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Alicia Michelle "Miki" Howard (born September 30, 1960) is an American R&B singer who had top 10 hit songs in the mid-1980s and early 1990s, including "Baby, Be Mine" (1987), "Come Share My Love" (1986) and "Love Under New Management" (1990). "Ain't Nobody Like You" (1992) and "Ain't Nuthin' in the World" (1989) both peaked at number one on the U.S. Billboard Top R&B Singles chart.

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Howard was born in Chicago, Illinois.[1] She is the daughter of gospel singers Josephine Howard (January 26, 1936 – December 31, 1978)[2][3] of The Caravans and Clay Graham (1936–2018) of The Pilgrim Jubilees.[4][5] Howard's mother took her to the homes of various stars such as Aretha Franklin and Mavis Staples. At the age of nine, Howard and her family moved to Los Angeles where Howard's mother sang in a choir led by Caravans member and arranger James Cleveland. Among those who visited Howard's Los Angeles residence were Albertina Walker, Shirley Caesar, Billy Preston and Fats Domino. Howard was also influenced by jazz greats, Billie Holiday, Dinah Washington and Nancy Wilson. As a teenager, she often visited Maverick's Flat, a popular night club in Los Angeles and a venue for music acts such as Rufus and Chaka Khan and Earth, Wind & Fire, who were influential in her pursuit of a professional singing career.

Career

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1980–1985: Side Effect

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At the age of 16, she performed in a teen pageant. After the show, she met singer Augie Johnson,[6] leader and member of R&B group Side Effect,[7] who happened to be in the audience and began working with Howard on music. Johnson charmed Howard and later chose her as the vocalist for the group. After a period of time, Howard became a Side Effect member in 1979—replacing the departure of Sylvia St. James. Howard's tenure with the group lasted a few years. With Miki as new female vocalist, Side Effect's After the Rain was released in 1980. The album did not do well on the charts as well as the next two Elektra albums Portraits and All Aboard. As a member of Side Effect, the group's best remembered "I Can't Play" and a cover of Toto's "Georgy Porgy" were minor R&B hits in 1983/84. During this time, she also had one child by Johnson. In addition to singing with Side Effect, she did background vocals for Wayne Henderson, Roy Ayers, Stanley Turrentine, and several other artists. By 1985, Howard decided she was ready to begin a solo career, and left the group. She put together a demo that landed her a recording contract with Atlantic Records.

1986–1990: Come Share My Love, Love Confessions and Miki Howard

[edit]

Howard began recording songs for her debut album, Come Share My Love released in 1986. The album was produced by LeMel Humes, would peak to number 19 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums. The first single, "Come Share My Love" would become her first U.S. hit single. The song peaked to number five on the Billboard R&B Singles chart. By the fall, the follow-up single was a cover version of Glenn Miller's 1940's tune "Imagination", peaked to number 13 on the R&B Singles and would become Howard's first video. With two hit singles from the album, she embarked on her first concert tour in 1987, opening for funk band Cameo. The final single, "Come Back to Me Lover" was released charting to number 33, on the R&B singles chart.

In November 1987, Howard released her second album, Love Confessions. LeMel Humes produced several tracks and became a close friend, working with Howard on future albums throughout her career. Her success continued with two more Top 10 R&B singles from the album, Nick Martinelli produced, soul ballad "Baby, Be Mine" climbed to number five on the R&B Singles chart. The second single "That's What Love Is", a duet with hit-making R&B crooner Gerald Levert (lead singer of R&B group Levert), peaked to number five on the R&B Singles chart. Levert produced the duet and final single "Crazy", which peaked at number 38 on the R&B singles. Howard and Gerald's group LeVert, embarked on a U.S. tour in support of their album's. The pair was also romantically involved and that romance would spawn one of Howard's biggest hits from her third album. On March 30, 1988, Howard won a Soul Train Music Award for Best New Artist.

In November 1989, Howard released her third album, the self-titled Miki Howard, which would become her final album on Atlantic. Following the release, the album became a hit, charting at number four on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. The album would become Howard's most successful to date. During recording, Howard and Gerald Levert's romantic relationship, spawned the song's "I'll Be Your Shoulder", "Mister" and "Just The Way You Want Me To"; written-produced by Levert. Howard secured her first chart-topper, the first single, "Ain't Nuthin' in the World", peaked at number-one on the R&B Singles. Howard scored two more Top 5 R&B hits from the album. The songs "Love Under New Management", penned during her affair with Gerald Levert, peaked to number two and a cover of "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)", at number three on the R&B singles chart.

