Your tribute to Phyllis is nicely done and appreciated. You've captured what many of us feel about the woman and her unique talent. Indeed, for those of us who loved her music, we probably can remember where we were when we heard the sad news.
Phyllis had the kind of voice that could have endured spectacularly over time. Like a Gladys Knight or a Shirley Bassey, she would have lost none of the fullness or richness of her instrument. With time, she would have become a more disciplined, captivating performer and an even more astonishing interpreter -- no other voice can convey the devastation of lost love like Phyllis. As you've noted, in her relatively brief life she'd already ranked among the best.
She was so loved and she was on the cusp of receiving the kind of recognition she longed for and deserved. She DEFINITELY had Grammys in her future. Her bi-polar diagnosis led to greater understanding of why she took her life, but the loss is no less tragic.
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