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 called I Commit to Love. Howard Hewett and Shalamar also helped create music for the Beverly Hills Cop movie soundtrack. This soundtrack won a Grammy Award in 1986 for being the Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Howard Hewett's Early Life and Music Journey

Growing Up and Starting Music

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." This group toured in Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, and Asia from 1977 to mid-1978. After returning, Hewett began recording music.

Joining Shalamar

In 1978, Jeffrey Daniel asked Hewett to be a lead singer for his group. Hewett agreed and quickly flew to New Jersey. He joined Jody Watley and Daniel to record the Big Fun album. Their producer was Leon Sylvers.

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

Starting a Solo Career

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

More Solo Albums and Hits

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

His self-titled album came out in 1990. It included the hit song "Show Me" and "If I Could Only Have That Day Back". In 1992, his fourth album, Allegiance, was released.

Music for TV and Movies

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

Later Music and Collaborations

After his 1995 album It's Time, Hewett often sang as a guest on albums by jazz artists. He worked with musicians like Joe Sample, Brian Culbertson, and George Duke. In 2000, he was featured on "I Found Heaven" for The Rippingtons' album Life in the Tropics.

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

Howard Hewett's Family Life

Howard Hewett has been married four times. He has two daughters, LaKiva Siani and Rainey Daze, from his first marriage. He also has a son, Christopher Eugene Howard Hewett, with actress and singer Nia Peeples. Nia Peeples appeared in the music video for his song "Show Me." Howard also has another daughter named Anissa. He is a grandfather to three grandchildren. His son welcomed a boy, Robert Eugene (Bobby Gene) Callans, on February 7, 2022. Howard Hewett lives in Santa Clarita, California.

According to a DNA test, Howard Hewett's family comes from the people of Guinea Bissau and the Limba people of Sierra Leone.

Howard Hewett's Music Albums

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)

Howard Hewett's Film Appearances

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