Sun, Nov 22, 2009
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Name:
huey
Comment: im headed to barnes and noble as soon as i get off today. luv my girl phillis till the day i die. went by philly international records for a tour a few months ago, my feet were in the same place that phyllis would travel many times to record and share laughs with gamble and huff. great pictures in there as well. a must stop if u are ever in the city of brotherly luv and sister affection.
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Name:
OPALEZE
Comment: Phyllis was an awesome sister - i realated to here deeply as i was going through a relentless divorce and as sisters know - that is an alone time. I had the pleasure of meeting her personally when the "Cotton Club" movie came out and the Cotton Club dancers, Greg Hines and her were doing a segment, being taped at club "70West". Through all her pain she was a very approachable person. If she was still alive, she'd be a bigger light. I thank God for her and her work!
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Name:
leeneepoo
Comment: I pre-ordered Hyman's book for my daughter when the story first came to light. My daughter called me and said that this book is filled with detailed events and its a truly interesting read. She said the first paragraph/chapter is filled with emotions and that it was hard for her to put the book down. I can't wait to read it myself.
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Name:
born2sing65
Comment: I can't wait to get my copy. I loved Phyllis. She was an awesome talent and I don't say that about many folks.
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Name:
Etteval
Comment: I am getting my copy today - this Pittsburgh Girl luvs some Phyllis Hyman, I am crying right now listening to Living All Alone. There is none like her. There never will be. All of us can relate to pain we feel and hear in her songs.
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Name:
5thSymphony
Comment: I am going to the store this weekend!! I hear you Etteval, I cry whenever I hear Living All Alone and I Refuse to be Lonely. That voice....
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Name:
michaelollieclayton
Comment: HUEY, apparently I responded too late for you to see my response last week. Yes, I am that guy who used to hang out at Langley's Officers' Club. I was married to then Captain Yvonne Cagle (now a Colonel on inactive reserve, and an astronaut with NASA-she is head of the medical team). But honestly, I don't recall anyone named Huey, perhaps because that's a 'net hook. I was actually thrown because that was so long ago. Anyway, you can hit me at moclayton@bellsouth.net to refresh my memory, 'cause my curiosity is piqued like a mu'fugger! As for Phyllis, I will never forget Patti Labelle coming out during the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans and announcing Hyman's suicide. It was like a tsunami hit the audience. But what compounded it all the more for me was my lack of ANY negative information about her personal life. As a naive fan, I wrongly assumed she led the life of a goddess. Over the years, I've been shown otherwise. My sister, who knew some folks who knew Phyllis personally, said she got the hellllll used out of her by people she trusted, and that she was betrayed time and again by her suitors. Nonetheless, NOBODY can take "Old Friend," "Living All Alone," "You Know How To Love Me," "Can't We Fall In Love Again," among others out of my mind or off my hard drive. And NOBODY will ever take that elegant, elegant, elegant performance she gave in Spike Lee's "School Daze" away from me. Phyllis lives in my heart!
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Name:
NYCsoul
Comment: I'm going to pick up this book. I can totally relate to her struggle with mental illness. I, myself, was diagnosed 8 years ago with major/clinical depression. I have been therapy(talk) every since and it has been a blessing. I sympathize with people who have mental/chemical abuse issues because there is some real hurt going on inside of person. Especially, if you feel you are helpless to change your situation. This is the way Phyllis probably felt. Her taking her own life....I can understand it. Vibe did a great 7 page article on her several years ago. Her sister Ann spoke at length about her in this article. I'm glad to see a book finally come out about Phyllis. I also wanted to know why she chose to pose nude early on and did that also have some affect on her career.
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Name:
SpecialK
Comment: I will definitely buy this book. She was taken from us waaaaay too soon!
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Name:
TAZBABY
Comment: Loved me some Phyllis Hyman and remember how I felt when I heard she had committed sucide. I will be buying this book. What a Voice this Woman had.
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Name:
Sun_Chick
Comment: Love me some Phyllis! I will getting the book asap. I wish she was still with us to share some more beautiful melodies to chill out with...Miss you Ms Hyman.
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Name:
RealGAPeach
Comment: Man I love me some Phyllis. An absolutely awesome voice!!
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Name:
PLUGG62225
Comment: How's this for ironic. I just put Phyllis's Legacy collection on my mp3 player this morning and was sitting here listening to her when I check out EUR for my daily Ebony news and low and behold. I love Phyllis so much. Such a neglected black treasure. When she sings, I'm suspended on every phrase, note, nuance, tone. And such a presence. My first exposure to her was in the movie Do the Right Thing. Man, love at first sight.
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Name:
Southernbelle
Comment: I'll pick this one up this weekend. This is a must have in my collection.
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Name:
PLUGG62225
Comment: My bad, School Daze; thanks mike. Maybe I should read all the posts before I post, but so much love Phyllis.
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Name:
PLUGG62225
Comment: Everyone is talking about picking this up. But I check both BN and Borders websites and neither have the book yet. Let me know if you anyone has any luck finding it.
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Name:
listen2me
Comment: How dare those publishers decide that this woman's life and story wasn't worth telling. I assume most of those publishers were YT. Phyllis has a lot of fans. Many of us were disappointed that she committed suicide and assumed she lead of fabulous life and couldn't understand why she did it. I could relate to her pain. You could feel it in her voice and song choices. Maybe the book won't be a Best Seller but it will do quite well.
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Name:
SpecialK
Comment: It's kinda weird but I can remember exactly where I was when I heard that she committed suicide. I thought it was kinda strange that two stations here in DC were playing the same song at the same time then I switched to two other stations and they were all playing her music too. My heart stopped for a minute. Felt like I lost a family member. Her music touched my soul.
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Name:
listen2me
Comment: >PLUGG62225 In the article, it gives the website where you can buy the book- www.phyllishymanstory.com/
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Name:
adifferentpath
Comment: http://www.phyllishymanstory.com/
where to go to purchase the book!
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Name:
GHank
Comment: As a collector of music historian books, I too, must get this book. And since I got a couple of coupons from Barnes & Nobles, I will be using them.
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Name:
zimrod
Comment: I guess we'll all be "meeting Phyllis on the moon." She was a very special individual and her music moved a lot of people. I remember meeting her backstage after a performance at the Village Gate (NYC) in the late 80's (she was very approachable). And I too remember exactly where I was when I heard she had taken her life; she left us much too soon. I look forward to reading the book.
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Name:
dcdouglass01
Comment: "Living All Alone" is one of those songs I can put on repeat and listen all day long. Phyllis, as this song and others demonstrate, had the ability to put raw emotion into her songs. I too will most likely get the book, as I read many more biographical books than fiction. I didn't know that she attempted suicide thrice. The oldest of my five sisters did the same thing, and like Phyllis, succeeded (if you can call it that) on the 3rd attempt. So I know what that type of pain and struggle looks like from the close up view my sister gave me.
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Name:
DCGG
Comment: I ain't buying this bullshyt...the bytch ain't never even met Phyllis, hell I met her at Blues Alley back in the 80's...I'll wait until her Estate sanctions a movie or book....
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Name:
PBF_19
Comment: I brought this book and it is definitely has been an interesting read. I haven't finished but I love it. RIP Phyllis Hyman.
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Name:
MOTHERSHIP
Comment: I'm reading this book now and I must say Jason did stay true to her spirit. A damn good read. She was straight up all the way and this is how Jason delivered it, straight no chaser! Phyllis, bruh did ya proud.
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Name:
MOTHERSHIP
Comment: DCGG, Phyllis was my homegirl, and Jason nailed it.
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Name:
Gurlfrand
Comment: It would be great if Spike Lee could direct a bio of her life - what actress could play this role with depth, character, and, singing abilities?
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Name:
MOTHERSHIP
Comment: Gurlfraund, the only one I can think of is Rachelle Ferrell. Rachelle got her start in Phyllis' band. Her tonation and texture may be somewhat similar to Phil's. Yeah, Rachelle Ferrell.
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Name:
Nicro878
Comment: I remember Ms. Hyman! I went to see her in concert many years ago and still remember how powerful her voice was and how beautifully she was dressed! It was a great concert! I feel for the publishers who turned down the offer to publish this man's book because many, many people will be there to buy it!! Ms. Hyman has a huge fan base to this day. Especially those in their 50's, 40's and maybe even 30 year olds! We're a force to be reckoned with!!! LOL!
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Name:
dcdouglass01
Comment: I think you'd need an actress to play Phyllis. Then let them lip synch (the way Jamie Foxx did i "Ray").
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Name:
kamichijackson
Comment: I write all the time about my struggles with depression, being vs. not being medicated, feeling that no one understands my creativity, always being "on the cusp" of literary greatness but constantly experiencing the frustration of having my talents ignored. I remember bawling like a baby when she died because I felt for her. Even now it brings tears to my eyes, and I think of her often as I deal with my own mental health issues, many of which are compounded by the fact that my soul goes unsatisfied because my work goes unnoticed. I can't wait to read this book...
