Quiet Storm's Songbird Story Told, A Classic Female Group Revived, Underrated Urban Stylist

Quiet Storm siren, Phyllis Hyman, is finally having her story told. The story is being told by Jason A. Michael in "Strength of a Woman", a longtime fan and historian of Phyllis Hyman, who captures her life and music in this book. In cooperation with Glenda Garcia, Phyllis Hyman's former manager and current overseer of her estate, the book tells of Hyman's life through friends, family, and fellow soul music contemporaries, and what led to her untimely and tragic suicide on June 30th, 1995. Visit Phyllis Hyman: Strength of a Woman for more information and pre-order options!

In other classic R&B news, 1970's and early 1980's girl group, Sister Sledge is remastering their entire back catalogue next month on Septemeber 18th! Wounded Bird Records who've recently released several out-of-print, early, '80's era CHIC albums, will not only bring light to their established material, but to material that wasn't as appreciated by general audiences outside of the R&B market. Also, some of these albums had become expensive collector's item on CD being out-of-print and all, so longtime fans are quite excited to get affordable copies once more.

For more information see these links: Amazon / Sister Sledge Official 

Finally, in the new school arena, we have Amerie. Her third long player, Because I Love It was released in Britain and Europe in May this year to rave reviews and modest sales. Yet, neither the lead single "Take Control" or the current feverish second single, "Gotta Work" have kept good on the U.S. release date for August. For those who are curious about one of the better mainstream R&B efforts this year, written and arranged by Amerie herself, please purchase a decent priced import copy of this record at Amazon or for more information on Amerie and this project, visit Amerie Net / Love Amerie . Get the word out! Request at radio stations and try to get this sleeper hit out to the U.S. audiences!   -QH