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Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story
The story of singer Phyllis Hyman is brought to light in the powerful new biography Strength Of A Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story by Jason A. Michael.
Hyman's 20-year career, which included the release of eight albums as well as a Tony nomination and Theater World Award for her Broadway turn in Sophisticated Ladies, was brought to a tragic end by her suicide June 30, 1995, just hours before she was due to take the stage at the legendary Apollo Theatre.
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, and the demands and constraints of being a female African-American entrepreneur in an industry controlled by white men.
But though she ultimately chose to extricate herself from the pain, she did so not before leaving a legacy of beautiful music that will last and live on forever as a true testament to the 'strength of a woman.'
Hyman's 20-year career, which included the release of eight albums as well as a Tony nomination and Theater World Award for her Broadway turn in Sophisticated Ladies, was brought to a tragic end by her suicide June 30, 1995, just hours before she was due to take the stage at the legendary Apollo Theatre.
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, and the demands and constraints of being a female African-American entrepreneur in an industry controlled by white men.
But though she ultimately chose to extricate herself from the pain, she did so not before leaving a legacy of beautiful music that will last and live on forever as a true testament to the 'strength of a woman.'
239 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2007
69 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 8, 2010
There are big lessons that reading this book teaches:
1. Having multiple behavioral health conditions in one person can be nearly impossible to manage -- and can be deadly. Phyllis Hyman was bipolar and had an extremely addictive personality: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, food, shopping -- she did it all. With all this going on at once, and at the time she was going through them, there was no really comprehensive, holistic help for her available.
2. Codependency/enabling can kill. Being in a business that is notorious for enabling and facilitating excess, ego and chemical abuse on top of being surrounded by loved ones, employees and friends who never gave her the tough love she needed was a key factor in Hyman's decline and death. With no one around her willing to draw the line or let her hit bottom, she just kept on destroying herself because she had no reason to stop. People who have a loved one who has an addiction/compulsion, hear this: LOVE WILL NOT SAVE THEM. DO NOT LOVE THEM TO DEATH.
3. Self-sabotage is a b&*ch! Those of us who have behavioral health issues and chemical abuse histories (and those of us who don't!) have to be vigilant not to take opportunities presented to us and throw them in the trash. Believe in yourself, be aware of yourself, take care of yourself, and when opportunity knocks you'll be ready to jump all over it. Phyllis Hyman had a long history of trashing major breaks and taking successes and turning them into failures because she didn't believe in herself or take care of herself.
In the end, as a fan of Hyman this book just makes me love her more, and be more determined than ever to not let my own issues get in the way of my relationships, my career and my dreams. On top of that, I think that people who are not fans could benefit from reading this book because of the lessons on addiction/compulsion, behavioral health and codependency it teaches.
Note: I had to get this book through interlibrary loan because the website where this self-published book was originally sold is down and now used copies are being sold on the Internet for $50 and up. I hope the author will consider going to Lulu.com or some other service and put the book back on sale as a downloadable e-book. That's probably a lot cheaper than the expense of self-publishing a physical book. There's certainly a demand for this book.
1. Having multiple behavioral health conditions in one person can be nearly impossible to manage -- and can be deadly. Phyllis Hyman was bipolar and had an extremely addictive personality: alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, food, shopping -- she did it all. With all this going on at once, and at the time she was going through them, there was no really comprehensive, holistic help for her available.
2. Codependency/enabling can kill. Being in a business that is notorious for enabling and facilitating excess, ego and chemical abuse on top of being surrounded by loved ones, employees and friends who never gave her the tough love she needed was a key factor in Hyman's decline and death. With no one around her willing to draw the line or let her hit bottom, she just kept on destroying herself because she had no reason to stop. People who have a loved one who has an addiction/compulsion, hear this: LOVE WILL NOT SAVE THEM. DO NOT LOVE THEM TO DEATH.