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Name:
MzTee
Comment: It's about dang time a book was published on Phyllis Hyman's life. I definitely will pick up a copy. She is my all-time favorite contemporary/secular singer. I likes me some Gladys, Patti, Chaka, and Vesta; but, no one moves me like Phyllis. I'm not a big fan of covers, but her version of the classic Stylistics "Betcha By Golly Wow" is beyond incredible. And don't get me started on "Living All Alone" -- just pure unadultered raw passion and emotion. I just shiver thinking about. Her stage presence was totally off the hook. Sistagirl was a diva supreme and totally commanded the stage. Damn, I miss her voice.
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Name:
beboyz
Comment: dcdouglass01 _ Do you live under a rock??? Jamie didn't lip-sync shat in Ray He was actually singing Dumbazz.
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Name:
rre1239
Comment: phyllis was so beautiful, she could have been a model. go to phyllis hyman www pages and go to photo gallery. there are some beautiful pictures of her.
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Name:
Teigh
Comment: I remember when Phyllis just showed up at the jackie Robinson afternoon of Jazz Festival (boy were those great)...I also remember being in Harlem (right where I live) when she died. We just couldn't make up our mind if we wanted to go to the show. It was Phyliss & the Whispers. We decided next time and we were all just off 125th street when the news broke. The great Nancy Wilson always said that she wished she tied up Phyliss in the studio to make her sing Cole Porter songs. That voice -- her true calling was jazz but she wanted the success of Mary J (at the time)...very tragic. We even went to her memorial service, which was in Midtown. I'm also sure there is a better chance of finding this book on Amazon.com as opposed to Barnes & Noble. It also sounds like her estate sanctioned the book -- too bad it took them so long to come around. That God for that brothers diligence.
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Name:
Teigh
Comment: Actually Phyliss did model and a friend of mine has the magazine feturing her nude shoot. I can not remember which magazine it was.
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Name:
Teigh
Comment: opaleze> 70 West -- now that is straight up 80's and I spent many a night in there!!!!
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Name:
dcdouglass01
Comment: Actually beboyz, it's you who live under a rock. Must I serve it up to you on a platter? Guess so. Here you go, young man: http://reeltimes.blogspot.com/2004/11/ray.html
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Name:
Capricorn_queen
Comment: Gurlfrand> I think Queen Latifah will be the perfect person for the role as far as looking like her but to choose someone that might have felt her pain and knew what she was going through, I say Mary J Blige or Macy Gray..Macy is bipolar, Mary is undiagnosed
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Name:
MOTHERSHIP
Comment: Teigh, the magazine was OUI. The book was sanctioned by her estate and Jason talked to her brothers and sisters, neices, etc. Phyllis and I were alot alike. She never compromised and she definitely didn't settle. Told like it is/was and loved a good hang out/party.
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Name:
Peekiebear
Comment: I remember Ms. hyman as an extremely talented, if at times overwrought vocalist. I always picked up that something was wrong in her life, and so it was bipolar disorder. Well, I can tell you that I've got more alcoholism and mental illness in my family than what Phyllis had, but I was lucky not to have4 had any such disorders. But I have worked with people with bipolar disorder, and it is still the single most difficult mental disorder to treat- even for psychiatrists. Getting the right "blend" of medications is very much an individual thing. These sufferers love their "highs" because that is when they are often at their best- they can be very bright, sunny, talented, etc. And this is ALWAYS when they stop taking their meds because they don't want anyone or anything leveling off this incredible high. The length of time that someone stays in this state can vary- from a week or two to many years. Actress Margaret Sullavan was in her "high" state for 20 years! Of course, she was also extremely argumentative, impatient- simply impossible. Indeed, the meds "level them out" and they certainly don't want that. They can also be foolish, too-trusting (as Ms. Hyman could be), etc. Coming down from this place, they become more depressed, irritable, quick to anger, etc.
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Name:
jazzfan
Comment: It's got to be hell to be a true artist. You will never be as popular as "pop" phenomenons - there are thousands of females who sing better than Janet Jackson or Rhianna or Beyonce. Jimi Hendrix only had one "hit" recording. And while you're concentrating on making art, there are vultures around you picking your pockets. It's like the cliche : what's good is not always popular, and what's popular is not always good.
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Name:
LAgold
Comment: To DCGG the book is hardly "bullshyt". I have read it and it is sanctioned by Phyllis Hyman's family and the executor of her estate. They are all quoted liberally throughout the book and along with music industry insider, they provide a very eye opening account of Ms. Hyman's life. You get a clearer understanding of why she never enjoyed the kind of success that seemed apparent for someone with her incredible and unique talent. I got my copy through www.soulmusicstore.com
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Name:
duckapoo
Comment: I will never forget the day that I saw Phyllis Hyman live in concert. It was at a downtown outdoor festival at about 1:30 pm. The beauty of that woman and the perfection of her voice will stay with me always. She died much too young. It would be beautiful if someone did do a movie. Someone of the calibur of Lonette McKee would be excellent to play her, though she would have to be younger.
