It Don't Mean A Thing - Phyllis Hyman and tap dancers (Gregg Burge and Hinton Battle)

The late great Tony Award nominated Phyllis Hyman performing one of Duke Ellington classic -- "It Don't Mean A Thing ". She's accompanied by great tappers featuring Tony Award Winner Hinton Battle and the late Gregg Burge.
From the "Must Have" DVD - Duke Ellington & Sophisticated Ladies (The Tony Award Winning Musical Extravaganza)

[@birdmiles]

if Phyllis had performed in the 30,s-40,s she would be a jazz icon.

[@supermodel77]

Very True!! :)

[@michaelgarel4279]

She would have killed it!

[@DeepScreenAnalysis]

So true. It's shame that the face of entertainment completely changed and music became so mechanised and synthetic. She didn't fit in there, as Whitney did.

[@tmn8547]

@Messylin Whitney was the real deal. You must mean Paula Abdul, Jody Whatley, etc... Phyllis would often call these 2 out in her interviews.

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Stephen Ezell Fu Sho!! I think she would have played a great Billie Holiday!! Could you imagine, she even favored Billy Holiday..

[@MrKrock1982]

Phyllis had it all....her voice was crisp and clear

[@waynem7634]

Phyllis Hyman's voice is the perfect instrument for Duke Ellington's classic songs. She cannot be surpassed!

[@akrenwinkle]

Is? She died long ago.

[@tmz85]

Exactly, it’s now the standard by which I judge every version from now on.

[@darrellkga]

all i know is when i lived up north, i was a stone cold phyllis stalker..made my wife jealous.. she was and remains my all time favorite female vocalist..what a gift she left for us to listen to.. as much as we want.

[@tronipalmer]

The world needs to start appreciating talent like this again. Her voice, the dancing, the piano playing, the sick bassline, drums, horns. All that you hear and is is done by years and years of hard work and dedication. This is amazing. We need to have more of this playing on televison.

[@abdurobinson6827]

No sadly this kind of talent gets overlooked

[@dahomiee]

Underated

[@alexandradillard2077]

It’s overlooked because it’s real talent.

[@thegrandcanyonisegypt2489]

these kids singjng today is swill in comparison no contest

[@will30078]

I thank God for you tube or I would never have seen beautiful Phyllis and this video.

[@olefisheyedfool-watchitsuc8527]

will30078 ME TOO

[@bettylewis1970]

H hi

[@bryancee5150]

What a voice! Her scatting seems effortless and her tone...Wow!! What saddens me for the fans she left behind is that we will never hear her tackle anymore tunes from the Great American Songbook.:(

[@sweetazzpiew8490]

Bryan Cee I googled Phyllis and her suicide note read "I'm tired, I'm tired..😢

[@michaelgarel4279]

Phyllis Hyman was a musical instrument, she surpassed what we refer to as "the singer"...

[@shae5053]

Now this is what's called a "performance"!!

[@coo12808]

I went to school with Phyllis 7th-9th grade. She was awesome even then!!!

[@MariahWyattBraxton]

That's amazing!

[@coostunes9733]

Mariah Braxton-Wyatt Yeah, it was at Knoxville Jr. High School in Pittsburgh. She sang in the talent show with 2 other girls - she certainly didn't need them - or anyone!

[@MariahWyattBraxton]

Coo'sTunes Awe. I wish someone had footage of that.

[@jeromeholloman8089]

+Coo'sTunes where is phyllis hyman?

[@jeromeholloman8089]

+Mariah Braxton phyllis is beautiful

[@aavalestormiconicperformer]

Her intonation and the emotions she gives are real. The tap dancers went above and over my expectations.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

....they have the distinction of being....the 1st....and 2nd men....to have played THE SCARECROW....in the Broadway show...THE WIZ....

[@sosexymagazinerobinwatkins8467]

Yessss #HINTONBATTLE & #GREGGBURGE PHENOMENALLLLL

[@DurandbernarrTM]

This can't be touched. She set the bar and hasn't been surpassed.