3. Self-sabotage is a b&*ch! Those of us who have behavioral health issues and chemical abuse histories (and those of us who don't!) have to be vigilant not to take opportunities presented to us and throw them in the trash. Believe in yourself, be aware of yourself, take care of yourself, and when opportunity knocks you'll be ready to jump all over it. Phyllis Hyman had a long history of trashing major breaks and taking successes and turning them into failures because she didn't believe in herself or take care of herself.
In the end, as a fan of Hyman this book just makes me love her more, and be more determined than ever to not let my own issues get in the way of my relationships, my career and my dreams. On top of that, I think that people who are not fans could benefit from reading this book because of the lessons on addiction/compulsion, behavioral health and codependency it teaches.
Note: I had to get this book through interlibrary loan because the website where this self-published book was originally sold is down and now used copies are being sold on the Internet for $50 and up. I hope the author will consider going to Lulu.com or some other service and put the book back on sale as a downloadable e-book. That's probably a lot cheaper than the expense of self-publishing a physical book. There's certainly a demand for this book.
October 10, 2019
First, let me start by taking a moment to applaud Jason A. Michael for creating such a powerful, impactful and sympathetic body of work👏🏽. To be able to convey this story with the accuracy and attention to detail as he did is nothing short of amazing! Absolutely brilliant👏🏽!
Gosh, I have so much to say...To begin, this book is not only the heartbreaking story of Phyllis Hyman. But, it is also the most authentic documentation of mental illness that I’ve personally ever read. This book can be used as a case study to show what mental illness really looks like in a person. Many times we hear the terms “mental illness, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety” and although we hear the terms, we are not always able to recognize the behaviors associated with these diagnoses. However, in this book Michael shines a spotlight on the actions (verbal outbursts, mood swings, self neglect & self sabotage) that are often seen with mental illness.
Strength Of A Woman contains a lot of facts and details about the musical career of Phyllis Hyman. As a biographer Michael did substantial research. With so much information I could have easily become bored at certain times. However, that never happened. Instead I was totally engrossed in every aspect of the book. I learned about Phyllis’s romantic relationships, the relationships she had with her siblings, and those in the entertainment industry. But more importantly, I learned about the relationship she had with herself.
What I was most surprised to learn is that she had actually tried to commit suicide 2xs prior to succeeding the 3rd time. Phyllis did not keep her desire to end her life a secret. She wholeheartedly believed she had the right to decide when her life should end. She even told her loved ones to prepare themselves because she was definitely going to be successful on her 3rd attempt. There’s a pic (swipe) she drew while in therapy that displayed her belief in suicide.
I believe this is not just a book for Phyllis Hyman fans. It is also a must read for anyone who has a loved one that suffers from mental illness. Reading this book may help you to see your loved ones illness from a different perspective. You may begin to see their anger as fear. And instead of being frustrated by their impulsivity, this book may inspire you to be more empathetic to what they are going through.
I lived with Strength Of A Woman, for about 3 weeks. I carried it with me everywhere I went. I listened to the music as the author wrote about it. I watched YouTube videos of interviews and music videos as they were mentioned. Basically I submerged myself in the world of Phyllis Hyman. And as a result, my heart has been touched in a way that I could have never imagined before reading this book. For this was not just a story, but it was also a teaching tool that has helped me to better understand the devastation of mental illness.
Gosh, I have so much to say...To begin, this book is not only the heartbreaking story of Phyllis Hyman. But, it is also the most authentic documentation of mental illness that I’ve personally ever read. This book can be used as a case study to show what mental illness really looks like in a person. Many times we hear the terms “mental illness, bipolar disorder, depression and anxiety” and although we hear the terms, we are not always able to recognize the behaviors associated with these diagnoses. However, in this book Michael shines a spotlight on the actions (verbal outbursts, mood swings, self neglect & self sabotage) that are often seen with mental illness.
