Phyllis Hyman - "Living All Alone"

You cannot acknowledge the full range of Phyllis Hyman's talents unless you saw her "live" in concert. I was fortunate to witness one of my favorite female vocalist perform at the Universal Ampitheather in Los Angeles in the mid-80's, prior to Hyman taking her own life.

Mesmerrized by Phyllis Hyman's performance at the Universal's Ampitheater, I exited the arena with fellow Hyman enthusiasts blown away at what collectively we just witnessed. Hyman sang all of her hit songs, plus expanded as a Broadway singer performing songs from the Broadway musical "Sophisticated Ladies," a tribute to Duke Ellington.

Hyman was a superb balladeer, a bona-fide Jazz vocalist, an R/B singer, Broadway singer, dramatic actress, jingle artist, and even whistled choruses. Phyllis did it all and gave you much more on stage in concert, then would kick off shoes and spill her heart out even more. I am convinced with over-exposure via media and our internet frenzy today, Hyman in her prime, would be an un-touchable entertainer. 

The above Phyllis Hyman live perfomance is just one song: "Living All Alone" featuring Billy Preston on organ, that leaves you wanting more. Too bad on a summer night in 1995 Phyllis Hyman took her own life, leaving powerful memories of one of the greatest singers and entertainers.

What do you think?