1992–1997: Femme Fatale, Miki Sings Billie and Can't Count Me Out

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By 1992, Howard was no longer a recording artist with Atlantic, she was now signed as an artist with Giant Records. On September 15, Howard's fourth studio album, Femme Fatale was released. The album peaked at number seven on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. Producer/songwriter LeMel Humes produced the majority of the album, including the first single, "Ain't Nobody Like You". The song peaked at number one on the R&B Singles chart, Howard's second R&B chart-topper and number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100. A second single and music video for "Release Me", was released, the song received modest radio airplay and peaked at number 43 on the R&B singles chart and also peaked at number 35 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay charts. More singles were released as 'promotional, radio-only', the David Foster produced, "Shining Through" and "But I Love You", produced by LeMel Humes.

In director Spike Lee's 1992 bio-pic film Malcolm X, Howard portrayed jazz singer Billie Holiday, performing Holiday's "I Cover the Waterfront". She had always been strongly influenced by Holiday's vocal technique and music. In the fall of 1992, Miki decided to pay tribute to Billie by recording covers of her favorite classic songs by Holiday. During recording, she also landed a role in John Singleton's 1993 film Poetic Justice starring pop singer Janet Jackson and hip-hop artist/actor Tupac Shakur. In December 1993, Miki's fifth studio album, Miki Sings Billie was released under Giant Records, the album peaked at number 74 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums, her lowest charting album. David Foster and LeMel Humes produced the cover tracks. Official singles were not released, only a radio promo of "Don't Explain" was played on R&B and jazz stations in the U.S.

By 1997, Howard was no longer signed to Giant Records. Her sixth studio album and her first in four years, Can't Count Me Out, was released under a new label, Hush, in May. The album was her first to not chart on the Billboard 200 or the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album includes duets, a cover of Stevie Wonder's "I Love Every Little Thing About You" with singer Terence Trent D'Arby, "Can't Count Me Out" duet with father Clay Graham and a remake of Janis Ian's "At Seventeen". LeMel Humes produced most of the album, including a cover of the jazz standard "You Don't Know What Love Is" and "Sunshine" penned by singer Brenda Russell.

2001–2008: Three Wishes, Pillow Talk and Private Collection

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In March 2001, Howard released her seventh album, Three Wishes under Peak Records. Although no official singles were released, Nobody received radio airplay. The album peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and number 25 on the Independent Albums chart. All the tracks were produced by new producers, except "Bring Your Loving Home" produced by Howard's close friend LeMel Humes. The album received a nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album at the 2002 Grammy Awards. After five years had past since Three Wishes, in September 2006 Howard was now signed with Shanachie Records. Her eighth studio album, Pillow Talk was released. The album peaked at number 60 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart. All songs were cover tracks of her favorite R&B classic songs, of Ann Peebles, George Benson, Nancy Wilson to Natalie Cole, The Main Ingredient and Boz Scaggs. Howard contributed as the album's producer, along with Kim Waters, Danny Weiss and Chris Davis.

Howard is currently working on regenerating her career after taking some time out to raise her children. She undertook a world tour with Roy Ayers and the Jazz Allstars. In June 2008, she released her ninth studio album, Private Collection[8] under her legally owned new independent label, Branicka Records.[9] The album contained ten tracks, with five new smooth jazz and R&B songs co-written and co-produced with Chuckii Booker, and five jazz standards co-produced with Brandon McCune. Besides Booker, composers included on the album included Hoagy Carmichael and Johnny Mercer for "Skylark", Sammy Fain and Paul-Francis Webster for "Secret Love", Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer for "Days of Wine and Roses", Elisse Boyd and Murray Grand for "Guess Who I Saw Today", and Irving Berlin for "Counting Your Blessings".

On November 1, 2010, Unsung: Miki Howard[10] was televised on TV One. In February 2011, TV One televised Way Black When[11] which showcased African Americans' impact in entertainment through the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Howard was featured during the 1980s segment, hosted by comedian Niecy Nash. Howard performed her number-one R&B hit, "Ain't Nobody Like You". In March she embarked on a U.S. tour, Throwback Unplugged Tour.[12] with Dru Hill, K-Ci & JoJo and Bell Biv DeVoe.

