Miki Howard: The Dark Side of 80s R&B & the Music Industry
Smitty and Dee
18,147 views
Miki Howard Reveals the SHOCKING Truth About the Music Industry, Her Career, Shady Deals & More! FULL INTERVIEW
Dive into the fascinating world of R&B legend *Miki Howard* in this exclusive interview! Known for her powerful voice and timeless classics, Miki opens up about her journey in the music industry, the impact of her **gospel roots**, and the challenges she faced along the way.
Born Alicia Michelle "Miki" Howard in Chicago, Illinois, Miki’s musical legacy began long before she became an R&B icon. Her parents, both celebrated gospel singers, deeply influenced her love for music. Her father, Clay Graham, was a member of the Pilgrim Jubilees, while her mother, Josephine Howard, sang with the legendary Caravans, a group inducted into the **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**. This gospel influence would become the foundation of Miki’s unique sound and unparalleled talent.
When Miki was a teenager, her mother relocated to Los Angeles, unknowingly setting the stage for her daughter's rise to stardom. At just 15, Miki’s talent caught the attention of **Augie Johnson**, leader of the group Side Effect, during a beauty contest. That serendipitous moment marked the beginning of Miki’s professional career. She joined Side Effect in 1978, where she honed her skills and prepared for her eventual solo debut.
In 1986, Miki released her first solo album, Come Share My Love*, under **Atlantic Records**. The title track quickly climbed the R&B charts, showcasing her soulful vocals and emotional depth. Over the next few years, she released albums like *Love Confessions (1988) and her self-titled Miki Howard (1989), delivering hits that resonated with audiences and solidified her place in music history.
Switching to Giant Records in the early 1990s, Miki continued her success with the release of Ain’t Nobody Like You*. The song became a massive hit, further proving her staying power in a competitive industry. Her 1992 album, *Femme Fatale*, paid homage to jazz legends like **Dinah Washington* and **Billie Holiday**, showcasing her versatility and love for classic jazz. This tribute led to a cameo in **Spike Lee’s Malcolm X**, where she further embodied the spirit of Billie Holiday with her exceptional renditions of Holiday’s songs.
Miki’s career has been filled with highs, including a *Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional R&B Recording**. She has released numerous albums over the years, such as *Can’t Count Me Out (1997), Three Wishes (2001), and I Choose to Be Happy (2015), all of which highlight her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Beyond her music, Miki’s life and legacy have captivated audiences. Her episode on TV One’s Unsung became the highest-rated of its season and was later adapted into a TV movie featuring Teyonah Parris as Miki. This further cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Today, Miki Howard continues to perform to sold-out audiences, enchanting fans with her legendary catalog. Her voice remains as vibrant and moving as ever, proving that her music is timeless.
In this interview, Miki doesn’t hold back as she discusses the *shady deals* she encountered in the music industry, her personal experiences with icons like **Phyllis Hyman**, and the challenges women in R&B have faced. She reflects on her career’s ups and downs, sharing valuable insights and stories that provide a window into the complex world of the entertainment industry.
Miki’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of staying true to oneself. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this interview offers a deeper understanding of the artist behind the hits.
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🔗 **Listen to the Smitty and Dee Podcast**:
Spotify: [Smitty and Dee](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...)
Apple Podcast: [Smitty and Dee](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...)
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🎙 *About Smitty & Dee:*
Hosted by the father-daughter duo Toni Dee and Smitty, alongside comedian Keno, the Smitty and Dee Podcast brings you laughter, insight, and unforgettable interviews. From R&B legends like Miki Howard to educators and thought leaders, we cover it all. Tune in weekly to learn, laugh, and stay entertained!
*Tags:*
Miki Howard, Gospel Influence, Augie Johnson, Love Songs, Smooth Jazz, R&B Singer, Soul Music, Femme Fatale, Love Under New Management, P Diddy, Puffy, Diddy Party, Anita Baker, quiet storm, Gerald levert, rhythm and blues, louis vuitton, howard hewett, b howard, chicago, whitney houston, michael jackson, billie holiday,
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I love her gift … big fan
Miki Howard: The Dark Side of 80s R&B & the Music Industry
Smitty and Dee
18,147 views
Miki Howard Reveals the SHOCKING Truth About the Music Industry, Her Career, Shady Deals & More! FULL INTERVIEW
Dive into the fascinating world of R&B legend *Miki Howard* in this exclusive interview! Known for her powerful voice and timeless classics, Miki opens up about her journey in the music industry, the impact of her **gospel roots**, and the challenges she faced along the way.
