged.

Phyllis Hyman may be gone, but her spirit lives on through her music and the lessons learned from her life.

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Phyllis Heyman warned us about Clive Davis before her mysterious demise but here’s the thing Phyllis wasn’t just trying to save herself she was on a mission to protect others in the industry including Whitney Houston however the circumstances surrounding phyllis’s passing were suspicious and somehow all fingers pointed back to Clive Davis who she worked with for almost a decade but what really happened to Phyllis Hyman and why was Clive Davis caught up at the center of these rumors well grab a snack and let’s talk about

00:32
it so when you uh get ready to record um how do you go about looking for songs that you’re going to do well most songwriters know the kind of music that I do and we get a nice collection of of of things um and I just choose things by the way I feel I like songs that have stories to them um that have a beginning a middle and an end I’m I’m heart pressed to sing about baby I love you don’t you love me too you know I love you baby come on baby I can’t really sing that nor do I have an easy time singing about love I’m in love I’ll

01:12
always love you oh we’re going to be happy forever I have a difficult time with that kind of word because that’s not true it’s a lie it’s not true for me so um I don’t really like to sing about that very much although there are a couple songs on the album there’s one tune called I Found Love when I looked into your eyes there it was that is such a lie that is such a lie for so many years and you are an artist I mean you sing it can you say this on the air pisses me off I think you can it makes me big time you just said it it makes me big time