2014-present: I Choose to Be Happy and touring

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Howard released an EP, I Choose to Be Happy in 2015, which includes four new songs, also the new single "Panther" which features rapper Too Short and some of her greatest hits re-recorded live.[13] "I Choose to Be Happy" will also include a new song, the title track, "I Choose to be Happy" and a tribute to Marvin Gaye titled "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again" which features son Brandon Howard and David Ruffin Jr. While recording, Howard has been touring throughout the U.S. and overseas, performing the album's first single, "Panther" as well as her classic hit songs.[14] On September 25, 2015, Howard released her second live album titled Miki Howard: Live in Concert. The release features her performance of hits throughout her music career, and cover versions of "My Man", "Pillow Talk", "This Bitter Earth", and Marvin Gaye's "Soon I'll Be Loving You Again".[15]

Discography

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Main article: Miki Howard discography

Studio albums

Tours

[edit]
  • Cameo Tour (1987)
  • Levert Tour (1988)
  • Al Jarreau Tour (1990)
  • Jazz AllStars Tour (2009)
  • Throwback Unplugged Tour (2011)

Films

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Awards and nominations

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American Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
1991 Miki Howard Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist Nominated

Chicago Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2012 Miki Howard Lifetime Achievement Award Won [16]

Grammy Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result Ref
2002 Three Wishes Best Traditional R&B Performance Nominated [17]

Soul Train Music Awards

[edit]
Year Nominated work Award Result
1988 Miki Howard Best New Artist Won

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Miki Howard

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Alicia Michelle "Miki" Howard (born September 30, 1960) is an American R&B and , and actress renowned for her emotive vocal style and string of chart-topping hits in the and . Born in , , to gospel singers Clay Graham of the Pilgrim Jubilees and Josephine Howard of , Howard was immersed in music from an early age, growing up in the church environment that shaped her soulful delivery. Howard began her professional career in her late teens, joining the R&B group in 1978 and remaining with them until 1982, after which she relocated to . She signed with in 1985, releasing her debut album Come Share My Love in 1986, which featured the title track that peaked at number five on the R&B chart and became her first major hit. Subsequent singles like "Baby, Be Mine" (1987) and "Love Under New Management" (1989) also reached the top five on the R&B chart, solidifying her as a rising star in . Her self-titled third album in 1989 produced her first number-one R&B hit, "Ain't Nuthin' in the World." Throughout her career, Howard received critical acclaim, including a win for Best New Artist at the 1988 and a nomination for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist at the 1990 . In 2001, her album Three Wishes earned a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album. As an actress, she appeared in films such as Spike Lee's Malcolm X (1992) and John Singleton's Poetic Justice (1993). Howard continued releasing music into the with albums like Pillow Talk (2006) and I Choose to Be Happy (2015), and her life story was adapted into the 2016 TV biopic Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story. She continues to tour and pursue new projects as of 2025.

Biography

Early life

Alicia Michelle Howard, known professionally as Miki Howard, was born on September 30, 1960, in , . She grew up in a deeply musical family rooted in the tradition, as both of her parents were prominent figures in the genre. Her father, Clay Graham, performed as a with the acclaimed the Pilgrim Jubilees, while her mother, Josephine Howard, sang lead and background vocals with the influential female ensemble . From a young age, Howard was immersed in the church environment and , attending services and performances where her parents showcased their talents. This exposure fostered her early interest in singing, though her family's evangelical background initially steered her toward rather than secular styles. In her early teens, Howard relocated to with her mother, a move that broadened her horizons beyond Chicago's scene and introduced her to the vibrant West Coast music community. Howard's musical influences during this formative period extended to R&B and icons, particularly the emotive styles of and , whose vocal techniques she admired and emulated. At around age 15, while participating in a local teen beauty contest in , she caught the attention of Augie Johnson, leader of the R&B group , marking the beginning of her transition from informal singing to professional opportunities.

Personal life

Miki Howard, born Alicia Michelle Howard, had a long-term romantic relationship with Augie Johnson, the leader of the R&B group , during the early 1980s; the couple had two children together before their relationship ended. Following her split from Johnson, Howard dated singer , with whom she collaborated on several duets and who later provided crucial support during her personal challenges; their relationship lasted until around 1990. In 1989, Howard married musician Eddie Phelps, but the union was marked by severe domestic abuse, including physical violence and an incident where Phelps allegedly attempted to hang her; the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. After this tumultuous marriage, which produced her third child, Howard relocated to with her children to focus on recovery. Howard's three children include her son Brandon "B" Howard, a music producer who has faced public scrutiny related to his mother's life story, including unfounded 2014 rumors claiming he was the son of , which Howard denied. She has spoken openly about the trauma her children endured from her high-profile struggles, noting that her son Brandon was particularly affected by media criticism. Throughout the 1990s, Howard battled drug amid her marital turmoil and career setbacks, but she achieved with encouragement from and her faith; she credits spirituality for her emotional and personal resurrection, viewing her music as an extension of truths drawn from her experiences. As of 2025, Howard has maintained and remains active, hosting the Come Share My Love and touring.

