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WHEREAS Phyllis Hyman was a nationally known Jazz and R&B singer who was raised in Pittsburgh; and
WHEREAS after attending Robert Morris Business School to be a legal secretary, Phyllis moved to New York City to pursue a career as a singer. In the early 1970s, she began singing with local groups, and soon moved on to form the band Phyllis Hyman and the P/H Factor; and
WHEREAS Phyllis later recorded as a solo artist with top 20 hits, "Somewhere in My Lifetime" and "You Know How to Love Me," released in 1978. Her success continued into the 80's, with the top ten hit "Can't We Fall in Love Again". Phyllis was also successful as an actress, winning a Tony for her work in Sophisticated Ladies. She also appeared in the Spike Lee film, School Daze; and
WHEREAS although Phyllis never reached the level of fame that her talent warranted, her memorable performances paired with her sophisticated ballads left an impression on the music industry; and
WHEREAS on March 28, 2009, Phyllis Hyman will be honored by the Langston Hughes Poetry Society at their 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Progressive Women Awards.
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NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby wish to honor Ms. Phyllis Hyman for her contributions to R&B, Soul, & Jazz music by declaring the last Saturday of March of every year "Phyllis Hyman Day" in the City of Pittsburgh; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh further wishes to thank the Langston Hughes Poetry Society of Pittsburgh for honoring all of the progressive women of Pittsburgh.