Phyllis Hyman Warned Us Of Clive Davis Before Passing | HO

Phyllis Hyman was a powerhouse in the music industry, but before her tragic and mysterious death, she reportedly tried to warn the world about Clive Davis and the dark side of the business. Known for her soulful voice and raw emotion, Phyllis was never afraid to speak her mind—but could that have put her in danger?

Before her untimely passing, sources claim Phyllis saw troubling signs in the industry and even attempted to warn Whitney Houston about the powerful figures controlling their careers. As more details emerge, fans are questioning whether Phyllis knew too much and if her death was more than just a tragic coincidence.

With Clive Davis’ name constantly surfacing in discussions about music industry power plays, this revelation raises serious questions. Was Phyllis silenced for speaking out? Did she try to save Whitney before it was too late? This chilling story uncovers the truth behind Phyllis Hyman’s warnings and the eerie similarities between her fate and Whitney Houston’s downfall.

The legendary singer Phyllis Hyman was a trailblazer in the music industry, captivating audiences with her powerful voice and unique style. However, behind her glamorous career was a story of struggle, industry politics, and a contentious relationship with music mogul Clive Davis.

Before her untimely death, Hyman reportedly warned others in the industry, including Whitney Houston, about Davis’s alleged controlling nature. Her death remains shrouded in mystery, and many believe that her troubled relationship with Davis played a significant role in her struggles. So, what really happened to Phyllis Hyman, and why was Clive Davis at the center of these rumors?

Phyllis Hyman’s Rise in the Music IndustryBorn on July 6, 1949, in Philadelphia, Phyllis Hyman was the eldest of seven children. She discovered her passion for music in high school and pursued her dreams with relentless determination. Unlike many Black artists of her era who found their roots in gospel music, Hyman’s journey into the industry was shaped by formal musical education and diverse performance opportunities.

In the early 1970s, she gained recognition through her performances with various bands, eventually leading her to a breakthrough when Norman Connors discovered her in a Manhattan nightclub. Connors featured her on his album, You Are My Starship, and the collaboration propelled her into the limelight. Her solo career took off, and she became known for her sophisticated jazz-influenced R&B style.

The Conflict with Clive DavisPhyllis Hyman’s career reached new heights when she signed with Arista Records, headed by Clive Davis. Initially, this seemed like the perfect partnership—Davis was known for making stars, and Hyman had the raw talent to become one. However, their relationship soon soured.

Hyman was an outspoken artist who refused to conform to industry expectations. She resisted Davis’s attempts to mold her image and dictate her musical direction. Davis wanted her to sing commercial love songs, but Hyman preferred music with depth and storytelling. She openly expressed frustration over the industry’s exploitation of artists, particularly Black women, and how talent was often disregarded in favor of marketability.

Their clashes reportedly became intense, with Hyman calling Davis out for his controlling ways. One of their most heated confrontations occurred during a board meeting, where Hyman allegedly lashed out, accusing Davis of running a “plantation.” This did not sit well with Davis, who held immense power in the industry. As a result, he allegedly began to sideline her, refusing to promote her music and shifting focus to other artists.

A Career Sabotaged?

After years of battling the industry’s politics, Hyman asked to be released from Arista Records in 1984, a request Davis grudgingly granted. Many believe this decision marked the beginning of her professional decline. Despite signing with Philadelphia International Records and releasing Living All Alone in 1986, her struggles with depression worsened.

Throughout her career, Hyman openly spoke about the challenges she faced as a Black female artist. She felt that Davis’s refusal to support her music was a deliberate attempt to stifle her success. Meanwhile, Davis focused on younger, more compliant artists like Whitney Houston, whom Hyman reportedly tried to warn about the dark side of the industry.

Personal Struggles and Final Days

Beyond her professional battles, Hyman faced personal demons. She suffered from severe depression, which she attributed to the pressures of the industry and her unresolved personal traumas. She was married to her former manager, Larry Alexander, but the relationship ended in divorce. Hyman never remarried, and she often spoke about the loneliness of being a woman in the entertainment industry.

Her depression was exacerbated by financial troubles and the constant struggle to maintain her career on her terms. In interviews, she admitted to feeling abandoned and undervalued, particularly by those in power. She turned to substances for comfort, a habit that only deepened her mental health struggles.

On June 30, 1995, just days before her 46th birthday, Phyllis Hyman was found unresponsive in her New York City apartment. She had reportedly taken an overdose of sleeping pills mixed with alcohol. A note left behind read, “I am tired. I am tired. Those of you that I love know who you are. May God bless you.”

Theories Surrounding Her Death

While her death was officially ruled a suicide, many fans and industry insiders found the circumstances suspicious. Comparisons were drawn between her passing and that of Whitney Houston years later—both talented artists under Clive Davis, both struggling with industry pressures, both gone too soon.

Some speculated that Hyman’s career struggles and emotional turmoil were exacerbated by Davis’s treatment of her. Others believed she was silenced for speaking out against the industry’s exploitative practices. Though there was no direct evidence linking Davis to her tragic end, the speculation has never fully faded.

Legacy and Influence

Despite her tragic ending, Phyllis Hyman’s legacy lives on. She is remembered as one of the most talented vocalists of her time, an artist who refused to be controlled and fought for creative freedom. Her music continues to inspire, and her story serves as a cautionary tale about the dark side of the entertainment industry.

To this day, fans and music historians reflect on Hyman’s warnings about Clive Davis and the industry’s treatment of artists. Whether or not Davis played a role in her downfall, one thing is certain—Phyllis Hyman was a force to be reckoned with, and her voice will never be forgotten.

Final Thoughts

Phyllis Hyman’s career was marked by immense talent, relentless struggle, and deep sorrow. She tried to navigate an industry that sought to control her, ultimately paying the price for her defiance. While the exact circumstances of her passing remain debated, her warnings about the industry’s exploitative nature continue to resonate.

Do you believe Clive Davis had a direct impact on Hyman’s struggles? Or was she simply a victim of an unforgiving industry? Share your thoughts below.