George Howard
Biography
George Howard's polished fusion of funk, jazz and urban soul helped the soprano saxophonist become one of the most popular contemporary jazz performers of the '80s and '90s. Since he concentrated on groove and overall sound instead of improvisation, Howard never received much attention from jazz critics, but he retained a large audience well into his second decade of performing.
Howard began his musical career in the late '70s. He received his first break when Grover Washington, Jr., one of his musical idols, invited him on a tour in 1979. The tour helped establish Howard's name, and in 1982 he released his debut album, Asphalt Garden, on Palo Alto. The record was a moderate hit, as was its follow-up, 1984's Steppin' Out. It wasn't until the 1985 release of Dancing in the Sun that Howard earned a large audience. The album reached number one on the contemporary jazz charts. Following the release of Dancing In the Sun, he moved to MCA, where he issued A Nice Place to Be, Reflections, Personal and Love Will Follow. All four records were considerable successes on the charts. In 1991, Howard signed to GRP, releasing his debut Love and Understanding that year. It was followed by Do I Ever Cross Your Mind in 1992 and When Summer Comes in 1993. A Home Far Away was released in 1994, and Attitude Adjustment was issued in 1996. All of his GRP recordings were quite successful, confirming his place among the most popular contemporary jazz performers of the '90s. His first five years with GRP, plus a selection of his MCA recordings, were summarized on 1997's The Very Best of George Howard. Howard returned to recording with Midnight Mood, which was released in January 1998.
Sadly, it was the last record he would release in his lifetime. He died unexpectedly March 29, 1998. A few months later, his last recording -- a version of Sly Stone's There's A Riot Goin' On, which was conceived as part of Blue Note's cover series -- was released. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide
Selected Discography

Midnight Mood
1998

Attitude Adjustment
1995

A Home Far Away
1994

When Summer Comes
1993

Love And Understanding
1992

Do I Ever Cross Your Mind
1992

Love Will Follow
1991

Dancing In The Sun
1985

The Very Best Of George Howard And Then Some
1985

Steppin' Out
1984
With jazz like this who wants anything else,,,life goes on and so does your music,,thank you for being apart of my life,,,,lovi n g you my brother...
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Grover and George are my two favorite contemporary saxophonists . They along with Najee took what we call smooth jazz to the next level. George Howard has a lot of good songs and was an even better performer live. Grover actually put George in a position to get recognition. RIP to you both your music still lives on.
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It sad to see many of our young smooth jazz performers leave us before there time. George Howard had not begun to present us with the peak of his talents."Whe n Summer Comes, "A Nice Place to Be," and Our Love from "Attitude Adjustment," is truly wonderful piece of work. George, Art, Wayman your will be missed Sooooo much.
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George was a true smooth/conte m p o jazz master. And, yes Asphalt Gardens was a classic. I recently found a nearly new lp (had to have it!). I have everything he put out (check the nice tenor sound on Attitude Adjustment). Damn, I miss George (& Grover, too).
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I love George where is he, I really miss his music. He has a style of his own
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I became a of G.H. around 85-86 with Dancing in The Sun which in turn had me buy anything by him. His Sound has been missed. Thanks for your sound Mr. Howard
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It is because of George Howard that I play the sax now. No one is like George.
Yes I miss Mr Howard. The SUN of Music. |
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I became a fan of George Howard in '85 when I performed a dance routine choreographe d by the dance/modeli n g group I was in. It was to Dancing in The Sun at the El Paso Airport when he flew in to perform at a Border Jazz Festival and the agency was invited to see them perform.
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Pandora radio, thank you for finding and adding Steppn' Out which was my introduction to George Howard. . Sweet Dreams!
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the first time i was introduce to jazz was in 1986 when i was in the army and this was the artist. Been a big fan ever since
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I got to see him live just before him passing away. IT's hard to replace him but his legacy lives on.
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sadly missed,....w i t h his music ,i could travel to the outer reaches of the 'unknown' universe.... . . !
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My all time great smooth jazz star. When summer comes is one of the best set of cuts ever. r i p you were taken from us much to soon.
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Outstanding "Artist", will listen to him all day. I love my JAZZ. Vic
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George you are greatly missed, but your music will live in our hearts always!
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Why are the greats like George Howard and Grover Washington Jr. taken from us while talentless pieces of trash like Britney Spears and Paris Hilton are somehow allowed to continue to walk the planet?
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He was blessed ,really enjoyed the style of jazz George Howard played.Sadly missed.
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IT'S FUNNY CUZ I HAD THE PLEASURE 2 MEET GEORGE HOWARD WHEN I WAS A YOUNG GIRL! MY MOTHER USE 2 CLEAN HIS HOME! HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN. AND I FEEL HONORED THAT I GOT 2 MEET HIM! I NEVER PAID HIS MUSIC ANY ATTENTION UNTIL I GREW UP! HE WAS AN AWESOME ARTIST!!
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Bor-Ensof--- I Was Reading All the Comments Left Including the One I Left On 7-31-08--- & your Message Touched my Heart---I started To tear A lil Bit About U seeing Him, George In Heaven---Yea h I Can just Imagine All of those Great Talents Thee Just Really All on One Accord Playing the Sounds to the High Most GOD-----Than k s for Your Message & Pandora Is Simply the Best For Letting Us get this Type od Radio Of Timeless Hits 1 After the Other---My HEart is Filled with Un-Speakable JOY-
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I met George in 1995 at a concert in Atlanta. Asked him why his work wasn't meeting with the same appeal and financial success as ths "kenny G"-type sax players. He said to me "man, I really don't know. I been around for a while now, but my work is more about the vibe I try to creat, rather than just showing my technical skills". I miss waiting for your "new" releases like I used to do. Love to your family, and Rest In Peace, brother....h o p e I see you there one day...
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LOVE YOU, GEORGE. You can play anything & Grover Washington's influence can be felt.
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RIP George Howard, Your Sound Will Ring Bells Here On Earth & Shake Every Thing Thats Tied down---Much Love---Thank s Pandora For Having This In your Records----- - L o v e love this Internet Chanel!!!!!! Jayon
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I love his music, George Howard is a super musician, Pandora should play more of his music
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i loved the music and the man behind it. he truly would have been a pioneer to the art.
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