When we think about voices that have truly made a mark on music, especially in the world of R&B and soul, one name often comes to mind: Howard Hewett. He's a figure whose journey, it's almost, began very early, leading him to become a well-recognized artist. From his earliest days singing as a young person, he showed a natural ability for music that would, in some respects, define his path for years to come.
His story, you know, includes being a main singer for a hugely popular group and then stepping out on his own to create a lasting body of work. This path has seen him share stages and work with some of the biggest names in the music business, cementing his place as a true legend in his field. He has, apparently, a voice that just reaches out and touches people, which is really something special.
This article will explore the life and music of Howard Hewett, looking at how he started, his time with a famous group, and what he has done since then. We'll touch on his early days, his time with Shalamar, his successful music career as a single artist, and even his work in movies. So, let's take a closer look at the remarkable contributions of Howard Hewett to the sound of soul.
Table of Contents
- Howard Hewett - A Life in Melody
- How Did Howard Hewett's Musical Path Begin?
- What Was Howard Hewett's Impact on Shalamar?
- What Happened After Howard Hewett Went Solo?
- Beyond Music - What Else Has Howard Hewett Done?
- The Sound of Howard Hewett - Recordings and Recognition
Howard Hewett - A Life in Melody
Howard Hewett, a name that, in a way, feels synonymous with a particular kind of smooth, heartfelt sound, has been making music for a very long time. His journey into the spotlight began, as it often does for those with such natural gifts, at a remarkably early age. He was, to be honest, destined for a path where his voice would become his signature.
Born as Howard Hewett Jr., his arrival into the world happened on the first day of October in 1955, in Akron, Ohio, a city that, you know, has seen its share of musical talent. This particular year and place set the stage for a life dedicated to creating memorable sounds. His roots, apparently, were firmly planted in a community that valued music, which really helped shape his early interests.
He is, basically, an American singer, a person who writes songs, a musician, and someone who records music. But his talents don't stop there. He's also been involved in acting and composing, showing a broad range of artistic abilities. This combination of skills makes him, in some respects, a truly versatile artist, which is pretty cool.
Personal Details and Bio Data of Howard Hewett
| Full Name | Howard Hewett Jr. |
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1955 |
| Place of Birth | Akron, Ohio, USA |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Recording Artist, Actor, Composer |
| Known For | Lead vocalist of Shalamar, successful solo music career, soulful voice |
How Did Howard Hewett's Musical Path Begin?
The story of Howard Hewett's musical beginnings is, honestly, quite charming and tells us a lot about his natural inclinations. He didn't just pick up a microphone one day; his connection to music started when he was just a little kid. It was, kind of, a family affair right from the start, which is a nice detail.
From his earliest years, he was singing. He would, apparently, stand at the front, leading his older sisters in a group they called "The Hewett Singers." This early experience, you know, gave him a taste of performing and being in front of people, setting the stage for bigger things. It shows that his talent was recognized and encouraged from a very young age, which really helps a person grow.
This period of singing as a child, fronting a family group, was, in a way, his first real stage. It taught him the ropes, so to speak, of what it meant to be a performer. These early moments, you know, likely built the confidence and skill that he would later bring to much larger audiences, preparing him for what was to come.
What Was Howard Hewett's Impact on Shalamar?
The late 1970s brought a significant change for Howard Hewett and for the music group Shalamar. In late 1978, he joined this R&B group, which was already doing really well, as their main singer. He stepped in alongside Jeffery Daniels and Jody Watley, forming what would become, in some respects, their most famous combination of members.
With Howard Hewett as the main voice, Shalamar, you know, really took off and became widely known. This group, first put together by Dick Griffey and Don Cornelius in 1977, was very active throughout the 1980s. His arrival, basically, helped solidify their sound and their presence in the music scene, which was a pretty big deal.
The group, with its well-known members, sold a lot of records – more than 25 million, in fact. That's a huge number, showing just how popular their music was. Howard Hewett's voice, quite clearly, played a big part in this success, making their songs recognizable and loved by many people. He was, to be honest, a central figure in their most successful period.
However, like many groups, Shalamar's classic combination of members eventually went separate ways in the mid-1980s. In 1985, Howard Hewett made the decision to leave the group. He chose to go out on his own, to start his own music career, which was a natural next step for someone with his level of talent and recognition. It was, apparently, time for him to forge his own path.
What Happened After Howard Hewett Went Solo?