[@manseyann1977]

And can NEVER or will NEVER be surpassed because NOBODY will NEVER be or be'able to be Phyllis Hyman GOD only BLESSED us with ONE and I wish She would have been able too see what we still see and feel from what She gave the World 🌎 such a treasure and I only wish someone could have been able too show her what she mean and no meant too us!!!!!! A CLASS ACT Singer and Talented Performer!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Handle2point0]

Period

[@newagequeen9454]

Phyllis Hyman was not only an outstanding singer but an amazing outstanding performer. Most artists can't or don't do both.

[@tisha812]

Ohhhhh my goodness...All I can do is sit and shake my head in disbelief...they don't make 'em like Phyllis anymore...between her physical beauty and the beauty of her sultry, mind boggling voice, I am just SPEECHLESS!!!

[@mikecurt2512]

Phyllis Hyman was the truth!!!

[@karliierose3412]

Let’s just mention.. this woman’s .. was not walking around with a microphone in her hand.. her beautiful/elegant voice.. filled a room & sent chills up please spines🥰.. Such a beautiful/talented woman.. I’m 24 & I learned about her from this show on BET.. so sad.. she committed suicide.. cause of all the pain she was dealing with.. R.I.P 🥰

[@meemsv2390]

Phyllis was a gem! stunning beauty! cunning voice. Superstar class act!

[@catboyzee]

Oh yeah, she was a highly gifted entertainer. But from my heart as a man: Phyllis Hyman was soooo gosh darned fine...DDG. Such a tragic loss.

[@spiritfired]

Too bad you weren't there to marry her when she's alive. She really wanted a good man. I also think she's just SO FINE!!

[@catboyzee]

I know that she want love badly. But she seemed to be too much of a independent free-spirit as a person and as an artist to be tied to long-term relationships. I think that's also what led to a lot of friction between her and Clive Davis when Phyllis was signed to Arista. Then a younger and talented Whitney came along willing to do what Clive said, and Phyllis got the boot. Unfortunate.

[@San47di]

She wasn't referred to as "The Nile" for nothing! :-)

[@San47di]

Phyllis was chronically bipolar, through no fault of her own. However, there were no really effective treatments during that time period except the Guinea pig routes of trial-n-error medications The paths she took during her illness couldn't lead to anything else but what occurred. Clive Davis, or good nor bad men, nor independent free-spirit, or not; being chronically bipolar is Not about any of those things. Her disorder was mental and at some points she made it worse by the personal lifestyle choices that she made.

[@BarryNYC-28]

This was pure dynamite. The dancing was excellent but Phyllis Hyman’s voice is what ignites. Bravo. RIP Phyllis Hyman.

[@kaylamorgan266]

She has so much control with her voice

[@yacodiva316]

@oneindachamber I was lucky enough to see the original production of "Sophisticated Ladies" starring Gregory Hines,Judith Jamison, Phyllis Hyman, and Mercedes Ellington in addition to Maurice Hines at least 15 times; she sang each song differently during each of her performances. Gregg Burge and Hinton Battle could dance like no other: form was impeccable; performance had style, personality and "VOP" and very elegant and gracious together on stage and kept your attention. I miss those days.

[@ZhanaZee]

DAmmmit this number is on Fire!!!!!!!!! All entertainers killing it from the band to the singers to dancers just on FIRE!!!!!

[@1stladya596]

Ms. Phyllis Hyman is a LEAGUE ALL OF HER OWN.... Listen to ANY of her music, the same exact voice live. To filters are ANY OTHER ADDITIVES that's used today by so many of the "SO CALLED GREAT." A true talent and treasure. NOTHING COMPARES TO MS. PHYLLIS HYMAN'S TRUE, RAW, TOTALLY AMAZING TALENT.

[@dahomiee]

Phyllis Hyman truly was a Sophisticated Lady. True underated talent

[@monicabrowne-smith8009]

Miss Phyllis Hyman and Co. were absolutely awesome, brilliant performance. 😀😀😀 Whomever was Miss Hyman's manager or agent, clearly didn't fully understand her brand as an Artist. Phyllis was an entertainer, a theatrical and recording artist, whom should have done several musical shows on Broadway around the world. She's a multi-gifted and talented artist, whom should have got numerous awards for theatre, music and all the wonderful accolades she deserved; only if her representative did their job effectively. Anyway, we give Miss Phyllis Hyman several bouquets of roses, pearls, abundant applause, with love, great thanks and gratitude for her phenomenal contribution to music, arts and theatre. Rest in Eternal Peace. ❤️💗💓🌺🌺🌺

[@dogsalwaysbarkatbetamaleswoof]

100%.

