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Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Howard Hewett Interview (Part 2)
Legendary R&B and soul singer Howard Hewett returned for Part 2 of his interview on Money Making Conversations Masterclass to continue discussing his iconic multi‑decade career, his transition from Shalamar to a solo artist, new collaborations, performing for multi‑generational audiences, the evolution of R&B, and his philosophy on life, legacy, work ethic, and spiritual grounding.
This segment is rich with personal stories—from unexpected collaborations to the behind‑the‑scenes decision-making that shaped his career. Hewett also reflects on aging gracefully, staying relevant, maintaining integrity, and building a strong foundation that supports longevity in both life and music.
🎯 Purpose of the Interview
The conversation aims to:
- Highlight Howard Hewett’s career longevity, legendary catalog, and current creative projects.
- Explore his transition from group success (Shalamar) to building a respected solo career.
- Provide insight into new musical collaborations, including work with Ronnie Laws.
- Discuss the challenge of performing new music for audiences who crave the classic hits.
- Reflect on spirituality, life philosophy, integrity, and aging as keys to sustaining a fulfilling career.
- Offer guidance for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives who must navigate uncertainty, fame, and reinvention.
🔑 Key Takeaways 1. Collaboration with Ronnie Laws
- Hewett shared a humorous story about Ronnie Laws showing up at his door while doing Jehovah’s Witness outreach.
- Their new collaboration was inspired by a personal connection to Ronnie’s late wife and her love for “Ribbon in the Sky.”
- Covers require publishing approval, not necessarily permission from the artist, as long as royalties go to the right places.
2. Transition from Shalamar to Solo Career
- Contrary to popular belief, Howard was not the first member to leave—Jeffrey Daniel and Jody Watley departed before him.
- His transition happened during the opportunity to record “Dancing in the Sheets” for the Footloose soundtrack.
- Initially, he and producer Leon Sylvers did not think Footloose would be a big movie—a now‑humorous regret.
- “Dancing in the Sheets” became Shalamar’s second-largest selling single after “Second Time Around.”
3. The Challenge of Performing New Music
- Hewett explains that audiences overwhelmingly want the classics, not new songs.
- When artists introduce new material during concerts, the room’s energy often drops.
- He performs new music only when he can “set it up right” and bring the audience into the moment.
4. Musical Identity & R&B Philosophy
- His solo style skewed romantic and intimate because that is authentically who he is as an artist.
- He rejects modern attempts to redefine R&B:
- “R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip‑hop, neo-soul, everything. You can’t replace a foundation.”
- He uses the “foundation of a house” as a metaphor for life, music, and spiritual grounding.
5. Multi‑Generational Audience Connection
- Hewett loves seeing grandparents, parents, and children attend his shows together—evidence of music that lasts.
- His concerts are structured:
- Act 1: Howard Hewett solo classics (slow jams, connection, romance)
- Act 2: Shalamar dance hits (“Second Time Around,” “Make That Move,” “A Night to Remember”)
6. Integrity, Spirituality, and Aging
- Hewett emphasizes that integrity, faith, and foundation have sustained his life and career.
- He began singing gospel in childhood; his mother was a gospel promoter who booked major gospel acts.
- At 70, he says he does not look or feel how he imagined 70 would look when he was younger.
- He encourages people to control what they allow into their lives—“stress, drama, or peace.”
7. Entrepreneurship and Resilience
- As an entertainer, he equates his career to running a small business—no guaranteed income, no employer‑provided safety net.
- COVID forced him off the road for the first time in decades and taught him adaptability.
- He attributes his continued success to a solid foundation, timeless hits, and avoiding stress.
8. Life Lessons: Worry, Faith, and the Power of the Tongue
- Hewett shared a powerful story about receiving a church pamphlet titled “Worry Is a Sign of Disbelief.”
- He spent years removing “worry” from his vocabulary and now avoids negative speech.
- He compares the tongue to a ship’s rudder—small but capable of steering life’s direction.
🗣️ Notable Quotes ✔ On new music
“When you do new material, it’s almost like singing in Japanese. People don’t want to hear it unless you set it up right.”
✔ On R&B
“R&B is the foundation—of rock, hip-hop, neo-soul… you can’t replace a foundation.”
✔ On longevity
“Integrity is one of the most important things. Let your yes be your yes.”
✔ On aging
“When I turned 70, I thanked God it doesn’t look like what I thought it would look like when I was 30 or 40.”
✔ On stress
“Stress is like a rocking chair—it gives you a lot to do, but you’re still in the same place when you get done.”
✔ On faith
“If you’re truly a child of God, what are you worried about? Worry is a sign of disbelief"
#SHMS #STRAW #BEST
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