What Ever Happened to: Myron

It’s amazing to me how one obscure, decades-old song can make such a lasting impression on R&B fans.

Credit the power of good music, I guess.

I’ve been writing this column for the better part of a decade now, and this is the most frequent message I’ve gotten in my inbox:

“Whatever happened to The “Destiny” Guy?”

Uh no, not Mathew Knowles. Lord no.

In this case, the child of Destiny in question is R&B crooner Myron, whose single “Destiny” was Gorilla Glue’d to BET’s Midnight Love playlist. He entered the game with boatloads of potential, then quickly, and quietly, vanished into the night.

Here’s why Myron was so ahead of his time.

Now, if you’re a fan of these “What Ever Happened to” pieces, I’m sure you know the template for the Rhythm & Blues Singer Backstory (TM):

[Artist name here] grew up in the church where [he/she] sang for Da Lawd

[Artist name here] starting performing at nightclubs and/or talent shows to gain buzz

[Artist name here] finally relocates, gets big break, becomes a superstar

Myron Davis is no exception.

Born the son of a Cleveland preacher, Myron grew up in his father’s church, playing drums while is mother played the organ. His musical talents manifested at school too, where he performed in a jazz ensemble. That opened the door for him to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1994.

Just a couple of years later, he’d get his big break, thanks to this woman:

eddie

Back in the 90s, even the most ridiculous movies had fantastic soundtracks. Exhibit A: Whoopi Goldberg’s bland basketball film “Eddie.” Ugh. Side note — did you know that Whoopi started dating Frank Langella during the filming of “Eddie?” Yes, Whoopi Goldberg dated Skeletor. That’s gotta be one of the signs of the apocalypse.

masters2

But the movie’s greatest contribution wasn’t that unholy union, it was its fantastic soundtrack — an opportunity that opened doors for Myron.

Myron contributed his song “Sistas” to the soundtrack, and while it wasn’t a hit on its own, he did help write the soundtrack’s biggest success, Dru Hill’s debut single “Tell Me.” Those victories paved the way for Myron’s major label debut on Island Black Music/Def Jam.

destiny myron

Destiny was released in 1998, featuring the laziest album cover in R&B history. Dude got dressed for his photo shoot, went back to bed and this is what we got. But he’s got a DEATH GRIP on that chain, playa. I dare you to pry it from his cold hands.

The album’s first single, “We Can Get Down” was undeniably infectious but, of course, my most vivid memory was that the video featured one of my 90s-era baes, Spinderella.

He’s lucky.

“We Can Get Down” didn’t gain much traction, but of course it was the album’s smooth title track that remains revered to this day:

“Destiny” truly was ahead of its time. The neo-soul movement was just beginning to bubble and hadn’t yet reached the widespread acclaim it would achieve just a few years later. Had “Destiny” landed about two years down the line I guarantee it would have gained an even greater following.

Myron’s album, despite being tightly crafted and thoroughly entertaining, flew under the radar of most fans. And seemingly, Myron soon vanished as well.

But that’s not quite true.

Myron continued to write and produce, working with artists like Ron Isley, Pink and Kelly Price. He also released two independent albums — Free in 2003 and Myron & The Works in 2008. I can’t vouch for the quality of either album, but I did check out “Ball of Clay,” featuring Robert Glasper and Meshell Ndegeocello, on the latter and it’s as fun and funky as you’d expect.

Outside of music, Myron has continued to nurture his creative side, writing and directing a stage play, as well as directing a documentary and short films.

Should He Come Back?: This is a tough one. If this was 2002, I’d give an enthusiastic YES. Myron’s brand of soulful, moving R&B would have been eagerly embraced and rewarded with retail success. 2015 is a different ballgame. While his sound certainly would put him atop the indie R&B food chain, he’d face the same struggles as 1998 — critical acclaim but frustratingly little mainstream support.

Myron had so much more to offer his fans. But if his “Destiny” was just one acclaimed single, so be it.

That’s nothing to be ashamed of. Decades later R&B fans are STILL talking about his signature song. Scores of artists dream of that kind of impact. Myron lived it.

Visit our “What Ever Happened to…” archive for more on your favorite forgotten artists

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13 Comments

  1. I always knew I’d the name right, without ever following the query up, it was around the same time I discovered Blackstreet rec:’Joy’ and its album my bro Trev has them all but anytime I said Myron for some reason either loss or forgot there was no trace, I go now to sample what I remember so thanks fa clearing that up and luh the writing keeps me engrossed!

  2. I have bought this cd 4 times. If you like Destiny, you’ll love a few of the other songs also.
    My favorite is So Damn Much followed by the Destiny Remix and Come Around.
    You’re right, Myron really was before his time with this cd but it was right on time for me. I consider myself very lucky to know who Myron is (and thank you for the followup album info) and I wish I could have seen him perform in person. Oh well, until then his cd will have a permanent spot in the vip section of my collection.

  3. M.Renee-
    I too, like you have purchased the CD about 6 times, AFTER I got a complimentary copy from the record rep that used to frequent KKBT FM 92.3 The Beat (LA) at the time. I ran it in the ground and bought 6 copies for friends.
    I STILL play that album backwards and forwards to this day.
    Look up the word underrated in the dictionary. This CD cover has a full page ad.
    KKBT Front Desk 1998

  4. Holla! I’m still around. Producing music, making films, singing at my church, in Cleveland. Check me out on FB.

  5. Myron’s last name was Brown, not Davis.
    Otherwise, I love what you’re doing. Keep the info coming!

  6. Soodesh Chocken May 23, 2017 at 8:05 am

    For real this album always left a lasting impression…especially that heartfelt run he does in Give My All To You….that boy can sang!

  7. That album had more than “Destiny”. “Give My All to You”… And “So Damn Much” still sets off a spark til this day.

  8. When his first Destiny album came out I was probably one of the first to own it thanks to We Can Get Down. I loved then and still love that CD. I haven’t listened to it in a while but it showed up in a dream last night for some reason where I was having a conversation with someone about it, surprised that someone finally knew who he was and the great album he had recorded. In real life right now not one person that I know knows who he is or any of the songs he made which is a shame. I felt every word he sang when I was a teenager and it made a huge impression on me. I haven’t listened to his other CDs but it’s on my to do list.

    But I agree that he probably won’t have a large following if he came out again today, which explains why I haven’t even heard of that third CD that he released. For one, music today isn’t about talent, it’s about how trendy or catchy something is which is why I HATE commercial music and haven’t listened to the radio in ages. Myron is all about R&B and real talent. Unfortunately, his fan base would be pretty small but I’m hoping that won’t stop him anyway.

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  1. The place Are They Now? The Present Standing of Each 90’s Male R&B Singer (2022 Version) – Hits 1000

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