Strength Of A Woman contains a lot of facts and details about the musical career of Phyllis Hyman. As a biographer Michael did substantial research. With so much information I could have easily become bored at certain times. However, that never happened. Instead I was totally engrossed in every aspect of the book. I learned about Phyllis’s romantic relationships, the relationships she had with her siblings, and those in the entertainment industry. But more importantly, I learned about the relationship she had with herself.
What I was most surprised to learn is that she had actually tried to commit suicide 2xs prior to succeeding the 3rd time. Phyllis did not keep her desire to end her life a secret. She wholeheartedly believed she had the right to decide when her life should end. She even told her loved ones to prepare themselves because she was definitely going to be successful on her 3rd attempt. There’s a pic (swipe) she drew while in therapy that displayed her belief in suicide.
I believe this is not just a book for Phyllis Hyman fans. It is also a must read for anyone who has a loved one that suffers from mental illness. Reading this book may help you to see your loved ones illness from a different perspective. You may begin to see their anger as fear. And instead of being frustrated by their impulsivity, this book may inspire you to be more empathetic to what they are going through.
I lived with Strength Of A Woman, for about 3 weeks. I carried it with me everywhere I went. I listened to the music as the author wrote about it. I watched YouTube videos of interviews and music videos as they were mentioned. Basically I submerged myself in the world of Phyllis Hyman. And as a result, my heart has been touched in a way that I could have never imagined before reading this book. For this was not just a story, but it was also a teaching tool that has helped me to better understand the devastation of mental illness.
April 8, 2019
A little over 40 years ago (March 21st, 1979), I was privileged, as a teenager, to see PHYLLIS HYMAN in concert. She was the epitome of class and elegance that evening, wearing a broad-brimmed hat with rounded edges and looking very chic. She also had a way of engaging with the audience that was at once welcoming and captivating. And while I don't remember all the songs she sang at that concert, I do remember that the last song she sang was "Somewhere in My Lifetime". I loved the concert and became a fervent Phyllis Hyman fan.
Phyllis Hyman was one of those singers who could fit her style seamlessly into any song she sang. And when you listened to her, you believed fully in the seductive magic in her voice, as well as the essence of the song itself. I gained a better appreciation through reading this book, of the struggles she went through in her career. I confess that when she was alive, it was hard for me to grasp how unhappy she was, as well as frustrated with the way she was treated as an artist. Phyllis Hyman was this incredibly beautiful, tall (6'0"), statuesque woman. In interviews she had given, she sometimes either hinted at or spoke very openly about her despair about some aspect of her career or lament not having a man in her life. (The latter I could not understand!) But in having read this book, I feel that I now know - inasmuch as that is possible - a lot about who the real Phyllis Hyman was, and why she wasn't given the full recognition she richly deserved as one of the finest interpretive singers of her generation.
Phyllis Hyman was one of those singers who could fit her style seamlessly into any song she sang. And when you listened to her, you believed fully in the seductive magic in her voice, as well as the essence of the song itself. I gained a better appreciation through reading this book, of the struggles she went through in her career. I confess that when she was alive, it was hard for me to grasp how unhappy she was, as well as frustrated with the way she was treated as an artist. Phyllis Hyman was this incredibly beautiful, tall (6'0"), statuesque woman. In interviews she had given, she sometimes either hinted at or spoke very openly about her despair about some aspect of her career or lament not having a man in her life. (The latter I could not understand!) But in having read this book, I feel that I now know - inasmuch as that is possible - a lot about who the real Phyllis Hyman was, and why she wasn't given the full recognition she richly deserved as one of the finest interpretive singers of her generation.
October 27, 2014
Being that I am a huge fan of Phyllis, Strength of a Woman: The Phyllis Hyman Story was a must read for me. I felt what the author was trying to do, however I wish her youthful years were told better. The book just seemed to skip through a lot of her younger years and hurried to her young adult life. Nonetheless, the author did an excellent job with etching her story and allowing her fans to see the real Phyllis.
April 3, 2017
As a huge fan of Phyllis, I recommend this book to fellow fans. Not only is it full of detail chronicling the intense highs and lows of her career, it also sheds unique light into the recording industry.
