Still going strong, Howard Hewett’s music and career endures

Howard Hewett knows music. Widely recognized as the front man for the group Shalamar, Hewett is a staple in the R&B world. He’s been wowing audiences with his voice since he was 10 and putting out hits since he first set foot in LA at 19. Growing up in Akron, Ohio Hewett was surrounded and heavily influenced by groups like Lakeside, The O’Jays and the Ohio Players—so from an early age he understood what it meant to make great music. “You’ve got to have a great foundation,” he insists. “There’s no replacement for putting in the work and getting better at what you do. If you’re a dancer, dance and if you’re a singer, sing.”
 During this year’s Taste of Soul, Hewett was a highlight of the crowd favorite Wave Stage. The soulful singer treated the audience to a string of hits which included, “For The Lover in You,” “Show Me,” and fan favorite “Say Amen.”  In addition to his performance, Hewett’s wealth of knowledge and vast experience was on display as a judge of the StarQuest for Kids Talent Showcase.  “I actually got to judge the kids talent show and that was really fun,” he said. “The kids really get into it and to see that confidence and talent at such a young age was a lot of fun. I truly enjoyed the experience.  It’s always great to be able to witness all the talent the community has to offer. I was happy to be part of the experience. It was a cool thing to know you may be a part of someone’s dream coming true.” 
For Hewett, taking part in the Taste of Soul was a homecoming of sort. When he first arrived in Los Angeles, it was at Maverick’s Flat on Crenshaw where the budding superstar honed his craft.  “I met John and Alonzo Daniels, who owned Maverick’s Flat and soon after joined a group there called Beverly Hills. We rehearsed and perform there for about a year before eventually touring overseas,” Hewett recalls.  Besides providing a venue for Hewett to showcase his talent, the legendary night spot also anchored the singer to the Crenshaw District where he became a fixture in the community for many years. “It was just a great time to be in Los Angeles and a working musician.”
Today the Grammy Award winner continues to write, produce and perform. He is currently hard at work on his upcoming 2015 project. The first single “You Still Live Inside Me” is currently available on iTunes.  “I thank God and I’m just happy to still be making music. I got into this thing wanting to be in it for a lifetime,” he said passionately. “I want to be like some of my heroes like Smokey Robinson. who’s 70-plus years old, still running up and down stages making the ladies scream and Tony Bennett, who’s 85 years plus making recordings with Lady Gaga so she can stay relevant!” said Hewett with a laugh.  “It’s about the songs and the longevity. At the end we all aspire to make music that lasts.”