MISSING PHYLLIS HYMAN... By William Fredrick Cooper

MISSING PHYLLIS HYMAN by William Fredrick Cooper (Inspired by Jason A. Michael - Essence Bestselling Author of STRENGTH OF A WOMAN: The Phyllis Hyman Story... Please Support My Brother...)

Written December 21, 2007

I'm In A Sentimental Mood today. I sure hope you appreciate it, my dear. Phyllis Hyman, your beauty is missed today. Not to mention that powerful instrument from God. A couple of nights ago, I watched a rebroadcast of a BET Awards Show, and saw would-be's, wanna-be's and manufactured superstars grace the stage. I couldn't help but wonder, old friend, how you would have been received had you not decided to write your own ticket home.

You were a goddess, my fallen queen, an extraordinary songstress who sang with an unmatched emotional intensity. Tall, striking and sensual, your silky voice was a symphony of one, the instruments of emotions never fully appreciated by us; that is, until after the fact. Power, sexuality, grace, class is what rang true to my ears, not to mention a dark, deep, melancholy tone that comes from a voice searching for a happiness that only God can provide. Not only coming from your voice, your beautifully wide eyes were windows to your soul, telling us, no, imploring and pleading with us to love you. You could have found it with many of us, had you let us in.

Majestically moving and mesmerizing, you had a powerful presence, not to mention a sensational, sensuous sound in song that comes along once in a lifetime. When you left us, baby, some of us felt cheated. Left holding a bag, whatever happened to real singers a baker's dozen years later? Some are cute, but their real vocals are where? Hidden in breathy, throat-singing (diaphragm, please.) multi-tracked vocals and gospel screams, some real, others as fake as three dollar bill trying to dance a jig across a merchant's counter.

Yeah, I'm like WHAT THE... as well, boo.

The deterioration of spirit and self-esteem can break us; Lord knows I knew the battle first hand, Phyllis. You helped me through many a night, as I identified with your need for love and appreciation through song. Hearing you pleas for help and acceptance during the final gut-wrenching minutes of Living In Confusion, I knew what it was like 'always goin' through changes.' Connected to your vocal improvisations, you comforted me through many troubled, tear-filled nights as I put pen to paper the very first time in my life. Relating to your battles with inner torment, perhaps you chose me to emerge victorious for us both with regards to conquering demons. After all, we became one for a respite, for you helped me write SIX DAYS IN JANUARY my first novel. And for that, I'm eternally grateful, old friend.Still missing you intensely, years later.

I remember the day I found out you just couldn't take it anymore. June 30th, 1995. I was in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, visiting an ex-girlfriend, and upon hearing the tragic bulletin, I thought it was a cruel joke. The return bus ride proved otherwise. Radio stations throughout the East Coast played your music as if they too were mired in confusion. The shock of your passing did that too us all.

Old Friend, thirteen years later, we still feel unlucky, for you are missed dearly. I can't stand this Living All Alone, without that incredible gift from God. Delicious looking, deep-voiced and a glorious statue of beauty for sore eyes, I Didn't Want To Lose You when you left us, as we were Caught Under A Spell, saying Betcha By Golly Wow. You Knew How To Love Us all with that tremendously talented tone of yours, yet we hoped that you would heed the words of your posthumous track and victoriously announce to us all I Refuse To Be Lonely.

Somewhere In Our Lifetime, we will remember you, Sophisticated Lady, not for your struggles through song, but in the alternative, your incredible talent. I just wish you were still here.

Missing You Always,

William

(TO JASON: TV ONE can take your ideas from you, but they can't take your heart, and soul. Within your wonderful deed, Phyllis Hyman still lives within us all. Thank you so much for taking time out to write a book that should have been done long ago. Hugs and Handpounds not only from us on earth, but those in heaven as well. God Bless, my brother.)