Career

1980–1985: Side Effect

In 1978, Miki Howard joined the R&B and group as the lead female vocalist, replacing Sylvia St. James, after being discovered by group leader Augie Johnson during a teen beauty contest two years earlier. Her tenure with the group from 1978 to 1982 marked a pivotal period of professional development, where she contributed prominently to their transition to and helped refine their sound blending , , and elements. Side Effect's 1980 album After the Rain, their first release on Elektra, showcased Howard's debut as a full member, with her delivering lead vocals on all tracks. The album featured covers like Toto's "Georgy Porgy" and The Beatles' "Eleanor Rigby," alongside originals such as "Take a Chance 'N' Dance" and "Black Beauty," highlighting her versatile range in uptempo and smoother ballads. This project solidified the group's evolving style, emphasizing Howard's emotive delivery amid tight horn sections and rhythmic grooves. The following year, Portraits (1981) continued Howard's lead role across the entire tracklist, incorporating and influences in songs like "Make You Mine," "Midnight Lover," and "The Loneliest Man in Town." "Make You Mine" became one of the group's notable singles, peaking on the R&B charts and exemplifying their dance-oriented appeal during the early . The album received positive reception for its polished production and Howard's commanding presence, further establishing her as a standout vocalist in the ensemble. By 1982, released All Aboard, Howard's final major album contribution with the group, where she again handled lead vocals on tracks including "I'm Likin' What You Do to Me," "Music Is My Way of Life," and "Forever My Love." This effort leaned into with upbeat tracks and heartfelt ballads, reflecting the group's commercial aspirations amid shifting industry trends. Following this release, Howard relocated to and honed her skills as a backup singer for artists like Prince and , ultimately signing with in 1985.

1986–1990: Breakthrough albums

In 1986, Miki Howard released her debut solo album, Come Share My Love, on , marking her transition from group vocals with to a prominent R&B solo career. Produced primarily by LeMel Humes, the album featured smooth, soulful tracks that showcased Howard's versatile voice, blending with influences. It peaked at number 19 on the Top R&B Albums chart and number 171 on the 200. The title track, "Come Share My Love," became her first major hit, reaching number 5 on the Hot R&B Singles chart and establishing her as an emerging force in R&B. Howard followed with her sophomore effort, Love Confessions, in November 1987, also on Atlantic and co-produced by Humes alongside other collaborators. The album emphasized romantic ballads and mid-tempo grooves, peaking at number 13 on the Top R&B Albums chart and number 145 on the 200. "Baby, Be Mine" climbed to number 5 on the Hot R&B Singles chart, while follow-up "That's What Love Is" achieved number 4 on the same chart, solidifying her growing commercial appeal and vocal reputation in the late R&B scene. By 1989, Howard's self-titled third album, Miki Howard, further elevated her profile, released on Atlantic with production from Humes, Barry Eastmond, and David "Pic" Conley, incorporating elements alongside her signature soul style. The album reached number 7 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart, her highest peak to date. It yielded her first number-one R&B single, "Ain't Nuthin' in the World," which topped the Hot R&B Singles chart, followed by "Love Under New Management," peaking at number 2 on the R&B chart and number 89 on the Hot 100. This release cemented Howard's breakthrough, highlighting her ability to deliver chart-topping hits and critical acclaim for her emotive delivery.

1992–1997: Peak commercial success

In 1992, after parting ways with , Miki Howard signed with Giant Records, marking a pivotal shift in her career trajectory. This new partnership led to the release of her fourth studio , Femme Fatale, which showcased a blend of and influences. The debuted to strong reception within the R&B community, peaking at number 110 on the and reaching number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. The standout success of Femme Fatale was driven by its lead single, "Ain't Nobody Like You," a smooth, emotive ballad co-written and produced by Howard alongside LeMel Humes. Released in late 1992, the track climbed to number 1 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming Howard's second chart-topping R&B single after "Ain't Nuthin' in the World" in 1989, and also peaked at number 64 on the Billboard Hot 100. This hit solidified her status as a leading R&B vocalist during the early 1990s, with the single's radio airplay and music video rotation contributing to the album's commercial momentum. Follow-up singles like "I've Learned to Respect the Power of Love" further highlighted her vocal range, though they did not replicate the same level of chart dominance. Building on this momentum, Howard ventured into jazz territory with her fifth studio album, Miki Sings Billie: A Tribute to Billie Holiday, released in December 1993 on Giant Records. The project featured intimate reinterpretations of Holiday's classics, such as "What a Little Moonlight Can Do" and "Solitude," emphasizing Howard's interpretive depth and scat-singing prowess. The album peaked at number 72 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, receiving praise for its artistic maturity but generating limited commercial buzz compared to her prior R&B efforts, with no major single releases. By the mid-1990s, Howard's output shifted toward live performances and independent ventures amid changing industry dynamics. In 1996, she released Live Plus, a live album on capturing energetic renditions of her hits like "Come Share My Love" and standards such as "You've Changed," recorded during concert appearances that underscored her stage command. This period also saw the 1997 release of Can't Count Me Out on Hush Records, her first studio album in four years, featuring soulful tracks with background vocals by on select songs. However, the album failed to chart, signaling a transition from peak R&B visibility to more niche and live-oriented work, though it reaffirmed her resilience in the face of personal and professional challenges.

