Barbara Howard
Barbara Howard (1950–2018) was a Cincinnati-born soul and gospel singer who gained regional fame in the late 1960s before her music was rediscovered by collectors decades later.
Howard was 18 years old when she was discovered by Steven Reece at a talent show hosted by Redd Fo.xx Reece, then a Xavier University student, was organizing "Operation Step-Up," a talent search aimed at healing the Cincinnati community following the 1968 riots.
Reece became her manager and producer; they married roughly a year later and remained together for 38 years until her death.
Her sound is recognized for blending gospel roots with traditional rhythm and blues.
She opened for Stevie Wonder at the Ohio Valley Kool Jazz Festival and appeared on national television programs, including The Mike Douglas Show and Upbeat.
Her most notable work is her debut album, "On the Rise" (originally released around 1969/1970). It featured covers of soul classics and popular tracks such as: "Light My Fire," "You've Made Me So Very Happy," "Welcome Home," and "Oh Me, Oh My, I’m a Fool for You Baby."
"On the Rise" was originally produced in a limited run (reportedly 500 copies) and failed to gain national traction at the time. However, the album became a "holy grail" for rare soul and funk collectors.
In 2016, a sealed copy found its way to Plaid Room Records in Ohio, leading to a reissue of her work by Colemine Records and a resurgence of interest in her career.
For her contributions to the city's musical heritage, she is featured in the Cincinnati Black Music Walk of Fame.
She and Steven Reece had three children, including former Ohio State Representative Alicia Reece. She passed away on December 24, 2018, at the age of 68.
On The Rise
Written-By – Doors
2:40
A2 My Song
Written-By – D. J. Mattis, J. L. Alexander
2:58
A3 You've Made Me So Happy
Written-By – Gordy, Holloway, Wilson, Holloway
3:36
A4 I Need You
Written-By – Steven Reece
3:15
A5 Welcome Home
Written-By – C. Taylor
2:25
B1 Save Your Love For Me
Written-By – W. B. Johnson
2:30
B2 Oh Me Oh My, I'm A Fool
Written-By – Jim Doris
2:40
B3 The Man Above
Written-By – Steven Reece
2:30
B4 It's Not Unusual
Written-By – Mills, Reed
1:50
B5 For Once In My Life
Written-By – Murden, Miller
3:30
Label: S. Reece – none
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1970
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
On The Rise is the debut and most celebrated studio album by American soul singer Barbara Howard, originally released in 1970. Often described as a "holy grail" of soul music by collectors, the album has gained cult status for its sophisticated blend of soul, jazz, gospel, and R&B.
The album showcases Howard’s smooth, deep vocals and "deep soul diva" power. It features a mix of original tracks and soulful interpretations of popular songs from the era:
The tracklist includes Howard's unique takes on hits like "Light My Fire" (The Doors), "You've Made Me So Very Happy" (Brenda Holloway/Blood, Sweat & Tears), and "It's Not Unusual" (Tom Jones). Highlights include "Welcome Home" and "My Song".
The record was intentionally produced to bridge multiple radio formats, ranging from spiritual gospel tones to upbeat pop and jazz-influenced arrangements.
The album's history is frequently cited as one of the most romantic in soul music: It was produced by Steven Reece in 1968–1970 as part of a community talent search program in Cincinnati called "Operation Step-Up". Although the album did not achieve commercial success at the time of its release, Reece and Howard married shortly after its production.
For decades, the LP remained a rare obscurity until a sealed copy was discovered in 2016 at Plaid Room Records in Ohio, leading to a major revival of interest and several reissues.
The album has been reintroduced to modern audiences through high-quality reissues by Colemine Records (via their Remined Records imprint) in 2019, available on vinyl, CD, and digital formats with remastered audio.