[@tinytowz4471]

Clive Davis 😔

[@byfaithwalking1529]

@@tinytowz4471 😠yes, clive is the culprit.

[@zakkxx1]

Phyllis had the voice the face and the body of a superstar 😍😍😍

[@ellrucker494]

She checks all the boxes..great voice, great on the eyes, the talent and the #1 Diva

[@miss.phyllisreneefoster9547]

SHE WAS EXSTRODINARY ON BROADWAY !

[@photolynz9284]

Had the privilege to see this fantastic musical …. It was Phyllis Hyman and Gregory Hines , that shined and turned that stage out! And to top it off, me and her friend had a chance to meet up with Ms.Phyllis Hyman and She Sang one of the songs that she wrote, COMPLETE ME…. We floated all the way back home from that joyous night!!! She was as beautiful inside and out, Love and miss your voice and presence in music!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@gcmacyman]

Phyllis Hyman had a voice unlike no other. I've seen her a few times in concert and she was astounding, and very few singers today are in her league of voice. And those dancers, the extension in high kicks from Gregg Burge and HInton Battle were phenomenal. Incredible dancers and outstanding performance !

[@kim123792]

This woman was so pretty. An angel in heaven no more pain, just love

[@barbietings1520]

by committing suicide? yeah okay

[@TonyTurner]

@@barbietings1520 Shut up

[@pjjohnson1048]

Love Phyllis and I remember seeing the show "Sophisticated Ladies". Awesome Production at the Century City Shubert Theater.

[@bbell2851]

This one of the best performances of Phyllis Hyman of all time. God bless you Phyllis Hyman

[@ellasaraharetha]

Phyllis makes one realize that the popular singers today should not even be mentioned in the same breath as her. She is so far above anyone out there today as are Ella, Sarah and Aretha. They set a standard so high that we may never have talent like that again. Thank God we can still enjoy their legacy.

[@user-mb1sy9uz6z]

Happy Heavenly 29th Anniversary Queen!! Still terribly missing your Earthly Presence, Great Jazz Goddess!!❤

[@Mongo76]

How does Beyonce's name even get mentioned? There is absolutely NO comparison AT ALL. Two totally different performers and BOTH great at what they do/did. People really have an issue with this BS. See and artist for their OWN talents Phyllis was in a league of her own and NO ONE will ever be able to do Phyllis justice b/c she did Phyllis to Perfection ....the end.

[@sunflowerpwr.8821]

You must be blind b has copied so much of Ms Hyman style and mannerisms... because she doesn't have her own mind just copy and steal from others creativity whole career...screw b.

[@kha8988]

Dig that 💯

[@kha8988]

@@MarquesTheProducer I agree with you. Beyonce has no soul or power in her voice. She has that same faded sound in every song she sings, no kind of spirit touches me in her songs, they are bored and has no meaning to me. I can't stand to hear her voice. I'm like Etta James" she messed up a perfectly good song" never compared Beyonce to anybody.

[@dlw1221]

@@sunflowerpwr.8821 most recent was the Infamous crown Beyawnce wore in the opening of her Coachella Performance, Hyman fans knew that style of hat belonged to the One and Only Ms. Hyman"s Signature lewk.. Beyawnce has served several moments of theft inspired lewks, what's new.

[@rueben44]

Why did you try to put one person down to lift another up?

[@SakeemaDaniels-nn4jy]

Phyllis in all of her Glory. RIP Queen. Love and miss you

[@ShaniTrahan-s4x]

I love Phyllis Hyman and the tap dancers they were magnificent 💐😊💙❤💚🖤💛🌺🌼🌹🌹🌹

[@thomasjackson7528]

Now that's what I call a show!