May 29, 2020
This book encouraged me to maintain clarity and peace with my self and others. I pictured Phyllis Hyman to be a sweet-tempered woman with laughter and joy. She did have laughter but her misery overwhelmed her. There were good moments but it saddened me that she was an enemy to herself. This absence of self-love alienated her from prosperity. It's important to advocate for yourself but she didn't employ diplomacy.
On a lighter note, there are two anecdotes in this book that kept me laughing for more than five minutes each: the chicken leg incident (pages 98-99) and the Chicago ribs incident from pages 163-164.
If you haven't heard her music, I implore you to listen to "Living All Alone", " Betcha By Golly Wow", and her posthumously released album , I Refuse to Be Lonely .
On a lighter note, there are two anecdotes in this book that kept me laughing for more than five minutes each: the chicken leg incident (pages 98-99) and the Chicago ribs incident from pages 163-164.
If you haven't heard her music, I implore you to listen to "Living All Alone", " Betcha By Golly Wow", and her posthumously released album , I Refuse to Be Lonely .
October 26, 2020
Excellent biography
I was 17 when Phyllis Hymen died (1995). I had not been a big fan but her episode of TVOne's Unsung made me want to learn more about her. The book describes her life and her difficult personality without painting her as a villain. I hope the author continues with writing biographies.
I was 17 when Phyllis Hymen died (1995). I had not been a big fan but her episode of TVOne's Unsung made me want to learn more about her. The book describes her life and her difficult personality without painting her as a villain. I hope the author continues with writing biographies.
August 18, 2020
After reading this book, my heart hurted for Phyllis Hyman. She tried to live life, but the demons like drug and alcohol addiction took over. She was a very difficult woman to be around because of her bipolar disorder and I know that can be a challenge to the people around her. She went through so much pain and heartache and she just couldn't take it anymore. This book taught me to look inside myself and appreciate the life I do have and the people who loves me. Phyllis had people who loved her and she had friends, but in the end she felt all alone. Great read.
July 8, 2021
As a fan of Phyllis Hyman's voice and music, I was extremely thrilled to read this bio. It shocks me that there is not more material available in the form of books or documentaries covering the life of this talented woman. I always knew the story about her death but I never knew much more until I found out about this bio. This bio puts a lot into context and is very believable with sources from people that personally knew her or worked with her.
June 19, 2020
This was a good self published book the writer really loved phyllis hyman it's such a sad cautionary beautiful tale. About a woman woman stuck in her mind , emotions, career , and secret drug use. The book held nothing back and I'm sad Phyllis is no longer here. She was so outspoken, strong , weak , sad , happy , loved, and hated .... she experienced so much poor woman I wish certain people can get a do over in this game of life. This book taught me to Always take suicide threats serious.
March 3, 2019
"If I had felt that Phyllis didn't deep down really love me and trust me I wouldn't have stayed. As much as anyone could, I felt understood her - as did all the other people in her life who stayed by her side. With Phyllis you had to take the good with the bad. I knew no one could help her change and heal until she was ready."
January 9, 2021
I didn’t think it was possible to love Phyllis Hyman any more than I did, but boy did this book make it possible. Jason - you did an amazing job and covered so many aspects of Phyllis’s life. This book was extremely powerful and made me take a deeper look at myself. So many lessons...Phyllis - your life continues to inspire so many others. Your spirit and voice will forever be unmatched. ❤️
May 28, 2025
OMG! I've had this book since 2018. Why did I wait so long to read it! All I can say is, that if you're a fan! This is a must read! This book had me crying, laughing out loud, shocked. I really miss her and I hope she's filially at peace.
July 10, 2022
Fucking loved this book justice for her legacy
July 7, 2024
The book shows how mental illness can play a pivotal role in your life if not handled properly. It also reminds that self-love is very important. I wished Phyllis knew how much she was loved.
March 1, 2023
Devastating and Wonderful
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews