Brittany Amber Howard, born on October 2, 1988, in Athens, Alabama, is an American musician renowned for her dynamic contributions to the music industry. She gained prominence in the early 2010s as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for the American rock band Alabama Shakes. Her work with the band earned her four Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Music Album, from nine nominations.
In addition to her role in Alabama Shakes, Howard has been involved in several other musical projects. She played bass for the side project Thunderbitch and contributed both acoustic guitar and double bass to the trio Bermuda Triangle.
In 2018, Alabama Shakes announced a hiatus, prompting Howard to release her debut solo album, "Jaime," in 2019. The album received critical acclaim and earned her seven Grammy nominations, winning Best Rock Song for "Stay High." She followed up with the album "What Now," released in February 2024.
Born to Christi (née Carter) and K. J. Howard, Howard has a diverse heritage; her mother is of English and Irish descent, while her father is African American. Growing up in a junkyard, she faced early hardships, including a house fire caused by a lightning strike. She began playing the guitar at age 13, drawing inspiration from artists like Dionne Warwick and Elvis Presley. Howard attended East Limestone High School, where she met future Alabama Shakes bassist Zac Cockrell. After high school, she worked for the United States Postal Service before dedicating herself full-time to music.
Throughout her career, Howard has been recognized for her powerful vocals and innovative musical style. She has cited influences including Led Zeppelin, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Prince, Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie, Mavis Staples, Tom Waits, Björk, Gil Scott-Heron, Freddie Mercury, and Tina Turner.
In 2024, Howard announced a co-headlining tour with British rhythm and blues singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka. She also made her acting debut in the animated film "Thelma the Unicorn," which premiered on Netflix on May 17, 2024. In late November 2024, Howard introduced her hardcore project, KUMITE, with their first show scheduled in Nashville in January 2025.
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