Spending Time with The Sophisticated Lady

Story & Photos By Oggi Ogburn

The time is September 1979 and Phyllis Hyman has been invited to perform for the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Awards Dinner in Washington DC. The dinner was on the 23rd, but she came to town on the 12th for some special visits and for record promotions. During this period she was on the Arista record label with a new record " You Know How To Love Me", produced by Mtume and Reggie Lucas. André Perry was the executive that came on the road with her for these two days. There was a visit to Children’s Hospital, lunch with Congressman Dellums from California, a visit with Mayor Marion Barry, and just having fun hanging out visiting radio stations. I’m looking at my photo contact sheets to remind me of all the fun we had eating and hanging out with the power brokers of America.

Phyllis at Children's Hospital

That morning our first stop was Children’s Hospital, where she met kids with all kind of serious ailments. She attempted to uplift them with hope for a brighter future. We took pictures with the kids, but she also was a big hit with the nurses and doctors. Before we left the hospital she autographed photographs for all who wanted one. The next stop was lunch at the Florida Avenue Grill, a favorite spot for all the cab drivers and anyone else who loved soul food. Phyllis was a large woman who could put down some food. She talked much stuff to the people at the grill and autographed a special photo for the grill to hang on the wall. After lunch we visited two local radio station and called it a day.

Andre Perry and Phyllis on the steps of the Capitol

The next morning we began the day with a visit to Marion Barry’s office, the Mayor of Washington DC. We took pictures and Phyllis and the mayor sat at a table in his office for small talk. I do remember when we were leaving he gave her a big kiss on the cheek. We left his office headed to Capitol Hill for a power lunch with Congressman Ron Dellums of California. The Congressman was to welcome her to DC and to thank her for her participation in the upcoming awards dinner. You cannot take pictures in the Congressional lunch room, so I just enjoyed lunch with some good conversation. The first words that came out of the Congressman’s mouth was that he hated everyday being a Congressman. Phyllis was the first to ask why. He explained that in order for him to get anything done, he needs the consent of 217 congressmen to pass a piece of legislation. While eating lunch Congressman Payne of Missouri joined our party. When lunch was over we took some pictures around the capitol and said good-bye. I think men just love being around the six foot one beauty because both the mayor and the congressmen acted like they didn’t want her to leave. She advised them that she had to catch a plane back to New York and enjoyed her stay in Washington very much.

Phyllis performing at the awards Dinner September 23, 1977

At the awards dinner on September 23 , she sang her heart out and blew the crowd away. As I conclude , I would like to thank Ms. Hyman for some great pictures and definitely some great memories.

Peace Oggi

Oggi Ogburn is a professional photographer who has done some great work with celebrities such as Denzel Washington, Dustin Hoffman, Minnie Ripperton and Elton John among many others. Check out his work at Oggi's Kitchen Photomarket.

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