What Is Howard Hewett’s Net Worth?
Howard Hewett, an accomplished American singer-songwriter, has cultivated a notable career that has resulted in a net worth of approximately $1 million. This financial standing primarily stems from his contributions to the music industry, most notably as a member of the R&B and soul group Shalamar, as well as his solo endeavors. Hewett’s ability to play both the guitar and piano has further enhanced his musical repertoire, contributing to his overall financial success.
Shalamar’s Impact on Hewett’s Net Worth
Hewett’s tenure with Shalamar significantly impacted his early career and subsequent net worth. The group’s debut studio album, “Uptown Festival,” released in 1977, marked the beginning of their ascent in the music world. Followed by “Disco Gardens” in 1978, the band steadily built a following. The album “Big Fun,” released in 1979, proved to be a breakthrough, reaching number 4 on the US R&B chart. This success was further amplified by the single “The Second Time Around,” which topped both the US R&B and US Dance charts in 1979, generating substantial revenue through sales and airplay.
The early 1980s saw continued success with albums like “Three for Love” (1980) and “Go for It” (1981), each contributing to the band’s overall earnings. “Friends,” released in 1982, stands out as a particularly successful album, reaching number 1 on the US R&B chart. Subsequent albums such as “The Look” (1983), “Heartbreak” (1984), “Circumstantial Evidence” (1987), and “Wake Up” (1990) added to Shalamar’s discography, though their commercial performance varied. While specific financial details for each album and single are not publicly available, the consistent chart performance suggests a steady stream of income for Hewett during his time with the group. His role as the lead singer from 1979 to 1985 positioned him as a key figure in Shalamar’s financial success.
Solo Career Contributions to Howard Hewett’s Net Worth
After Shalamar disbanded in the mid-1980s, Hewett embarked on a solo career, signing a deal with Elektra Records in 1985. This transition marked a new phase in his career and presented opportunities for increased personal earnings. In 1986, he released his first solo album, “I Commit to Love,” which reached number 12 on the R&B album charts. This album spawned two top 10 R&B singles, “I’m for Real” and “Stay,” contributing significantly to his income through record sales, radio play, and potential touring opportunities. While the exact sales figures and royalties from this album remain undisclosed, its chart performance indicates a successful launch to his solo career.
Hewett’s second album, “Forever and Ever,” released in 1988, further solidified his position as a solo artist. The album featured hits such as “Strange Relationship” and “Once, Twice, Three Times,” generating revenue through various channels. In 1990, he released his self-titled album, which included the popular tracks “Show Me” and “If I Could Only Have That Day Back.” These songs likely generated income through radio airplay, music video rotation, and potential licensing agreements. However, his 1992 album, “Allegiance,” did not achieve the same level of commercial success as his previous efforts. While he continued to produce music, including contributing to the second season theme song of “Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper” and recording “Christmas Will Return” for the Disney film “The Santa Clause” in 1994, these projects were collaborative and likely resulted in shared profits.
The 1995 album, “It’s Time,” marked a return to recording his own music, followed by collaborations with artists like Joe Sample, Brian Culbertson, and George Duke. These collaborations, while potentially lucrative, likely involved sharing royalties and performance fees. In 2000, he was featured on The Rippingtons’ track “I Found Heaven,” which appeared on the album “Life in the Tropics.” The following year, in 2001, Hewett released his first full gospel album, “The Journey,” followed by “The Journey Live: From the Heart” in 2002. These gospel albums likely targeted a different audience and generated income through sales and performances within the gospel music community. In October 2006, Hewett released a new single called “Enough” with George Duke, followed by the album “If Only” in 2007 and a Christmas album, “Howard Hewett Christmas,” in October 2008. Although the specific financial gains from these later projects are not detailed, they contributed to his ongoing income stream.
Other Ventures and Income Streams
Beyond his work as a singer and songwriter, Hewett may have engaged in other ventures that contributed to his net worth. These could include touring, live performances, and guest appearances. While there is no detailed information available about specific endorsement deals, his public profile as a musician may have attracted opportunities for partnerships with brands. Any income generated from these sources would contribute to his overall financial picture. It is important to note that the specific financial details of these ventures are not publicly accessible.
Personal Life and Financial Considerations
Hewett’s personal life has also likely had an impact on his financial situation. He has been married four times, and these relationships have likely involved financial settlements and obligations. He has children from these marriages, including daughters LaKiva Siani and Rainey Daze from his first marriage, a son named Christopher Eugene Howard Hewett from his marriage to Nia Peeples, and a daughter named Anissa from his marriage to Angela Bloom. Child support payments and other family-related expenses would have influenced his financial resources. The specifics of these financial arrangements are not publicly available.
Furthermore, Hewett faced legal trouble in 1985 when he was arrested and indicted in Miami for possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Although he was later acquitted, the legal proceedings likely incurred significant legal fees and potentially damaged his reputation, impacting his earning potential. It’s important to note that while he was acquitted, the situation would have still required financial resources to defend himself. In summary, Howard Hewett’s $1 million net worth has been shaped by his career in music, both as a member of Shalamar and as a solo artist, as well as by personal and legal events that have influenced his financial standing.