Who Is Phyllis Hyman? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Phyllis Linda Hyman was born on July 6, 1949, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s, known for her powerful vocals and soulful sound that blended R&B, jazz, and disco. Hyman's discography includes several hit albums, with songs such as "You Know How to Love Me" and "Living All Alone" that continue to resonate with fans today. Tragically, Hyman's life was marked by personal struggles, leading to her untimely death at the age of 45 in 1995.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1949 |
| Age | 45 Years |
| Birth Place | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Cancer |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 30 June, 1995 |
| Died Place | New York City, New York, U.S. |
Popularity
Phyllis Hyman's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although Phyllis Hyman's precise height and weight are often speculated upon, she was known for her statuesque presence. Estimates suggest that she stood around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. Her weight varied throughout her life, fluctuating as she navigated the challenges she faced. A holistic approach to her body image has inspired many to embrace self-love and acceptance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Phyllis Hyman's personal life was often public, with several high-profile relationships throughout her career. While she was never married, she had romantic ties to notable figures in the music industry, including producer and songwriter William "Bill" Witherspoon. Her relationships were often intertwined with her music, influencing her songwriting and emotional expression. Fans remember her for her candid discussions about love and heartbreak in her lyrics.
Hyman was the cousin of actor Earle Hyman, known for his recurring role on The Cosby Show as Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable, and as Panthro on the popular 80s cartoon Thundercats.
Net Worth and Salary
Before her passing in 1995, Phyllis Hyman achieved significant commercial success, which contributed to her estimated net worth of approximately $3 million. While specific details about her salary are not widely documented, her influence in the music industry undoubtedly generated substantial earnings from album sales, tours, and performances. In 2025, her music continues to generate royalties and serve as a source of income for her estate, further solidifying her legacy.
Career, Business, and Investments
Phyllis Hyman's career spanned over two decades, during which she released multiple albums and achieved critical acclaim. Some of her notable works include "Phyllis Hyman", "Somewhere in My Lifetime", and "Living All Alone." In addition to her music career, she also ventured into acting, appearing in various stage productions and guest roles in television series. Hyman's investments in her music and artistry were centered around creating original content that spoke to her experiences and resonated with a wide audience.
Phyllis Linda Hyman (July 6, 1949 – June 30, 1995) was an American singer, songwriter, and actress. Hyman's music career spanned the late 1970s through the early 1990s, and she was best known for her expansive contralto range.
Some of her most notable songs are "You Know How to Love Me" (1979), "Living All Alone" (1986) and "Don't Wanna Change the World" (1991). Hyman is also known for her covers of popular songs, which include renditions of "Betcha by Golly Wow", "Here's That Rainy Day", and "What You Won't Do For Love".
Social Network
Phyllis Hyman was not only a staple of the music scene but also an active voice in the community. Although social media as we know it did not exist during her lifetime, her legacy continues to thrive on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, where fans celebrate her contributions. Official fan pages and tribute accounts keep her memory alive, sharing her music and stories that captivate audiences worldwide.
In September 2007, an authorized biography was released. Entitled Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story, the book is written by Jason A. Michael in cooperation with the Estate of Phyllis Hyman. The book mentions Hyman's relationships with men and one woman.
In 2008, an original version of the James Bond theme "Never Say Never Again", which was not used in the film due to contractual issues, was released by the track's co-writer Stephen Forsythe. Forsythe has been quoted as stating:
Education
Hyman attended the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts, where she honed her musical talents. She briefly studied at Howard University, a prestigious institution that has produced numerous influential artists. Hyman's commitment to education and self-improvement played a crucial role in her development as an artist, showcasing the importance of a solid foundation in both talent and knowledge.
In conclusion, as we remember Phyllis Hyman in 2025, it's important to acknowledge her contributions to music and the arts. Her vibrant spirit continues to inspire, and her legacy remains an enduring testament to the power of song and storytelling.
In 1983, Hyman recorded the song "Never Say Never Again" as the title song for the James Bond movie of the same name, written by Stephen Forsyth and Jim Ryan. However, Warner Brothers informed Forsyth that Michel Legrand, who wrote the score for the film, had threatened to sue them, claiming he contractually had the rights to the title song.
An alternate title song composed by Legrand was eventually used for the film and performed by singer Lani Hall, formerly of Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66.
Free from Arista in 1985, Hyman released the album Living All Alone on Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff's Philadelphia International label in 1986, capitalizing on the torch songs, "Old Friend" and the melancholy title track, as well as "You Just Don't Know".
In 1987, Phyllis Hyman recorded "Black and Blue" as a duet with Barry Manilow on his 1987 Swing Street Arista album. Manilow was a long time admirer of Hyman and her work. Shortly afterward, she appeared in the films School Daze (1988) and The Kill Reflex (1989).
She would also continue to lend her voice to albums for other artists and musicians, including Grover Washington, Jr. and Lonnie Liston Smith, while at the same time doing international tours.
