Howard Hewett Jr. is an esteemed American singer-songwriter born on October 1, 1955, in Akron, Ohio. Gaining prominence as the lead vocalist of the R&B ensemble Shalamar, Hewett later carved out a remarkable solo career. With a career spanning over four decades, his soulful voice and dynamic performances remain influential in the realms of R&B, soul, and gospel music.
Early Career and Shalamar
Hewett was raised in Akron, Ohio, before relocating to Los Angeles in 1976 to fulfill his musical aspirations.
After forming the show group "Beverly Hills," he toured extensively across Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, and Asia in the late 1970s.
His career trajectory changed when he joined Shalamar in 1978, upon invitation from Jeffrey Daniel.
As part of Shalamar, alongside Jody Watley and Daniel, Hewett's contributions included the acclaimed "Big Fun" album and several chart-topping hits such as:
"Second Time Around"
"Make That Move"
"A Night to Remember"
"This Is for the Lover in You."
The classic Shalamar lineup saw substantial success, largely due to Howard's gospel-trained tenor voice and charismatic stage presence.
Solo Career
Hewett's solo career launched post-1985, commencing with a contract with Elektra Records.
His debut solo album, "I Commit to Love" (1986), climbed to #12 on the R&B charts and featured hits like:
"I'm for Real"
"Stay"
He continued to release more albums, enriching his discography with:
"Forever and Ever" (1988)
"Howard Hewett" (1990)
"Allegiance" (1992)
"It's Time" (1994)
"The Journey" (2001)
"If Only" (2007)
His solo hits also include:
"Show Me"
"Strange Relationship"
"Once, Twice, Three Times"
Musical Style and Influences
Hewett is renowned for his soulful melodies and deeply expressive lyrics, drawing influence from R&B legends such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Donny Hathaway.
His body of work seamlessly weaves R&B, soul, and gospel elements, crafting a signature sound that has captivated audiences worldwide.
Personal Life and Achievements
Hewett has been married several times, notably to singer/actress Nia Peeples, and is a father to multiple children.
He played a pivotal role in The Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack with Shalamar, earning a Grammy Award for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media in 1986.
In 2001, he made a notable return to Shalamar and released his first gospel album, "The Journey."
His latest work includes the 2017 single, "A Love of My Own."
Howard Hewett's illustrious career is a testament to his versatility and passion for music. He remains a cherished figure in the music industry, celebrated for his rich vocal delivery and steadfast commitment to his craft.
