- She was considered for the role of Shug Avery in The Color Purple (1985).
- Famous artists such as Patti LaBelle, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Stevie Wonder and Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson would go out of their way to hear her perform.
- Left a suicide note before swallowing an overdose of sleeping pills on Memorial Day Weekend, 1995. At the time she was battling drug and alcohol addiction and weight gain. Ironically, she had just finished recording the song "I Refuse to Be Lonely."
- Her voice was featured on nationally heard jingles from Burger King, Red Lobster, American Airlines, Mastercard & Lysol to name but a few.
- Suffered from bi-polar disorder (manic depression) in her later life, which led to her eventual suicide.
- Once had to travel across town in a speeding New York City firetruck, sirens wailing, to make a matinee performance of "Sophisticated Ladies."
- Was an excellent cook, and enjoyed cooking. Even had a couple of her recipes featured in Ebony Magazine.
- She married her manager, Larry Alexander, in the late 1970s; their marriage and professional relationship lasted nearly ten years. Larry's brother was well-known jazz pianist Monty Alexander.
- Once a fashion model.
- Her favorite cartoon character was Garfield the cat.
- Was the eldest of seven children.
- Was a legal secretary before being discovered by Norman Connors.
- She died a few hours before she was due to perform at the Apollo Theater.
- Hit #101 on the Billboard Singles Charts in 1980 with "You Know How to Love Me" (Arista 0463)
- She formed her own band Phyllis Hyman and the PH Factor before relocating to New York.
- First cousin once removed of actor Earle Hyman. Her great-grandparents Ismael Hyman and Cassandra Cross are Mr. Hyman's parental grandparents.
- Was a spokeswomen for Fashion Fair cosmetics in the 80s.
- She won a Theater World award for Best Newcomer for "Sophisticated Ladies".
- After the group New Direction disbanded, she joined a Miami group called All The People.
- Was nominated for Broadway's 1981 Tony Award as Best Actress (Featured Role - Musical) for her performance in the tribute to Duke Ellington, "Sophisticated Ladies," which ran from March 1, 1981 to January 2, 1983.
- Was one of Bill Cosby's favorite singers and opening acts.
- Started her professional career with the group New Direction.
- She worked with a Miami group called The Hondo Beat.
- Two of Phyllis' most important causes were AIDS and the plight of the homeless.
- Hit #103 on the Billboard Singles Charts in 1977 with "Loving You - Losing You" (Buddah 567)
- She was a cousin of actor Earle Hyman.
- She was a lifelong Democrat.
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