1975-1976

Phyllis teamed up with producer Norman Connors for her stunning cover hit of “Betcha By Golly Wow.”

After her move to New York City at the end of 1975, Phyllis recorded a single for Private Stock Records, “Leavin’ The Good Life Behind.”  However, it was regular performances at popular Manhattan nightclubs such as Mikell’s and Rust Brown’s that brought Phyllis to the attention of audiences that included Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, George Benson, Al Jarreau, Ashford & Simpson, George Harrison, Lamont Dozier and Jon Lucien.  Word of mouth about Phyllis’ exceptional skill in interpreting an array of jazz, R&B and pop material led drummer Norman Connors to invite Phyllis to record songs for his 1976 Buddah LP You Are My Starship.  In the summer of 1976, Phyllis charted two U.S. R&B singles at the same time:  “We Both Need Each Other” (Phyllis’ duet with bassist Michael Henderson) from the Connors LP, and “I’m Gonna Love You,” a single she had recorded for Desert Moon Records. “(I’m Gonna Love You)” gave Phyllis two U.S. R&B chart entries at the same time.  A stunning cover version of The Stylistics’ “Betcha By Golly Wow” also from Connors’ best-selling album, garnered Phyllis extensive airplay, a Top 30 R&B hit and a permanent place in her live performances.