Hello Meltingpot Community,
I may be late to the party, but I just discovered the amazing singer, Brittany Howard. Formerly of the band, Alabama Shakes, the 30-year-old Howard recently released her first solo album, Jamie.
The funny thing is, I heard Brittany Howard’s story before I heard her music, but that was enough for me to become a fan. The daughter of a Black father and white mother who grew up poor in Alabama, Howard said more than anything as a child she just wanted to be like everyone else. In addition to being biracial in a town where interracial marriage was violently opposed, Howard is also gay. And if that isn’t enough to make a childhood challenging, Brittany Howard also lost her older sister, Jamie, to cancer when Jamie was 13 and Brittany was only nine.
A Musician for the Meltingpot Community
On her debut album, Howard channels all of her feelings, memories and thoughts about being biracial, gay, and finally free, into her music. Her voice is truly unique, fun, and soulful. After listening to her sing, I just want to be best friends with her already.
Clearly Brittany Howard doesn’t need me and my friends to make her a star, because she’s already found her place in the music world, but I think everyone in the Meltingpot community should check her out. I promise you won’t be disappointed because not only is her music amazing, but she brings the mixed-race perspective to everything she does – from her band to her videos.
Check out her Tiny Desk concert on NPR to get a great taste of Brittany’s personality and music. And here’s the video from her song, Stay High. Note: Howard only makes tiny cameos in the video. But it’s so brilliant so watch the whole thing!
Tell me, are you a Brittany Howard fan? Tell me why and what’s your favorite song of hers? You know I’m listening.
Peace!