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Name:
MOTHERSHIP
Comment: Her birthday party at the Blue Note when she told one of her band members "she's an equal opportunity employer. And if he ain't like it, hey..." She was speaking about Black folks, you know, only the folks would understand. Dude got testy and took offense and Phyllis had to tell him. You work for me, I don't work for you in that sense. That was a night.
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Name:
reflection
Comment: I first saw Phyllis Hyman in School Daze and I was really struck by her incredible voice and beauty. My older brother was a fan of hers so I heard some of her music through him. She was a talented woman who never got the attention that some of her contemporaries did, which I think is a shame. I would like to read the book and hopefully it does her justice!
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Name:
AlwaysaDem
Comment: beboyz, don't encourage those who have nothing relevant to contribute to the discussion.
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Name:
adifferentpath
Comment: the book is only avail thru the site mentioned in the article and the estate approves of the book (in the article...it's mentioned). peace
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Name:
laveece
Comment: "Wouldn't you know it, I finally arrived, made a good life for myself, got it together, feel mighty strong, making for a better life
Gonna make changes, gonna make minds aware.
Moving together willing to share, there's power in the mass, collectively we can win,
Gonna make changes,gonna make changes gonna make changes...
Feel my emotion, here what I say, the things I want I want for you. Who am I foolin' if I'm to believe that I'm any more than youuu
Gonna make changes make them for everyone, search out the the gladness and pass it to evverryone! Just keep on with believing that what we gotta do,
Gonna make changes, gonna make change gonna make changes.....
RIP Ms. Hyman.
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Name:
Etteval
Comment: Whenever I would see Alyson Williams "RAW" album cover, she always put me in the mind of Phyllis Hyman. Not sure what she is doing now, but I think you could probably play her.
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Name:
1st2worst
Comment: I've seen Phyllis Hyman in concert many times. Having read this article, I now understand why she appeared to be out of it sometimes. We all knew she had problems, but I never imagined that they were medical. The first time I saw her was in a small club with Norman Connors, this was when the Starship album was released, Phyllis sang Starship, and no harm to Michael Henderson, but she sang the hell out of it. I've always wanted to know her story, I even wrote to the Biography Channel trying to get then to do a story. As far as I know, they never did. This is a book I must have. As far as a movie, I can't think of any current star that has the talent to do her justice. That's kinda like waiting for the next Michael Jordan. No one person is going to have whole package. BTW. Jamie Foxx did lip sync.
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Name:
sweetpea
Comment: I can't wait to read the book. She was a great artist. I miss her so much, may she rest in peace.
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Name:
Milesahead
Comment: Phyllis Hyman: A True Force ! !
I have read all (50) comments sent into Eurweb and to be honest you can tell that some of you don’t really know to much about M’s Hyman . When all
You can come up with is comments on "Living All Alone and I Refuse to be Lonely along with Do the Right Thing and School Daze.
If you want to hear her at her best run out and buy…
“PHAROAH SANDERS: “ LOVE WILL FIND A WAY”
1. EVERYTHING I HAVE IS GOOD.
2. AS YOU ARE.
3. LOVE IS HERE.
All performed by M’s Hyman.
To answer Gurfrand’s question “What actress could play this role with depth, character, singing abilities?
Before I tell you all “WHO “ let’s give some of the people you would cast.
1.Rachelle Farrell: NO WAY, HELL2THENO. A2hit wonder. I have both.
2. Queen Latifah: Please ! ! Love her but NO ! !
3. Macy Gray: NO !
4. Mary J. Blige: She could not carry M’s Hyman’s bra let alone play the part. Sorry but that is True !
5. Lonette Mc Kee: Not even when she was young !
Now the answer is hands down who could play the part with depth, character, singing abilities is The One and Only JILL SCOTT ! !
Just like Phyllis Hyman strait out of Philly.
Jill Scott Background information Born April 4, 1972 (age 35)
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Genre(s) R&B, soul, neo soul, jazz, quiet storm Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, poet Years active 2000–present Label(s) Hidden Beach
Phyllis Hyman Background information Born July 6, 1949 - Origin Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States Died June 30, 1995 (aged 45) Genre(s) Jazz, Soul, R&B Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter Years active 1971–1995 Label(s) Buddah
Arista
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Name:
CARLAWITHAC
Comment: Love me some Phyllis. "Bettcha By Golly Wow" was my wedding entrance song!
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