S2:E19 Glenda Gracia I Honoring Phyllis Hyman

In honor of Black Music Appreciation Month and singer, songwriter Phyllis Hyman, our guest is Glenda Gracia, the executrix for The Estate of Phyllis Hyman and the former founding Executive Director of the Black Music Association responsible, along with other music execs, for lobbying then President Jimmy Carter to launch the perennial celebration of Black Music Month and host an inaugural celebration on the White House lawn in June, 1979.

As one of the people who knew her best, Glenda managed the uber-talented singer with the impeccable and distinguishable voice, Phyllis Hyman from 1985 until her untimely passing in June, 1995. Glenda had a unique relationship with Phyllis who felt like she was always struggling to have her voice heard. "Phyllis was one of the most extraordinarily bright people that I know. I'm gonna say she was genius. She had very significant ideas about the way she wanted to do things and who she wanted to be." says Glenda "I wanted to always honor that."

Today, Glenda continues to uplift Phyllis' legacy. In 2021, a little over four decades from the launch of Phyllis Hyman, the Old Friend: The Deluxe Collection 1976 - 1998, a nine-disc box set that rounds up all of Hyman’s studio albums cut across the Buddah, Arista and PIR labels, was released.

Join host, Brad Johnson and Glenda as they reminisce about their personal experiences with Phyllis (including track interludes) who was a frequent visitor to Brad's late father, Howard's NYC's Upper West Side restaurant, The Cellar. Glenda, an accomplished business woman, describes how she became Phyllis' manager and her shared experiences with the complex and troubled artist. We also hear about Glenda's deep dedication to personal transformation through the study of mysticism and sacred teachings on her way to a certification as a Mindfulness Meditation Teacher, learning that while paths are many – truth is one. Join us at the corner table!