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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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