b. Howard Hewett, 1st October 1955, Akron, Ohio, U.S.A.
Of this singer, it can be said that, Howard Hewett has seldom found material worthy of his tremendous skills.
He grew up in Akron, Ohio, and relocated to Los Angeles.
Howard danced on Soul Train, and became one-third of Shalamar with Jeffrey Daniels and Jody Watley in 1979.
They had several big hits before Howard departed for a solo career in 1985.
He signed with Elektra, and his second single, 'I'm for Real,' was a number two R & B hit in 1986.
The follow-up single, 'Stay,' also made the Top Ten, while 'I Commit to Love' in 1987 reached number 12.
Hewett remained on Elektra through the '80's and into the '90's, earning another hit with 'Strange Relationship' in 1988, and cutting duets with Dionne Warwick and Anita Baker.
He's also been busy as a writer, producer, and session vocalist.
Hewett co-wrote and produced 'Frustration' for LaToya Jackson in 1984, and sang on her LP 'Heart Don't Lie'.
He undertook lead vocal chores on LPs by Stanley Clarke and George Duke in 1984 and 1986, a duet with Stacy Lattisaw on 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough,' and sang with Firefox in 1986, as well as undertaking backgrounds on a Donna Summer release.
In 2001, Hewett returned to recording releasing a gospel set entitled 'The Journey', which was well received by music journalists and punters alike.
2007 saw another label move to Machine Records, where he released 'If Only'.
Quite why this singer has never received the recognition he obviously deserves, is another story.
Albums:
I Commit to Love (Elektra Records 1986)
Forever & Ever (Elektra Records 1988)
Howard Hewett (Elektra Records 1990)
Allegiance (Elektra Records 1992)
It's Time (Calibre/Expansion Records 1995)
The Journey (Sony Records 2001)
If Only (Machine Records 2007)