2001–2008: Independent releases

Following her major-label releases in the , Miki Howard transitioned to independent labels during the early , marking a period of artistic reinvention amid a quieter commercial phase. In 2001, she released her seventh studio album, Three Wishes, through the independent jazz and R&B imprint Peak Records, distributed by . The album featured a mix of original songs and covers, showcasing Howard's versatile vocal style blending smooth R&B with influences, including tracks like the title song "Three Wishes" and "One Day Without You." Produced primarily by Howard alongside collaborators such as Rex Rideout and Troy Taylor, it peaked at No. 60 on Billboard's chart and No. 44 on the Heatseekers Albums chart, reflecting modest but dedicated fan interest. After a five-year hiatus from new material, Howard returned in 2006 with Pillow Talk: Miki Howard Sings the R&B Classics on , another independent label known for adult contemporary and jazz releases. This covers album paid homage to R&B standards from the and , featuring reinterpretations of songs like Sylvia's "," Ann Peebles' "," and Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown," co-produced by saxophonist and Chris "Big Dog" Davis. The collection emphasized Howard's emotive phrasing and jazz-inflected delivery, earning a 7.6/10 user rating on for its nostalgic appeal, though some critics noted it leaned heavily on familiar territory without bold innovation. It briefly charted on Billboard's , extending her recording span. In 2008, Howard issued Private Collection via her own independent Branicka Records, a self-released project that highlighted personal songwriting. The album combined five new originals—co-written with producer , including the upbeat "Crazee" and introspective "Beer for Breakfast"—with jazz standards like "Skylark" and "Secret Love," bridging R&B soul and . Released in June, it received positive notices for its intimate, mature vibe and Howard's commanding vocals, with Soul Express praising the jazzy arrangements and real instrumentation as a refreshing return to her roots. TheUrbanMusicScene lauded its balance of and classic influences, calling it a testament to Howard's enduring quality in . Though it did not achieve significant chart success, the release underscored her commitment to creative control in the independent scene.

2014–present: Later works and touring

In 2014, Miki Howard announced the upcoming release of her EP I Choose to Be Happy, described as a collection of live and studio recordings intended as the first in a series of mini-albums, with the project reflecting themes of resilience amid personal challenges. The EP, which included four new songs and live performances of classics like "Ain't Nobody Like You" and "Georgy Porgy," was released on January 26, 2015, via Slimstyle Records, marking her return to recording after a period of independent releases. It featured a new single, "Panther," a collaboration with rapper , blending Howard's soulful vocals with contemporary hip-hop elements. Howard has maintained an active touring schedule across the since 2015, performing at intimate venues and festivals to promote her catalog and new material. These outings emphasize her live prowess, with setlists mixing R&B staples and tributes to influences like . Howard's next major release came on December 12, 2022, with the studio album MEHA on Justice Records, a nine-track project dedicated to her late sisters (the title meaning "sister" in Hawaiian). Produced with contributions from her band, it featured originals like "Number One Fan" (written by Rovella Williams) and covers such as Abbey Lincoln's "Throw It Away," exploring themes of loss, faith, and empowerment. The album received praise for Howard's matured timbre and emotional depth, solidifying her enduring presence in R&B. As of November 2025, Howard continues touring, with performances scheduled for late 2025, including dates at Keystone Korner in . Her later career highlights a shift toward personal storytelling in music and consistent venue residencies, sustaining her legacy as a vocal powerhouse.

