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Biography
Infobox musical artist|image= || name = Howard Hewett| image_size =| background = solo_singer| birth_name = Howard Hewett| alias =| birth_date = birth date and age|1955|10|1| death_date =| origin = Akron, Ohio|Akron , Ohio , United States | instrument = Vocals, piano, guitar| genre = Rhythm and blues|R& B , soul music|Soul , Gospel , Jazz | occupation = Singer| years_active = 1977–present| label =| associated_acts = Shalamar , Jody Watley , Nia Peeples | website =| current_members =| past_members =| notable_instruments = Howard Hewett (born October 1, 1955 in Akron, Ohio ) is an United States|American R& B and gospel music|gospel singer and former singer|lead vocalist of the R& B group Shalamar .
Raised in Akron, Ohio, Hewett moved to Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles . He would eventually meet Soul Train dancer and future first wife Rainey Riley-Cunningham, then a secretary of the show's creator and original host Don Cornelius . It was he who introduced Hewett to fellow Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel , and their group, Shalamar , was born. The trio (music)|trio is best known for songs such as "Second Time Around", "A Night to Remember", "Dancing in the Sheets" and the ballad "This Is For The Lover In You". Hewett was the group's lead singer from 1979 until 1985.
When Shalamar broke up in the mid 1980s, Hewett went on to pursue a solo (music)|solo career. In 1986 Hewett was arrested and indicted in Miami with his fiance Mori Molina for possession with an intent to distribute cocaine.Jet Magazine, (Feb 3, 1986) Ex- Shalamar Leader Hit With Drug Rap " http://books.google.com/books? id=lrQDAAAAMBAJ& pg=PA57& dq=miami+howard+hewett+cocaine+arrest& hl=en& ei=v4XQTfukI4r2swOIofC-Cw& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=3& sqi=2& ved=0CE4Q6AEwAg#v=onepage& q& f=false" (Retrieved May 15, 2011) Hewitt subsequently married Molina who was convicted and served prison time. Hewett was then acquitted of the charges.Jet Magazine, (August 4, 1986) Ex Shalamar Leader Is Cleared of Drug Charges " http://books.google.com/books? id=AbQDAAAAMBAJ& pg=PA54& dq=miami+howard+hewett+cocaine+arrest& hl=en& ei=v4XQTfukI4r2swOIofC-Cw& sa=X& oi=book_result& ct=result& resnum=1& sqi=2& ved=0CEYQ6AEwAA#v=onepage& q& f=false" , Retrieved May, 15, 2011 He signed with Elektra Records and recorded 1986's I Commit To Love (R& B #12), a relatively solid urban album that yielded two R& B hits, "I’m For Real" (R& B #2) and "Stay" (R& B #8). The album also included "Say Amen", a gospel tune that became a surprise hit on the Gospel charts and is Hewett's signature song . Hewett contributed vocals to La Toya Jackson 's Hot 100 hit single " Heart Don't Lie (Single)|Heart Don't Lie " in 1984.
In 1990, Hewett released a self-titled album, which included the hit "Show Me" (R& B #2), and 1992 saw the release of the Gramophone Record|LP Allegiance , which was not received as well as previous albums. He contributed to the second season theme music|theme song of " Hangin' With Mr. Cooper " which was a remake of Sam & Dave 's R& B Top 10 hit " Soul Man (song)|Soul Man ". This recording was produced by singer Steve Tyrell.
After 1995’s It’s Time (released by Expansion Records in the UK), Hewett stopped recording solo, spending much of his time providing guest vocals on albums by jazz artists such as Joe Sample , Brian Culbertson , and George Duke , among others. In 2000, The Rippingtons featured Hewett on "I Found Heaven" on their "Life in the Tropics" album. In 2001, Hewett recorded his first full gospel album, The Journey , followed a year later by The Journey Live: From the Heart .
In October 2006, Hewett released a new single, "Enough" (with jazz legend George Duke ), which has received substantial play on urban contemporary and R& B radio stations. Hewett is signed to The Groove Records, an independent label based in Los Angeles, California|Los Angeles . http://www.themachineproductions.com/artists.php? id=8 In October 2008, Hewett released his long awaited Christmas CD "Howard Hewett Christmas" which combines Hewett's soulful warm R& B voice with magical heartfelt classic Christmas songs to create what just may be the best new Christmas album in decades. Working together with, music greats Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder, and a new vocal sensation, Jasselle, who brings a Latin flair to the new CD, Hewett proves once again that his musical style remains wonderfully classic, offering a refreshing message that encourages the soul and reignites the true spirit of Christmas. In 2009 he record a duet with soul singer Teena Marie, "Lover's Lane," on her album Congo Square.
Discography
Albums
I Commit To Love (1986)
Forever And Ever (1988)
Howard Hewett (1990)
Allegiance (1992)
''It's Time (1994)
The Journey (2001)
The Journey Live (2002)
Intimate: Live (2005)
If Only (2007)
Howard Hewett Christmas (2008)
Personal life
Hewett was married to Mari Molina from 1986 until they divorced. Hewett also marriage|married actress /singer Nia Peeples and they have a son, Christopher (b. 1989). Peeples appeared in the music video for his song "Show Me." Hewett married current wife Angela in 1998 and they have one daughter, Anissa and currently live in Los Angeles, California .
References
External links
Allmusic | class = artist | id = p4478 | tab = biography | label = Biography of Howard Hewett | first = Ron | last = Wynn | accessdate = 2012-04-20
http://web.rehearsals.com/news/article.jsp? ymd=20070604& content_id=2083& vkey=news& fext=.jsp Interview and performance("It's Only")- rehearsals.com
http://www.honeysoul.com/wp/? p=769 Howard Hewett audio interview - HoneySoul.com
http://www.wlatalent.com/roster/howard_hewett/artistprofile.htm Howard Hewett at http://www.wlatalent.com/ Wenig-Lamonica Associates
Persondata | NAME =Hewett, Howard | ALTERNATIVE NAMES = | SHORT DESCRIPTION = | DATE OF BIRTH =October 1, 1955 | PLACE OF BIRTH = | DATE OF DEATH = | PLACE OF DEATH = DEFAULTSORT:Hewett, Howard Category:1955 births Category:African American singers Category:Living people Category:American rhythm and blues musicians Category:American soul musicians Category:People from Akron, Ohio Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Shalamar members
