Photos by Orest Dorosh – Brittany Howard is an American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Alabama Shakes. Born on October 2, 1988, in Athens, Alabama, Howard grew up in a household where music played a significant role. She began playing guitar at a young age and was influenced by a diverse range of musical genres, including blues, rock, soul, and gospel.
In 2009, Howard formed Alabama Shakes with bassist Zac Cockrell, guitarist Heath Fogg, and drummer Steve Johnson. The band gained attention with their raw, soulful sound, drawing inspiration from classic rock and soul artists like Otis Redding and Aretha Franklin. Their debut album, “Boys & Girls,” released in 2012, received critical acclaim and earned them three Grammy nominations.
Howard’s powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence quickly established her as a standout performer in the music industry. In addition to her work with Alabama Shakes, she has collaborated with various artists, including performing on tracks by artists like John Legend and Mavis Staples.
In 2019, Howard released her debut solo album, “Jaime,” named after her sister who passed away when they were teenagers. The album showcased Howard’s versatility as a musician, blending elements of rock, soul, funk, and R&B. “Jaime” received widespread acclaim from critics and earned Howard multiple Grammy nominations, including a win for Best Rock Performance for the song “Stay High.”
Throughout her career, Brittany Howard has been praised for her soulful voice, poignant songwriting, and fearless experimentation with different musical styles. She continues to captivate audiences with her electrifying performances and remains a prominent figure in the contemporary music scene.
BECCA MANCARI