Discography

Studio albums

Miki Howard's studio albums showcase her versatile vocal style, blending , , and influences across nearly three decades. Her debut marked her transition from group backing vocals to a solo artist, with subsequent releases exploring romantic ballads, covers of classics, and personal tributes. These works, primarily on major labels like Atlantic and Giant before shifting to independent imprints, produced several chart successes on the chart, highlighting her commercial peak in the late and early . The following table lists her studio albums in chronological order, including release years, labels, and peak positions on the chart where applicable:
YearTitleLabelPeak R&B Chart Position
1986Come Share My LoveAtlantic19
1987Love ConfessionsAtlantic13
1989Miki HowardAtlantic4
1992Femme FataleGiant7
1993Miki Sings BillieGiant—
1997Can't Count Me OutHush—
2001Three WishesPeak60
2006Shanachie62
2008Branicka—
Her debut, Come Share My Love, released on November 19, 1986, by , introduced Howard's smooth, emotive delivery on tracks like the title song, establishing her in the R&B scene with its mid-tempo grooves and heartfelt lyrics. The follow-up, Love Confessions (1987), continued this momentum, featuring covers such as "You've Changed" and originals like "Baby Be Mine," which emphasized her interpretive skills in soulful confessionals. The self-titled Miki Howard (1989) represented a creative high point, yielding her first No. 1 R&B single "Ain't Nuthin' in the World" and blending pop-soul elements with production by George Duke, resulting in strong sales and critical acclaim for its polished sound. Femme Fatale (1992) on Giant Records shifted toward more mature themes, including the hit "Ain't Nobody Like You" and a cover of "Good Morning Heartache," showcasing her jazz-leaning phrasing amid R&B arrangements. In 1993, Miki Sings Billie paid homage to Billie Holiday with studio recordings of standards like "Strange Fruit" and "Don't Explain," highlighting Howard's affinity for vocal traditions through intimate, orchestral settings. After a hiatus, Can't Count Me Out (1997) on Hush Records returned to original R&B material, with tracks like "I Love Every Little Thing About You" reflecting resilience in themes of love and recovery. The 2000s saw Howard embrace independent releases, starting with Three Wishes (2001) on Peak Records, a Grammy-nominated effort for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album that featured introspective songs such as the title track and "Nobody," emphasizing her enduring emotional depth. Pillow Talk (2006), her Shanachie debut, consisted of soul and pop covers including "I Can't Stand the Rain" and "Pillow Talk," earning modest chart entry while demonstrating her interpretive range on familiar material. Her final studio album to date, Private Collection (2008) on her own Branicka label, explored jazz standards like "Skylark" and "Secret Love," underscoring a full-circle return to sophisticated, vocalist-driven performances.

Live and compilation albums

Miki Howard has released a modest selection of live and compilation albums throughout her career, capturing her dynamic stage presence and highlighting her most popular recordings. These releases complement her studio work by offering fans live interpretations of her hits and curated collections of her R&B and catalog.

Live Albums

Howard's live recordings emphasize her vocal versatility, blending standards, influences, and original material performed with live bands.
YearAlbum TitleLabelFormatNotes
1996Live PlusCDFeatures 10 tracks including live versions of "Come Share My Love," "Imagination," and "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)," recorded to showcase her energetic performances.
2015Live in Concert (I Choose to Be Happy)Slimstyle RecordsCD15-track set with interpretations of "Ain't Nobody Like You," "Pillow Talk," and "Try a Little Tenderness," highlighting her blend of soul, jazz, and blues; recorded live with a band including saxophonist Schelia Gonzalez.

Compilation Albums

Howard's compilations focus on her chart successes from the 1980s and 1990s, drawing primarily from her Atlantic Records era.
YearAlbum TitleLabelFormatNotes
2001The Very Best of Miki HowardRhino RecordsCD16-track greatest hits collection including "#1" R&B singles like "Ain't Nuthin' in the World" and "Ain't Nobody Like You," spanning her first five studio albums.
2019Come Share My Love: Greatest HitsX5 Music Group (Warner)Digital25-song retrospective featuring key tracks such as "Baby, Be Mine," "Love Under New Management," and "You've Changed," compiling material from her early career hits.

Singles

Miki Howard achieved significant success on the chart with multiple top-ten entries across her era, including two number-one singles. Her singles often featured soulful ballads and upbeat R&B tracks, drawing from her influences in and classic soul. The following table lists Howard's primary singles that charted on the US R&B chart, along with select positions on the and UK Singles Chart where applicable. Chart data is sourced from records.
YearTitleAlbumUS R&B PeakUS Hot 100 PeakUK Peak
1986"Come Share My Love"Come Share My Love5——
1987"Imagination"Come Share My Love13——
1987"Come Back to Me Lover"Come Share My Love33——
1987"Baby Be Mine"Love Confessions5——
1988"That's What Love Is" (featuring )Love Confessions4——
1988"Crazy"Love Confessions38——
1989"Ain't Nuthin' in the World"Miki Howard1——
1990"Love Under New Management"Miki Howard289—
1990"Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)"Miki Howard3—67
1990"Come Home to Me"Miki Howard53——
1992"Ain't Nobody Like You"Femme Fatale164—
1992"Release Me"Femme Fatale43——
1993"But I Love You"Femme Fatale112——
1997"Something I've Never Had"Can't Count Me Out105——
Howard's later independent releases, such as those from Three Wishes (2001) and (2006), included promotional singles like "Shining Star" and "Impressive," but these did not achieve significant chart performance.