[@minekara6407]

Phyllis Hyman is an extraordinary talent. I wish and truly hope she knew how much she is loved and missed. Her legacy belongs with the greats of the US singers. I love her so

[@kindayounggiftedandblack13]

I just wish that she knew how great she was as an Artist and I am sad not only because she is no longer on earth, but that she suffered from such severe Depression. RIP Phyllis......and thanks for leaving us and the generations to come with your amazing legacy to be cherished always and forever:)

[@friskydiskytapes]

Just two high spirits, Phyllis and Greg. God have them on Glory. They us happy (and keeps it doing).

[@AnAdorableWombat]

She was a 10! Absolutely gorgeous woman. Rest well Phyllis

[@joannehines7806]

I believe that Phyllis was an old soul from an earlier time period that refused to die until her Earthly mission was fully accomplished!! Thank God that my generation had a chance to experience her!! My only regret is that I never got to see her in " Sophisticated Ladies" , but thank goodness for KZbin videos! 🎶 👗

[@stillwill2215]

just incredible, all of them; Phyllis is one of the all-time greats, so deeply missed.

[@theBestArts]

This is still one of the best musical theatre and dance performances ever captured on videotape. SO good - thanks again for sharing.

[@fredricac6822]

Such a rich, unique voice. She'll always be my number 1 choice of female artists. Her voice can never be duplicated. I miss her talent. I can only imagine the songs she could have given us had she gotten the help she needed to cope with her illness. Definitely, One of the greatest ever!!!!!!

[@Itgyrl909]

Phyllis owned the stage! Such natural confidence & supreme vocals! The entire performance was incredible!!! There should of been a full standing ovation.

[@roberecache5002]

She is everything...who could want more.

[@johnnyreed8537]

What a beauty! What a talent! What a loss...

[@alesiawms]

Her talent surpasses many; a vocalese that is unmatched; a unique powerful voice that is often (attempted) imitated. Her talents are sorely missed in a time when powerful musicians do not a venue to be heard. A time when the quality of music and musicianship has faded into a distant past. This is a time when our young people miss so much of the talent that permeated within the African-American culture throughout our history. She was fabulous . . . she is missed.

[@moniquehamilton9180]

Massive Talent, Beauty, and stage presence! Absolutely stunning performance ❤❤❤❤ rip Phyllis 🌸

[@hsinghalphazulu]

the news avoids her. because she makes so many "stars" look shit. all true woman. x

[@richardleonard4281]

Hinton Battle , Gregg Burge , don't get much better. You're killin' me baby!

[@pog0777]

Absolutely world class from 3 wonderfully talented people

[@yvonnecortez765]

gorgeous lady so sad shes not around anymore i loved her voice

[@kymlawrence6701]

A true artist! I miss her live performances....RIP Phyllis! U will always be in my heart.

[@w.a.barrett9309]

This song is going fast and didn't miss a beat vocally

[@julianpryer5079]

One of my favorites. Gorgeous here!

[@MsBellafly]

Why cant black people sing and entertain like this anymore? Lawddddd such talent!!!!

[@BielerLiz]

That's the beauty of KZbin. It's all here for us.

[@ThaBrooklynHurricane2]

I had the pleasure of seeing this show on Broadway and had forgotten just how AWESOME she was in it. She exemplifies the SOPHISTICATED LADY to her core. It's so sad that she was so troubled, as she was just a great human being!

[@sheilapalmer224]

she was the real deal

[@Sicilia928]

Amazing. Thank you for posting this. My favorite thing about the internet is KZbin, because of clips like this one.

[@SuperHurricane75]

pure talent

[@ebososa]

This woman is inspirational even in death. Love me some Phyllis!! You're missed!

[@monisamontoya413]

I was fortunate enough to see this on Broadway with my grandmother; Ms Hyman was so memorable Saw Hinton Battle in Dancin'. the other great show at that time was Eubie!! These were great showcases for singers and dancers.

[@dominichetherington2287]

still my fave girl rest in peace princess with love from England

[@melodysanger103]

REMEMBERING COMPOSER EDWARD "DUKE" ELLINGTON (APRIL 29, 1899 - MAY 24, 1974) [04/29/2017]

[@San47di]

Enough can not be said about dynamite dancer and choreographer, the late Great Gregg Burge as well; who was Outstanding in Everything we've ever seen him do! Aside from this performance, I adored him in A Chorus Line (the movie), and the Broadway Musical, Song and Dance; he also choreographed Michael Jackson's Bad music video, and co-choreographed the closing summer 1992 Olympics in Barcelona.

