Camille Howard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Camille Howard
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Deasy Browning |
| Also known as | Camille Agnes Browning Camille Browning Howard |
| Born | March 29, 1914 Galveston, Texas, United States |
| Died | March 10, 1993 (aged 78) Los Angeles, California, United States |
| Genres | R&B |
| Occupation(s) | Pianist, singer, songwriter |
| Years active | Mid 1930s–late 1950s |
| Associated acts | Roy Milton |
Camille Howard (born March 29, 1914 – died March 10, 1993) was an amazing American rhythm and blues (R&B) pianist and singer. She became famous in the 1940s playing with Roy Milton's band, the Solid Senders. Some of her most popular songs were "R. M. Blues," "Thrill Me," and her own hit, "X-Temporaneous Boogie."
Contents
Early Life and Musical Start
Camille Howard was born in Galveston, Texas. Her birth name was Deasy Browning. But she grew up using the name Camille Agnes Browning.
From a young age, Camille learned to play the piano. As a teenager, she was part of a local music group. It was called the Cotton Tavern Trio. By 1935, she was playing music in clubs in Galveston.
Joining Roy Milton's Solid Senders
In the early 1940s, Camille Howard moved from Texas to California. By 1943, she joined the Roy Milton Trio. This group later became a bigger band. They were called the Solid Senders.
In 1945, Camille played piano on Roy Milton's first big hit song. It was called "R. M. Blues." This song became very popular. It reached number 2 on the R&B music charts. Camille's piano playing on the song was very special. She played long, flowing melodies with her right hand.
Becoming a Solo Star
Camille stayed with Roy Milton's Solid Senders. She was the main piano player on all their hit songs. In 1947, she sang on their song "Thrill Me." This song also became a big R&B hit.
After "Thrill Me" was a success, Camille started recording her own music. In 1948, she had a huge hit with "X-Temporaneous Boogie." This song reached number 7 on the R&B chart. It sold almost a quarter of a million copies!
"X-Temporaneous Boogie" was a powerful piano song. It showed off her strong, "two-fisted" boogie-woogie style. She recorded it with Roy Milton and bassist Dallas Bartley.
More Hits and Later Career
Camille continued to play in Roy Milton's band. Roy Milton also played in her own band sometimes. Her own group included Winston Williams on bass and Walter Murden on drums. She also performed with other famous musicians. These included Jimmy Witherspoon and Joe Liggins.
Between 1948 and 1952, Camille released 14 more songs. These included fast boogie songs and smooth ballads. Her other R&B hits were "You Don't Love Me" (1948) and "Fiesta in Old Mexico" (1949). Another hit was "Money Blues" (1951).
In the mid-1950s, rock and roll music became very popular. This made it harder for R&B artists like Camille to have hits. She stopped making music shortly after. Camille was a very religious person. In her later years, she didn't like to talk about her music career.
Camille Howard passed away in Los Angeles in 1993. She was 78 years old.
Discography
- Camille Howard, Vol. 1: Rock Me Daddy (1993)
- Camille Howard, Vol. 2: X-Temporaneous Boogie (1996)
