Late songtress Phyllis Hyman is immortalized in a new biography recently released this month. Written by journalist Jason A. Michael, STRENGTH OF A WOMAN: THE PHYLLIS HYMAN STORY chronicles her 20-year career up to its tragic end when she committed suicide in 1995. Here's a brief description of the book:In the spotlight, Hyman's breathtaking voice and stunning beauty shone brightly. But off stage, after the applause and the laughter produced by her bawdy humor had faded, Hyman spent her days and nights engaged in an exhausting battle against bipolar disorder. Complicating its crippling effects was Hyman's addiction to drugs and alcohol (which she tried repeatedly to kick) as well as the demands and constraints of being a female African-American entrepreneur in an industry controlled by white men.
About the book, legend Patti LaBelle said, "There are a million people who love Phyllis Hyman and who have been waiting for this. STRENGTH OF A WOMAN is a fitting tribute to a terrific talent."
So he founded JAM Books and published the book himself. Now he's trying to rally Hyman fans to support the project and help spread the word.
On his website Michael writes:
I need all Phyllis Hyman fans to join me in this crusade to take her message and her story to the masses. I know in my heart, have known for some time, that it would be Phyllis's dedicated and devoted fans that were going to make this story happen, and make it happen in a big way! Phyllis fans are everywhere, all across the country and world, and you know what they say about six degrees of separation, right?
The big publishing houses, which thought Phyllis was too small a star for them to be bothered with, have massive marketing and publicity teams. I don't. But what I have is you, and I think that puts me ahead in the game. You will be my street team and be a critical component in the marketing and publicity of this book. You, who love Phyllis, understand that her story needs to be told, deserves to be told, and must be told.
If you're a Phyllis Hyman fan, you can support the project at www.phyllishymanstory.com.
Comments: (79)
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By: Mae on 9/21/2007 12:51PM
She had such a rich,sultry voice. Loved her music from the beginning. Just wish it could have been here longer.A great artist.
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By: Sexy Ma1 on 10/25/2007 1:36PM
Phyllis Hyman was a great artist. I have every CD that she made; loved her voice and talent. I'll never forget seeing her in concert - fantastic. I can't wait to get the book.
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By: Tina on 9/22/2007 1:25PM
What a loss, she waS TERRIFIC
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By: TeYoJe Polk on 9/22/2007 9:29PM
I remember her suicide like yesterday and it has literally been more than ten years ago. I wish she would have been treated for her bipolar disorder early-on. Maurice Benard p/k/a Sonny Corinthos of "General Hospital" has been a candid and popular voice in his own personal battle with bipolar disorder and how he deals with the illness. If only Phyllis Hyman could have been educated like him, she could have been treated and would still be with us today. Benard is a role model (in my opinion) and successfully proves that a person can live a healthy, enriched, and fulfilling life with bipolar disorder. I hope Ms. Hyman can rest in peace now that this tome has been written. Live. Laugh. Love. TeYoJe
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By: Toojazze on 9/23/2007 1:14PM
Phyllis was an icon that never received her just due R.E.S.P.E.C.T! I think mainly because she was way ahead of her time for some. However, from my prespective, when you listened to her it was more of an experience! To see her in concert was indefinable...she could literally touch you with her penetrating and spellbounding voice --she made you empathize and realize what she was feeling. She was the epitomy of "can you feel me?" There's only a minute few artists in the same class as Phyllis! However, she's STILL the leader of the pack! And we STILL have Patti! Ironically, but surely it was intentionally arranged to be the last song on her final CD, "I won't leave you ...if you give me one good reason to stay." Was she asking for help??? It broke me down.... May she rest in peace with the Comforter of us all. I can't wait to read this book!
I STILL salute you, Phyllis! and THANK YOU for the experience!!
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By: Laura Mahalale-El on 9/23/2007 2:44PM
I am still greiving over the tragic way she died. may God forgive and give her peace. She was one of my favorite singers. She was beautiful,talented and made us tall females proud. What a waste. Only God knows what she was going thru directly. Will get her new CD.
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By: Laura Mahalale-El on 9/23/2007 2:47PM
Excuse me, Book.
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By: crystal on 12/06/2007 2:29PM
Thank you for remembering a Lady with class and soul.
she will never be forgotten and her sisters.
We enjoyed great concert dates together and hanging out at micheals and leviticus together. God watches over us and I know Phyllis is watching over me too. I am still singing - but went back home to gospel music. Thanks again, Chris
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By: Ms. Carol Jones-Jones on 9/24/2007 7:47AM
I would love to read this book. I have everything that Ms.Hyman put out. I still listen to her music and the messages in her music, that I felt she lived.I also have the Jet which tells the story of her death. Tall, Beautiful and Talented all wraped up in one. Just As Tall Ms. Carol Jones-Jones
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By: Jamie Jefferson on 9/24/2007 7:54AM
I thought she died in 1989.
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