[@CuirPhotodotNet]

...he co choreographed BAD....with JEFFREY DANIELS....the iconic dancer choreographer from SOUL TRAIN....and the musical group....SHALAMAR....

[@Eire_Go_Deo]

What an astonishingly beautiful, talented woman!

[@bakercat1]

This was the first broadway show I saw when i was 18. Gregory Hine and Miss Hines. Amazing. 1981.

[@TheNelsonmonteiro]

Entertainment at its best!

[@963821]

i think she was very underrated. i always enjoyed her talent, her skills and her great voice

[@gloriawashingon1452]

I saw this at the Lynne Fontaine Theatre. It was wonderful

[@geegod9461]

Gloria u saw this $hit!!! No tablet, phone, icam, insta, Facebook, twitter, face time, blackberry, snap chat!!!!!?

[@robk9685]

@@geegod9461 And you're here watching it on KZbin on your phone....like me...

[@ebonyd4ever]

Gosh, she was so beautiful and talented!

[@ifluvinguiswrong]

My lord she rocked this. I miss her so much! There will never be another Phyllis.

[@LisaPanagos]

Unreal! I did the show with Mercer Ellington conducting in Atlantic City. She kills it! What an amazing vocal talent!

[@Shed98]

Incredible! This would hold up today in any Broadway Play! We lost a great talent!

[@DeeLow04]

AFreakingMAZING........ GRADE A TALENT, Sophistication and CLASS!!! YESS PHYLLIS....YES YES YES!!!

[@sherenay3109]

Thanks for the upload. Phyllis and the tap dancers are amazing.

[@geraldjohnson848]

July 6th: Happy birthday Singer-Actress Phyllis Linda Hyman (1949-1995) Thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the upload, Rasai. Blessings

[@Rmasai]

Hapi Solar Earthday to the incredible songstress .....RIP

[@inpursuit6666]

what I would give to be from this time period & experience all of it. but no here i am in 2020. sighs*

[@hartindy123]

Speechless that's all I am speechless, this is real talent right here. Love it love it!!! Just wow. Can we please say revival!!!

[@KMYA4ME]

Phyllis Hyman was a badass! NO COMPARISON!

[@slr736]

One of the all time great dance and vocal performances

[@JohnDaniB]

omg! this woman was amazing! she is going down in history!

[@darrenandbutterfly]

I agree. There will also never be another one like her

[@jevilscientist]

I saw this musical in 1981. i was mesmerized by her pres·ence. Awesome show!!! She was the best!!!! No one! No one can compare to her!!~!!

[@chpiyatas]

Love her scat. It's hard to find anyone who can scat like this

[@tinytowz4471]

Ummmm, Ella Fitzgerald.

[@chpiyatas]

@@tinytowz4471 well... Ella is definitely the first name that would come to my mind too. Still not many household names in this day and age though

[@dianabeurman688]

Unbelievable! Stunning she was and is awsome!

[@angelabrandy]

This is fabulous! I would pay my entire paycheck to see a performance like this.

[@itssokerly2773]

Wowwwww Amazing singer .

[@betom5156]

I find my self in love with Phyllis Hyman on 2020

[@MissAbri]

Now thats what i call ENTERTAINMENT!!

[@TheNakedMusic]

This is my all time FAVORITE performance by Phyllis! Such a treasure!

[@jnorwood6027]

OMG... I miss her so much! Love this video and still cannot believe she is no longer on this here earth! The dancers are amazing. I love NYC for its contributions to the ARTS! GOD bless us ALL!

[@babyjazz8016]

WooooooooW!!!! Omg this is real talent!!! 😍😍😍😍😍

[@truthbetold6011]

She is so beautiful

[@Ladyson]

Everything she sings gives me CHILLS!

[@janholder2286]

I love this, soooo much talent!!!!!

[@jamescole1891]

Jan Holder