Remembering Phyllis Hyman 20-Years Later [VIDEO]

She was one of the purest female R&B singers of her time.

Born in Pittsburgh to an Italian mother and African-American father, Hyman was the eldest of seven children. She was also the second cousin of actor Earle Hyman (best known for his recurring role on The Cosby Show as Cliff's father, Russell Huxtable).

After leaving Pittsburg, Hyman attended music school and moved to New York. She sang with a number of groups and bands where her big break came when she appeared on Norman Connors album "You Are My Starship".

Throughout her career, Phyllis was plagued with depression for a number of reasons and took her life on June 30, 1995 (suicide). Today we remember Phyllis Hyman 20 years later.