Tours and live performances

Early tours

Miki Howard's early live performances began in the late when she joined the R&B vocal group at age 15, after being discovered by band member Augie Johnson. From 1978 to 1982, she toured extensively with the group across the , contributing vocals to their performances that supported albums like All Over (1978) and Space Case (1979), helping establish her stage presence in the and scenes. Transitioning to a solo career after signing with in 1985, Howard's early solo tours in the late 1980s were marked by high-profile appearances that built her reputation. In the 1980s, under the management of Joe Jackson, she frequently toured with , gaining exposure alongside one of the era's biggest stars. A notable milestone was her performance at the 40th Anniversary Concert in on May 14, 1988, where she shared the stage with labelmates during a celebratory event. Into the early 1990s, Howard continued active touring with co-headlining shows alongside fellow R&B artist , including performances in , on April 8, 1990, and , on April 11, 1990, showcasing hits from her albums Love Confessions (1988) and Miki Howard (1989). By 1994, she expanded into theater with a run in the musical in , , from March 1 to 6, blending her vocal talents with dramatic roles. These early tours solidified her as a dynamic live performer, blending jazz-inflected R&B with emotional delivery that resonated with audiences.

Later tours

In the years following her independent releases in the early 2000s, Miki Howard shifted toward more selective live engagements, focusing on jazz-oriented venues, wineries, and festivals across the United States. These performances, often one-off or short regional runs, showcased her versatile voice on classics like "Ain't Nobody Like You" and selections from her 2015 EP I Choose to Be Happy, emphasizing intimate settings that highlighted her improvisational jazz influences and emotional depth. Her later activity has been sporadic but consistent, prioritizing quality over quantity amid a landscape of occasional collaborations and tributes to R&B pioneers. Key later performances include a 2017 show at The Birchmere in , on June 12, where Howard received praise for her powerful stage presence and setlist blending hits with covers like Stevie Wonder's "Until You Come Back to Me (That's What I'm Gonna Do)." In 2022, she appeared at City Winery in Chicago, Illinois, on June 16, delivering a soulful evening that resonated with longtime fans. Howard's 2023 schedule featured several notable dates, including April 4 at City Winery in ; June 2 in , , for the "Jazz with a Touch of Soul" event alongside saxophonist ; and October 21 at Yoshi's in , where her set emphasized interpretations of her catalog. By 2024 and into 2025, she continued at similar locales, such as City Winery in on January 23, 2024, and the Heart & Soul Music Festival in October 2024. For 2025, performances include July 23 at the Wednesday Wind Down in the Point in , with and The Time and ; June 21 at The Miracle Theater in ; September 12 at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair in ; and November 28–29 at Keystone Korner in , , underscoring her ongoing commitment to live music in culturally rich spaces.
YearDateVenueLocationNotes
2017June 12The Birchmere, VASolo performance with R&B hits and covers; 4.6/5 fan rating.
2022June 16City Winery, ILIntimate winery set.
2023April 4City WineryNashville, TNPart of regional R&B series.
2023June 2Dell Hall at the Wintrust Grand, MO"Jazz with a Touch of Soul" with .
2023October 21Yoshi'sOakland, CAJazz club headline.
2025June 21The Miracle TheaterInglewood, CASummer performance.
2025July 23Wednesday Wind Down in the PointEast Point, GASummer concert series with and The Time, .
2025September 12Flagstar at Westbury Music FairWestbury, NYFall performance.
2025November 28–29Keystone Korner, MDBack-to-back jazz club dates.
This approach to touring has allowed Howard to connect directly with audiences, fostering a renewed appreciation for her contributions to R&B while adapting to the evolving live .

Film and television

Film roles

Miki Howard began her acting career in the early 1990s, transitioning from her established role as an R&B and singer to take on supporting parts in notable films directed by prominent African American filmmakers. Her debut screen appearance came in Spike Lee's biographical epic (1992), where she portrayed the legendary singer in a pivotal scene. In this role, Howard performed Holiday's signature song "I Cover the Waterfront," drawing on her vocal similarities to the icon to authentically recreate the era's atmosphere during a sequence depicting 's early life in . The following year, Howard appeared in John Singleton's romantic drama (1993), starring and . She played Maxine, a friend of the protagonist Justice, in a small but memorable supporting capacity that highlighted her poised screen presence amid the film's exploration of urban life and personal growth on a road trip from to Oakland. Singleton, impressed by Howard's performance in Malcolm X, specifically cast her to add depth to the ensemble of everyday characters navigating relationships and loss. Howard's film work extended into the with a role in the independent drama April's Fools (2010), directed by Imani Shakur. In this low-budget feature about a single mother rising in the escort industry after facing , Howard portrayed Maybelle, a character providing emotional support and wisdom to the lead. The film, while not widely distributed, showcased Howard's versatility in dramatic roles outside her musical persona.

