Howard Hewett facts for kids

Howard Hewett Jr. (born October 1, 1955) is an American singer and songwriter. He became famous as the main singer for the music group Shalamar. In 1985, he started his own solo music career. He later rejoined Shalamar in 2001. Howard Hewett signed with Elektra Records. In 1986, he released his first solo album, I Commit to Love. Howard and Shalamar also helped create music for the Beverly Hills Cop movie soundtrack. This soundtrack won a Grammy Award in 1986 for Best Score Soundtrack.

Howard Hewett's Early Life and Career

Howard Hewett grew up in Akron, Ohio. In 1976, he moved to Los Angeles. There, he met Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley at a club. Hewett formed a music group called "Beverly Hills." They toured around Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, and Asia from 1977 to mid-1978. After returning, Hewett began recording music for Jeffrey Bowen.

Joining Shalamar

In 1978, Jeffrey Daniel called Hewett because Shalamar needed a lead singer. Hewett accepted the offer. Within three days, Hewett flew to New Jersey. He met Watley and Daniel there. They started recording the Big Fun album with their producer, Leon Sylvers.

Shalamar's Hit Songs

The group recorded many popular songs together. These included "Second Time Around" and "Make That Move." Other hits were "A Night to Remember" and "Dancing in the Sheets." They also recorded the ballad "This Is for the Lover in You." Hewett was the lead singer for Shalamar from 1979 until 1985.

Howard Hewett's Solo Music Career

When Shalamar broke up in the mid-1980s, Howard Hewett began a successful solo career. He signed a solo deal with Elektra Records. In 1986, he released his first solo album, I Commit to Love. This album was very popular in R&B music. It had two top 10 R&B hits: "I’m for Real" and "Stay."

More Solo Albums and Collaborations

In 1988, Hewett released his second album, Forever and Ever. This album featured the popular songs "Strange Relationship" and "Once, Twice, Three Times."

In 1990, Hewett released his self-titled album. It included the hit song "Show Me." Another popular song from this album was "If I Could Only Have That Day Back." In 1992, his fourth album, Allegiance, was released.

Hewett also helped with the theme song for the second season of Hangin' with Mr. Cooper. This song was a new version of Sam & Dave's hit "Soul Man." In 1994, Howard Hewett recorded "Christmas Will Return" with Brenda Russell. This song was for the Disney holiday movie The Santa Clause.

After his 1995 album It's Time, Hewett often sang as a guest artist. He worked with jazz musicians like Joe Sample, Brian Culbertson, and George Duke. In 2000, The Rippingtons featured Hewett on their song "I Found Heaven."

Gospel Music and Recent Work

In 2001, Hewett recorded his first full gospel music album, The Journey. A year later, he released The Journey Live: From the Heart.

In October 2006, Hewett released a new song called "Enough." He worked with jazz musician George Duke on this song. It was played a lot on R&B radio stations. Hewett is signed to The Groove Records, an independent music label. In October 2008, Hewett released his Christmas CD, Howard Hewett Christmas.

Discography

Studio albums

• I Commit to Love (1986)
• Forever and Ever (1988)
• Howard Hewett (1990)
• Allegiance (1992)
• It's Time (1994)
• The Journey (2001)
• If Only (2007)

Filmography

• B*A*P*S (1997) – Himself
• Dolemite (1975) – Singer