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 pianoplaying 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 15minute show on CBS from July 1948 to December 1951 His film credits include Howards House Party Junction 88 and Stars on Parade Howards career took him to Europe Japan and the United States His popularity with the general public came largely because he followed Fats Wallers 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 jazztinged 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 Calloways 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