Bob Howard
Bob Howard was a Black pianist, comedian, and actor on the Broadway stage, radio, and television.
Born Howard Joyner in West Newton, MA., he attended and dropped out of Howard University Medical School and later enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music. During his early years in vaudeville, he was the piano-playing member of Joyner and Hopkins (Morris Hopkins was a dancer). In 1943, Howard appeared on Broadway in "Early to Bed." He also worked in radio from 1938 to 1975, with his programs on WEAF, WCBS, and WHN. He was one of the first Black performers on television, with his 15-minute show on CBS from July 1948 to December 1951.
His film credits include "Howard's House Party," "Junction 88, and "Stars on Parade." Howard's career took him to Europe, Japan, and the United States. His popularity with the general public came largely because he followed Fats Waller's footsteps. Although he lacked originality, it was covered in skilled musicianship and easygoing rapport with audiences. From time to time, Howard played and sometimes recorded with jazzmen, but it was as a jazz-tinged famous singer and player that he made his mark.
His singing voice varied according to material and mood, ranging from tenor to baritone, from robustness to coy meanderings. During a period when he led a band that emulated Cab Calloway's, Howard employed good musicians. Still, he habitually yelled encouragement at inappropriate moments, his exhortations getting in the way of their solos. Bob Howard continued playing the piano and singing at various nightclubs and restaurants until his death on December 3, 1986.
Known For | Acting |
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Most Rating | 0.253 |
Birthday | 1906-06-20 |
Place of Birth | Newton, Massachusetts, USA |
Also Known As |
1941
Murder with Music
7/1
Night club singer Nelle Hill has many suitors an escaped convict, a piano player and a newspaper man. One is killed. With musical shorts such as “Mur...
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Murder with Music
1944
Hey! Tojo Count Yo' Men
0/0
A Soundie with Bob Howard.
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Hey! Tojo Count Yo' Men
1947
Junction 88
5/1
In Junction 88, a small all-black community, pretty Lolly Simpkins loves gentle songwriter Buster Jenkins, who makes too little money to marry. Her fa...
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Junction 88
1944
She's Too Hot To Handle
0/0
Soundie featuring Bob Howard playing "She's Too Hot To Handle."
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She's Too Hot To Handle
1946
Stars on Parade
0/0
Small radio station, about to lose its last sponsor, gets reprieve when its manager unknowingly helps a performer who is friends with all the major po...
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Stars on Parade
1963
Lassie's Great Adventure
4.5/5
While in Canada Timmy and Lassie encounter a downed hot air ballonist. By accident they end up in the balloon which takes them into the wilderness. Th...
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