Howard Hewett
Howard Hewett Jr., born October 1, 1955, in Akron, Ohio, is a Grammy-winning American R&B singer-songwriter best known as the lead vocalist of Shalamar.
Hewett began singing in childhood, fronting his older sisters' gospel group, the Hewett Singers, on the gospel circuit. As a teen, he honed his skills in the funk band Lyfe before moving to Los Angeles in 1976 at age 21. There, he met Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley and formed the touring group Beverly Hills, performing across Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, and Asia from 1977 to mid-1978.
In 1978, Hewett joined Shalamar as lead singer, replacing Gerald Brown, alongside Daniel and Watley. The group scored hits like "Second Time Around," "A Night to Remember," "Make That Move," and "Dancing in the Sheets," blending R&B, funk, and disco. Their contributions to the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack earned a 1986 Grammy for Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.
Hewett left Shalamar in 1985 and signed with Elektra Records, releasing his debut album I Commit to Love in 1986, featuring R&B top-10 hits "I'm for Real" (No. 2) and "Stay" (No. 8). Follow-up albums included Forever and Ever (1988) with "Strange Relationship," a self-titled release (1990) with "Show Me" (R&B No. 2), and later works solidifying his solo legacy. He briefly reunited with Shalamar in 2001.
He has faced legal challenges but remains active in music, known for his smooth, emotive voice in the post-Marvin Gaye R&B era. He has acted in films like Bulletproof (1996) and appeared on shows such as The Santa Clause. Now 70, he continues performing and is celebrated for defining 1980s R&B.
Howard Hewett – It’s Time
2 Crystal Clear 4:49
3 This Love Is Forever 5:38
4 Your Body Needs Healin' 4:40
5 For The Lover In You 6:58
6 I Wanna Know You 5:33
7 Say Good-Bye 4:18
8 How Do I Know I Love You 4:19
9 A Love Of Your Own 4:58
10 Just To Keep You Satisfied 4:41
11 On & On 5:35
12 Amazing Grace (Interlude) 1:41
13 Call His Name 4:32
Label: Caliber Records – 69052-1008
Format: CD, Album
Country: US
Released: 1994
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Downtempo, Soul
Howard Hewett's It's Time album, often noted as a standout solo effort from the former Shalamar vocalist, is praised for its smooth, soulful R&B and quiet storm vibes, showcasing his pure, soaring voice on seductive ballads perfect for relaxation or romance, featuring standout tracks like "Crystal Clear" and "For The Lover In You," solidifying his status as a top-tier R&B talent.
The album consistently delivers smooth, mellow R&B, ideal for chilling, cruising, or intimate moments.
Fans consistently highlight Hewett's beautiful, clear, and soulful voice, noting how he uses it to mimic instruments and pierce the soul.
The music creates a "mood for love," with themes of romance and connection throughout.
Notable Tracks:
"Crystal Clear": Sets the tone for the album's romantic feel.
"For The Lover In You": A popular, extended track that embodies the album's sensual essence.
"Your Body Needs Healin'": A fan favorite that contributes to the album's relaxing atmosphere.
Many listeners consider it one of his most underrated projects, filled with infectious music. Praised as "pure class" and a fantastic, relaxing listen. Great for long drives, quiet nights, or just unwinding.
Overall, It's Time is seen as a quintessential Howard Hewett album, proving his enduring talent for delivering soulful, well-crafted R&B with a distinct romantic flair, even if it sometimes flies under the radar compared to his Shalamar hits or other solo efforts.