Phyllis Hyman on "making it"

Phyllis Hyman (1949-1995) was an extraordinary singer out of Pittsburgh. She broke through into stardom in 1979 with the incredible song "You Know How to Love Me." Phyllis was one of those singers whose fame never rose to the level of her talent. Her voice was Whitney or Mariah-level great, but, as most musicians know, talent is only a part of the equation. Timing, image, management, the type of backing you get from a record label...all play into what we call "fame". (For more on this, watch 20 Feet From Stardom). Still, Phyllis enjoyed an incredible career by any standard. She was known all over the world and was signed to major record labels. But she suffered many notable setbacks during her career, both professionally and personally. Phyllis was notoriously troubled romantically. She talked about it openly in interviews. She used pain as fuel: "I sing about pain real well. Give me the painful tunes. I can make that work." In 1994, Phyllis was found dead by suicide in her apartment, age 45. Check out the incredible posthumous release "I Refuse To Be Lonely". Phyllis was interviewed on The Mike Douglas Show, 1979. @phyllishyman

Added 31 Jul 2026