Born and raised in Washington , DC , Howard started playing the saxophone at the age of 11, but quickly grew into an extraordinary talent who brings audiences to their feet time and time again with an incredible tone birthed in pure, heartfelt conviction while delivering poetry-like melodies reaching deep into the soul of all who listen. But why wouldn’t this be the case and even expected from one growing up from birth in a musical family environment—so rich with a passion and unquenchable love for music and the performing arts.  Even before he was born, Howard’s mother played organ for the family church in Richmond , VA.    His father was, and still is, an avid music lover.  Howard’s parents played music in the house almost all the time—the exposure to which certainly fanned the flame of his musical interest.

Background

Receiving his early training in the D.C. Youth Orchestra Program, Howard later went on to major in music at Howard University , in Washington , DC .  However, it was Howard’s parents who gave him his first professional saxophone when he graduated from high school.  His Uncle Carlton would later give him the saxophone his younger brother Kevin played, which literally launched Howard’s musical career.  Howard and Kevin as kids always had some kind of competition going on.  So when his Uncle Kevin picked up the saxophone, Howard picked it up too--he has never been able to put it down since!

Howard came to know Christ as his Lord and Savior over 13 years ago and realized that his talent for the sax has always been a gift from God. It then became a moment of clarity for him—in recognizing the awesome origin of his amazing talent Howard became impassioned to spend the rest of his life praising and worshiping God with each opportunity to play and with every grateful note.  Howard worships and serves as an accompanist and solo musician at Bethesda Baptist Church in Washington , D.C.

Talents

Soprano, Alto, Tenor Saxophonist, keyboardist, writer, arranger, vocalist, and teacher

Credits

During Howard’s career, he has opened for, performed and shared the stage with many nationally and internationally acclaimed artists, including Richard Smallwood,  Donnie McClurkin, Tramaine Hawkins, John Stoddart, Deniece Barclay, Willie Jolley, Debbie Kirkland, Phil Flowers, Patti LaBelle, Cee Cee Michaela, Tony Terry, Teddy Pendergrass, Peaches & Herb, Stanley Turrentine, Roy Ayers, Ashford & Simpson, Chuck Mangione, Pieces of A Dream, and many others.

Goals and Ambition

Howard is constantly refining his craft as he embarks on a full-time career in music ministry and performance.  Howard along with his close friend, business partner and producer, Terrence Richburg have completed and released their first gospel/inspirational jazz CD project together as the group, R&R, entitled “Ascension.”