Phyllis Hyman was a remarkable talent whose voice captivated audiences but whose life was marked by profound struggles.

Born on July 6, 1949, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Hyman was the first child of Philip Hyman, an army veteran, and Louise Lively, a waitress.

Her family expanded quickly, and Phyllis became the eldest of seven siblings.

Her father’s declining health and heavy drinking, coupled with her mother’s mental health issues, created a chaotic household.

Despite the turmoil, Phyllis developed a commanding presence and a powerful voice that would eventually earn her fame.

However, her journey was not without obstacles.

Phyllis attended Car High School, where she joined the school choir.

Her towering 6-foot frame and striking talent made her stand out, but the spotlight was intimidating.

Though she loved singing, her family never encouraged her to pursue it seriously.

After high school, she joined a vocal group called Sounds of Ebony, which helped ease her into performing.

Despite persistent stage fright, she earned a scholarship to Robert Morris College, becoming the first recipient for music.

Phyllis’s choir teacher, David Tambur, recognized her potential and provided private lessons, helping her refine her image.

However, she eventually left college, took a job as a secretary, and began indulging in heavy drinking and pills.

Her career took off when she joined a touring group called the New Directions, but self-doubt haunted her.

Phyllis often felt she wasn’t good enough, which hindered her progress in the music industry.

In 1973, she moved to Miami, where she began performing at various venues.

It was during this time that she caught the attention of renowned choreographer Bob Fosse, who offered her a cameo in a film.

This opportunity marked a turning point in her career, but Phyllis struggled with insecurities about her talent.

By 1974, she started her own band, the PH Factor, but her relationship with her boyfriend Larry Alexander complicated her career.

Despite her struggles, Phyllis secured a record deal with Desert Moon Records, but the direction of her music didn’t align with her vision.

She was pressured to sing trendy disco tunes, while her heart lay in jazz and R&B.

In December 1975, Phyllis moved to New York City, where she gained a long-term gig at Rust Brown’s nightclub.

Composer Norman Connors noticed her talent and invited her to record for his upcoming album.

This collaboration led to her first big break, but the pressure to conform to industry standards weighed heavily on her.

Phyllis signed with Buddha Records, where she was promised creative control, but soon found herself struggling to fit into the label’s

expectations.

Her self-titled album received mixed reviews, and despite touring, it failed to achieve commercial success.

By 1978, her relationship with Larry was deteriorating, and the pressures of the industry began to take their toll.

Phyllis’s second album, “Sing a Song,” was released, but it failed to chart, further contributing to her feelings of inadequacy.

In 1979, she released “You Know How to Love Me,” which peaked at number 10 on the R&B charts but didn’t meet her expectations.

Clive Davis, the head of Arista Records, saw potential in Phyllis but struggled to understand her artistic vision.

Their conflicting desires led to tension, with Phyllis craving control over her career while Clive wanted commercial success.

As her struggles continued, Phyllis turned to substances to cope with her anxiety and fear of failure.

In 1980, she auditioned for a Broadway show but self-sabotaged due to her insecurities.

Despite her talent, Phyllis found it difficult to navigate the pressures of the industry, leading to further isolation.

Her marriage to Larry ended, and she faced increasing loneliness.

By the early 1990s, Phyllis’s mental health deteriorated, and she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

In 1991, her album “Prime of My Life” gave her a brief resurgence, but her behavior became increasingly erratic.

She struggled to manage her personal and professional life, often arriving late to performances or failing to remember her lines.

Phyllis’s addiction worsened, and after a series of personal setbacks, including the death of her mother, she spiraled further into despair.

On June 30, 1995, Phyllis Hyman was found dead in her apartment at the age of 45.

The coroner ruled her death an overdose of sleeping pills, but the underlying causes ran much deeper.

In her final note, she wrote, “I’m tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”

Phyllis Hyman’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the struggles many artists face behind the scenes.

Her incredible talent was overshadowed by personal demons, leaving behind a legacy that resonates with those who understand the

complexities of fame.

While her life ended tragically, her music continues to inspire and touch the hearts of many.

Phyllis Hyman’s journey highlights the importance of mental health awareness in the entertainment industry.

Her legacy is a call to recognize the pressures artists face and the need for compassion and support.