Born Alicia Michelle "Miki" Howard in Chicago, Illinois, Miki’s musical legacy began long before she became an R&B icon. Her parents, both celebrated gospel singers, deeply influenced her love for music. Her father, Clay Graham, was a member of the Pilgrim Jubilees, while her mother, Josephine Howard, sang with the legendary Caravans, a group inducted into the **Rock and Roll Hall of Fame**. This gospel influence would become the foundation of Miki’s unique sound and unparalleled talent.
When Miki was a teenager, her mother relocated to Los Angeles, unknowingly setting the stage for her daughter's rise to stardom. At just 15, Miki’s talent caught the attention of **Augie Johnson**, leader of the group Side Effect, during a beauty contest. That serendipitous moment marked the beginning of Miki’s professional career. She joined Side Effect in 1978, where she honed her skills and prepared for her eventual solo debut.
In 1986, Miki released her first solo album, Come Share My Love*, under **Atlantic Records**. The title track quickly climbed the R&B charts, showcasing her soulful vocals and emotional depth. Over the next few years, she released albums like *Love Confessions (1988) and her self-titled Miki Howard (1989), delivering hits that resonated with audiences and solidified her place in music history.
Switching to Giant Records in the early 1990s, Miki continued her success with the release of Ain’t Nobody Like You*. The song became a massive hit, further proving her staying power in a competitive industry. Her 1992 album, *Femme Fatale*, paid homage to jazz legends like **Dinah Washington* and **Billie Holiday**, showcasing her versatility and love for classic jazz. This tribute led to a cameo in **Spike Lee’s Malcolm X**, where she further embodied the spirit of Billie Holiday with her exceptional renditions of Holiday’s songs.
Miki’s career has been filled with highs, including a *Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional R&B Recording**. She has released numerous albums over the years, such as *Can’t Count Me Out (1997), Three Wishes (2001), and I Choose to Be Happy (2015), all of which highlight her growth as an artist and her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply emotional level.
Beyond her music, Miki’s life and legacy have captivated audiences. Her episode on TV One’s Unsung became the highest-rated of its season and was later adapted into a TV movie featuring Teyonah Parris as Miki. This further cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Today, Miki Howard continues to perform to sold-out audiences, enchanting fans with her legendary catalog. Her voice remains as vibrant and moving as ever, proving that her music is timeless.
In this interview, Miki doesn’t hold back as she discusses the *shady deals* she encountered in the music industry, her personal experiences with icons like **Phyllis Hyman**, and the challenges women in R&B have faced. She reflects on her career’s ups and downs, sharing valuable insights and stories that provide a window into the complex world of the entertainment industry.
Miki’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and the power of staying true to oneself. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering her music, this interview offers a deeper understanding of the artist behind the hits.
---
🔗 **Listen to the Smitty and Dee Podcast**:
Spotify: [Smitty and Dee](https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...)
Apple Podcast: [Smitty and Dee](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast...)
📲 *Follow Us on Social Media:*
Instagram: [@smittyanddee](Instagram: smittyanddee)
TikTok: [@smittyanddee](TikTok: smittyanddee)
Facebook: [Smitty and Dee](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...)
Facebook Group: [Join Here](Facebook: 292951580412813)
🎙 *About Smitty & Dee:*
Hosted by the father-daughter duo Toni Dee and Smitty, alongside comedian Keno, the Smitty and Dee Podcast brings you laughter, insight, and unforgettable interviews. From R&B legends like Miki Howard to educators and thought leaders, we cover it all. Tune in weekly to learn, laugh, and stay entertained!
*Tags:*
Miki Howard, Gospel Influence, Augie Johnson, Love Songs, Smooth Jazz, R&B Singer, Soul Music, Femme Fatale, Love Under New Management, P Diddy, Puffy, Diddy Party, Anita Baker, quiet storm, Gerald levert, rhythm and blues, louis vuitton, howard hewett, b howard, chicago, whitney houston, michael jackson, billie holiday,