Television appearances

Miki Howard has made several notable appearances on television, primarily as a performer on music and variety programs during the height of her R&B career in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with later guest spots and acting roles. Her television presence often highlighted her vocal talents through live performances of hits like "Baby Be Mine" and "Ain't Nobody Like You." One of her earliest televised performances was on Showtime at the Apollo in 1987, where she sang "Baby Be Mine" during episode #1.7, hosted by Dennis Miller, alongside acts like Nona Hendryx. That same year, Howard debuted on Soul Train in season 16, episode 20 (aired March 28, 1987), performing with Little Richard and showcasing tracks from her album Love Confessions. She returned to Soul Train multiple times, including season 17, episode 18 (March 12, 1988) with Lou Rawls and Heavy D & the Boyz; season 19, episode 18 (March 17, 1990) alongside The Winans and Jeff Redd; and season 22, episode 24 (March 20, 1993) with Naughty by Nature, where she performed "Good Morning Heartache." These appearances solidified her status in the R&B scene, as Soul Train was a premier platform for Black artists. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Howard guested on late-night talk shows to promote her music. She appeared on around 1989–1990, delivering an interview and performance of "Ain't Nobody Like You" from her self-titled album. Her engaging presence on such programs helped broaden her audience beyond radio play. Later in her career, Howard featured in documentary-style episodes focused on her life and music. She was the subject of TV One's Unsung episode (season 3, episode 9, aired November 1, 2010), where she shared personal stories and performed selections from her catalog. In 2010, she also guested on , performing "Love Under New Management" and discussing her career in a candid interview. Howard ventured into acting with a small role in the BET+ series American Gangster: Trap Queens (season 1, episode 10, "," aired 2019), portraying a friend in the dramatized true-crime story. In 2016, Howard made a cameo appearance in the TV One original movie Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, a biopic dramatizing her life and career, starring in the lead role. These appearances reflect her enduring influence in , blending performance, storytelling, and occasional .

Awards and nominations

American Music Awards

Miki Howard was nominated for an in 1991 for Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist. This recognition came during a peak period in her career, following the success of her self-titled album released the previous year, which featured hits like "Ain't Nothin' in the World." She competed against , , , and the eventual winner, . Howard did not secure a win in this category, marking her sole from the American Music Awards throughout her career.

Chicago Music Awards

In 2012, Miki Howard received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 31st Annual Chicago Music Awards, recognizing her enduring contributions to soul and R&B music as a Chicago native. The ceremony, held on January 15, 2012, honored her four-decade career, which began in the city's vibrant music scene and included chart-topping hits and Grammy nominations. This accolade highlighted Howard's influence on contemporary R&B, celebrating her vocal prowess and resilience in the industry. No other nominations or wins for Howard have been recorded in the Chicago Music Awards.

Grammy Awards

Miki Howard received a single Grammy nomination during her career. At the in 2002, she was nominated for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Album for her album Three Wishes, released in 2001 on Peak Records. The album Three Wishes marked Howard's return to recording after a period of personal challenges and featured a blend of classic R&B and influences, produced by Barry Eastmond. Despite the recognition from , Howard did not win the award, which went to At Last by . This nomination highlighted her enduring contribution to traditional R&B, though she has not received further Grammy nods.

Soul Train Music Awards

Miki Howard received her first and only Soul Train Music Award in 1988, winning the Best New Artist category at the second annual ceremony held on March 30 in Los Angeles. The award recognized her breakthrough as a promising talent in R&B and soul music following her early solo career with hits like "Come Share My Love" (1986) and "Baby, Be Mine" (1987). She competed against notable newcomers including Terence Trent D'Arby, Exposé, and Shanice Wilson, with presenters Marlon Jackson and Dawnn Lewis announcing her victory onstage. This win marked a significant early career milestone for Howard, highlighting her vocal prowess and emotional delivery that drew comparisons to classic soul divas like and . The Soul Train Awards, founded to celebrate achievements in Black music, provided Howard with broader exposure within the industry, contributing to her subsequent commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s. No further nominations or wins for Howard have been recorded in subsequent ceremonies.

References

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