Howard Hewett
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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.
Raised in Akron, Ohio, Hewett moved to Los Angeles and, after a stint as a dancer on Soul Train, became a member of Shalamar, along with fellow Soul Train dancers Jody Watley and Jeffrey Daniel. The 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 career. He signed with Elektra Records and recorded 1986's I Commit To Love, a relatively solid urban album that yielded two R&B hits, "I’m For Real" and "Stay". The album also included "Say Amen", a gospel tune that became a surprise hit on the Gospel charts and is Hewett's signature song. In 1990, Hewett released a self-titled album, which included the hit "Show Me", and 1992 saw the release of the LP Allegiance, which was not received as well as previous albums.
After 1995’s It’s Time, 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 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. [1]
[edit] Trivia
- Hewett is the former husband of actress/singer Nia Peeples.
- Hewett duetted with La Toya Jackson on her only Hot 100 hit single "Heart Don't Lie" in 1984.
- He also contributed to the second season theme song of Hangin' With Mr. Cooper, which was a remake of Sam and Dave's soul hit "Soul Man".
CORRECTION.....he was introduced to Jody Watly and Jeffry Daniels by his pregnant girlfriend, and subsequently, first wife, Rainey Riley-Cunningham. She was a secretary for Soul Train's Don Cornelius, and a dancer on the show. Howard himself was not a dancer at all. (this info coming from his first born daughter)