Miki Howard

Miki Howard is a pivotal figure in the evolution of contemporary R&B, serving as a bridge between the classic soul era and the urban adult contemporary sound of the 1990s. Born into gospel royalty as the daughter of Josephine Howard (The Caravans), her musical DNA is rooted in the black church, yet her professional trajectory was shaped by the sophisticated funk of the group Side Effect.

Her solo career, launched in the mid-1980s, was defined by a string of Billboard R&B hits that showcased a rare blend of technical jazz proficiency and pop accessibility. Critically, she is often grouped with 'vocalist's vocalists' like Phyllis Hyman and Anita Baker, prized for her emotive range and ability to interpret standards. Her 1990s work, particularly her portrayal of Billie Holiday in the film 'Malcolm X' and her subsequent tribute album, solidified her status as a versatile stylist capable of transcending the R&B charts. Despite the shifting trends of the music industry, Howard has maintained a dedicated following among 'crate diggers' and soul purists who value her analog-adjacent warmth and theatrical delivery.