After leaving Shalamar in 1985, Howard Hewett didn't slow down; he just shifted his focus. His solo music career began, and he quickly showed that his talent wasn't tied to just one group. He started putting out his own albums, which, you know, allowed his unique voice and style to shine even more brightly.
He released many solo albums, which is a testament to his dedication to making music. These recordings gave him the chance to explore different sounds and express himself in new ways. People could, basically, hear more of what made Howard Hewett's voice so special, which was a treat for his listeners.
During this period, he also had the opportunity to work with and sing alongside some truly legendary figures in music. The text mentions Stevie Wonder and George, which, you know, puts him in very good company. These collaborations show the respect he earned from other artists and how valued his musical contributions were, which is pretty impressive.
His work as a single artist led to many popular songs and recordings. You can, apparently, find his top tunes, full recordings, and even reviews of his music. This body of work, honestly, proves that he was just as compelling on his own as he was with a group, if not more so. He continued to be a significant presence in R&B and soul music, showing that his talent had real staying power.
For example, the song "Show Me" was provided to YouTube by Rhino/Elektra, and it came from his 1990 Elektra Entertainment Company recording. This particular song was mixed by someone named Mixer, which just goes to show, you know, the details of how these things come together. His solo recordings, like "I Commit to Love," also found their way onto various music charts. That album, available on CD, cassette, and LP, reached number 159 on the US charts and number 14 on the US R&B charts, which is pretty good for a solo effort.
Another recording mentioned is "Forever and Ever," which further illustrates the breadth of his solo work. These releases, basically, kept his music in the public ear and showed that he could stand on his own as a compelling artist. His solo output, in some respects, truly solidified his reputation as a major voice in his genre, which is what many artists aim for.
Beyond Music - What Else Has Howard Hewett Done?
While Howard Hewett is most celebrated for his singing, his talents, you know, extend beyond just making music. He's also ventured into the world of acting and has worked as a composer for films. This broader involvement shows that his creative spirit isn't limited to the stage or the recording studio, which is quite interesting.
He is, apparently, known for his work in a few movies. For example, he was involved with *Bulletproof*, a film from 1996. He also had a part in *The Santa Clause*, which came out in 1994, and *The Meteor Man* from 1993. These roles, in a way, gave him another outlet for his artistic expression, showing a different side of his abilities.
Being a composer for films means he contributed to the music that helps tell a movie's story. This particular skill, you know, requires a different kind of creative thought than just singing, showing his versatility. It's pretty cool to think that his musical touch can be heard not just on records but also in the background of a film, which really expands his reach.
These experiences in film, both as an actor and a composer, illustrate that Howard Hewett is, basically, a multi-talented individual. He's not just a singer; he's someone who explores various avenues to express his artistic vision. It just goes to show, you know, that a truly gifted person can find many ways to share their abilities with the world, which is a good lesson for anyone.
The Sound of Howard Hewett - Recordings and Recognition
Howard Hewett's place in music history is, honestly, quite secure. He is often called one of the most famous US soul artists of all time, and for good reason. His voice has a certain quality, a deep feeling, that makes his music really stand out. He has, apparently, a way of singing that connects with people on a very personal level.
His recordings, both from his time with Shalamar and his solo efforts, are widely available for people to explore. You can, for instance, look through his entire list of recordings, including his most popular songs, his full albums, and what critics and listeners have said about them. This makes it easy for anyone to get a good sense of his musical journey and what he has created.
He is recognized as a respected American singer and songwriter, celebrated for that heartfelt voice and the important additions he has made to music. His contributions, you know, have helped shape the sound of R&B and soul for many years. People often describe him as a legendary R&B vocalist whose career started with spiritual songs, moved to fame with Shalamar, and then continued with a very good path as a single artist.
The official pages dedicated to him, like the one for the R&B legend Howard Hewett, and the official website for Shalamar featuring him, Jeffrey Daniel, and Carolyn Griffey, further highlight his lasting presence. These platforms, basically, serve as a testament to his ongoing influence and the enduring popularity of his music. It's pretty clear, you know, that his work continues to resonate with many listeners.
His music has been a part of many people's lives, and his status as one of the most well-liked R&B singers is well-deserved. He is, in some respects, a true artist who has continuously shared his gifts with the world, making a real impact on the sound of soul music. His journey from a child singer to a respected icon is, honestly, quite inspiring.
