Howard Hewett is celebrated for his silky, emotive balladeer’s voice—smooth, resonant, and deeply expressive. His vocal tone carries a romantic warmth rooted in gospel tradition while effortlessly blending with contemporary R&B and soul. Hewett’s delivery is intimate yet powerful, allowing him to convey vulnerability, devotion, and longing in a way that has defined classic Black love songs for generations.

Born October 1, 1955, in Akron, Ohio, Howard Hewett Jr. was raised in a musically rich household. He was introduced to music at an early age through the church. He sang gospel alongside his sisters in a family group known as The Hewett Singers, which laid the spiritual and technical foundation for his vocal style.

Hewett’s early exposure to gospel instilled discipline, harmony, and emotional depth in his singing. As a teenager, he expanded beyond church music and joined a local funk band called Lyfe, where he gained experience performing secular music and honing his stage presence. This period marked his transition from gospel roots to broader musical exploration.

His professional career began to take shape in 1976, when he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue opportunities in the music industry. This move proved pivotal, placing him at the center of the emerging West Coast R&B and soul scene during a transformative era in Black music.

Howard Hewett rose to national prominence as the lead singer of the R&B group Shalamar, one of the flagship acts of Dick Griffey’s SOLAR Records. Joining the group in the late 1970s, Hewett became the voice behind many of Shalamar’s most iconic records during their commercial peak.

With Hewett on lead vocals, Shalamar released a string of timeless hits that blended dance, soul, and romance. Songs such as “The Second Time Around,” “A Night to Remember,” and “This Is for the Lover in You” became staples of Black radio and remain enduring classics in R&B history.

After establishing himself as a star with Shalamar, Hewett embarked on a solo career in the mid-1980s. He officially launched his solo journey in 1986 with the release of his debut album, I Commit to Love, under Elektra Records. The album showcased his signature romantic style and solidified his identity as a premier R&B balladeer.

His solo success continued with hits such as “I’m for Real,” “Stay,” and “Once, Twice, Three Times.” These songs emphasized emotional sincerity, commitment, and adult love, distinguishing Hewett in an era increasingly influenced by pop crossover trends.

Throughout his career, Hewett has been associated with award-winning projects. He contributed to the Grammy-winning Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack, which received recognition for its musical excellence and cultural impact during the 1980s.

Howard Hewett’s influence has also been recognized at the community level. The city of Akron, Ohio, has honored him for his artistic contributions, acknowledging his role as one of the city’s most successful and respected musical figures.

In his personal life, Hewett has experienced several marriages. His first marriage was to Rainey Riley-Cunningham, with whom he shares two daughters, LaKiva Siani and Rainey Daze. He later married Mari Molina, though that union did not produce children.

His third marriage was to actress and singer Nia Peeples, with whom he has a son, Christopher Eugene Howard Hewett, born in 1989. Hewett later married Angela Bloom-Hewett, and they share a daughter named Anissa Hewett. He is also a proud grandfather.

Beyond chart success, Hewett’s legacy rests in his role as a cultural voice for Black love, emotional transparency, and mature romance. His music has consistently affirmed tenderness, commitment, and vulnerability—values often absent from mainstream portrayals of masculinity.

With a career spanning more than four decades, Howard Hewett remains a respected elder statesman of R&B. His influence is evident in contemporary soul artists who prioritize vocal purity, lyrical sincerity, and emotional depth.

Howard Hewett’s story is one of faith-rooted beginnings, artistic perseverance, and enduring musical relevance. His voice continues to stand as a testament to the power of soulful expression and the timeless beauty of Black love in song.

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References

Hewett, H. (n.d.). Official biography. Howard Hewett Music. https://www.howardhewettmusic.com/bio

Howard Hewett. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Hewett

I Commit to Love. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I_Commit_to_Love

Forever and Ever (Howard Hewett album). (n.d.). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forever_and_Ever_(Howard_Hewett_album)

City of Akron honors Howard Hewett. (n.d.). Downtown Akron Partnership. https://www.downtownakron.com

IMDb. (n.d.). Howard Hewett biography. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382040/bio/