Brittany Howard was born on October 2, 1988 in Athens, Alabama. She grew up in a small town called Elk River, where she was raised by her parents, who were both musicians. Her father, K.J. Howard, was a gospel singer and her mother, Christal, was a housewife who played guitar and sang in church.
Howard began playing guitar at the age of 13 and soon started playing in local bands. She formed her own band, The Shakes, in high school with her friends Zac Cockrell, Steve Johnson, and Heath Fogg. The band played covers of classic rock and soul songs at local bars and events.
In 2011, The Shakes recorded their debut album, “Boys & Girls,” which was released on April 10, 2012. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning the band a devoted fanbase and a spot on the festival circuit. The album was produced by Alabama Shakes and recorded at The Bomb Shelter in Nashville, Tennessee.
“Boys & Girls” was nominated for three Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist, Best Rock Performance for the single “Hold On,” and Best Recording Package. The album won the award for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical.
The success of “Boys & Girls” catapulted Brittany Howard and Alabama Shakes to fame. However, their sound was not easily defined as one genre. They blended elements of rock, soul, blues, and funk, creating a unique sound that appealed to a diverse range of audiences.
Howard’s voice was a driving force behind the band’s success. Her powerful vocals were reminiscent of classic soul and gospel singers, with a modern edge that made her stand out in the music industry. Her lyrics were deeply personal, drawing from her experiences growing up in the South and confronting issues of race and identity.
In 2015, Alabama Shakes released their second album, “Sound & Color.” The album represented a departure from their previous sound, exploring more experimental territory and incorporating elements of psychedelia and R&B. The album was another critical and commercial success, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 chart.
Following the success of “Sound & Color,” Howard pursued a solo career. In 2019, she released her debut solo album, “Jaime,” named after her late sister who died of cancer as a teenager. The album was a departure from Alabama Shakes’ sound, incorporating elements of funk, soul, and psychedelia.
“Jaime” was critically acclaimed and earned Howard several Grammy nominations. The album explored themes of love, loss, and identity, with Howard drawing from her experiences as a queer Black woman in the South. The album also featured collaborations with other artists, including jazz saxophonist Jazzmeia Horn.
Howard’s influence on the soul funk music genre extends beyond her music. She is also an advocate for social justice, using her platform to speak out about issues of racism and inequality. In 2020, she performed at the Black Lives Matter protests in Nashville following the murder of George Floyd.
Brittany Howard’s career has been marked by her ability to blend genres and create a sound that is uniquely her own. Her voice and lyrics have resonated with audiences around the world, and her influence on the soul funk music genre is undeniable. As she continues to evolve as an artist and advocate, it is clear that her impact on the music industry will continue to grow.