Howard Hewett “You Still Live Inside of Me”

Howard Hewett, born October 1, 1955 in Akron, Ohio, is an American R&B and gospel singer and former lead vocalist of the R&B group Shalamar.  According to one Rolling Stone writer, Howard Hewett is the premier vocalist in the post – Marvin Gaye era of romantic pop. Like Gaye, Hewett soars to new heights and seduces his audience. It is no wonder he’s responsible for selling some ten million records; his voice is irresistible. Howard Hewett is one of the most talented soul singers of the past two decades. In group settings, as a guest vocalist and as a solo singer, Hewett’s virtually irresistible voice has wrapped itself around material of various quality turning good songs into great records and doing his best to save some of the lesser material with which he has sometimes been saddled as a solo artist.

Born in Akron, Ohio, Howard led his older sisters in the Hewett Singers, a group who played the big-time gospel circuit while Howard was still a pre-teen. Hewett moved to Los Angeles and, after a period appearing on Soul Train, became a member of Shalamar, the centerpiece of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR (Sound of Los Angeles) label. His mellifluous tenor voice mixed beautifully with the bright vocals of Jody Watley and the dancing skills of Jeffery Daniels made Shalamar a group to loved for all. Writing and production came from Leon Sylvers III, resulting in such top hits as The Second Time Around, Full of Fire, Dead Giveaway and A Night to Remember, as well as a number of under-appreciated ballads, such as “You Can Count On Me” and “You’re the One for Me”.

In the mid-eighties, Howard’s solo career rocketed. The first single released on his own, “I’m For Real”, zoomed to number one. A series of hits followed, such as “Stay,” “I Commit to Love,” “Strange Relationship,” “Once, Twice, Three Times,” and “Show Me.” What’s more, his original “Say Amen” earned the status of a modern gospel classic, enjoying across the board airplay. And his recorded duets with Anita Baker, Dionne Warwick, Brenda Russell and Stacy Lattisaw won critical accolades.

“Of all the fine singers working today,” artist/songwriter Babyface has said, “Howard Hewett is among the finest.”

The majority of Howard Hewett original compositions “How Do I Know I Love You?” co-written with long-time collaborator/producer Monty Seward, has the feeling of a time proven standard. And in the one instance when he interprets a motif made famous by another, Marvin Gaye’s “Just To Keep You Satisfied,” Howard proves himself more than capable of meeting the challenge.

“Just as I believe that I can’t compromise romance,” says Hewett “I can’t compromise my music. I want songs like ‘This Love’s Forever,’ ‘On and On’ and ‘Your Body Needs Healing’ to disclose secrets about myself and expose my heart. I want to be clear, ‘Crystal Clear’ about how I need love. Ballads seem to express that need best. That’s why I’m thrilled that It’s Time is about ballads, ballads and more ballads.”

Since the release of the classic “It’s Time” album in 1994, Howard has since released his first fully spiritual album entitled “The Journey”. Howard Hewett has always included one special spiritual song on every solo album he has released to date. As well as releasing his first best of CD “The Very Best of Howard Hewett”. Howard has also released his first live concert DVD entitled “Intimate: Howard Hewett Live”.

Howard released his first new soul album in a decade called “If Only” in 2007 on The Groove Records. Howard Hewett has released his very first Christmas album “Howard Hewett Christmas” in 2008.