Devon Howard: R&B Artist, Songwriter & Advocate

Early Music Career & Group Success

• 💡 Devon Howard was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, and was significantly influenced by his father, Melvin Leonard Brown, a songwriter for local groups.
• 🚀 His first major group, Me 2 U, signed with RCA Records, leading to charting singles like "Want U Back" and "All Night" on the R&B Billboard charts.
• ✍️ Devon contributed as a songwriter, writing two songs on Me 2 U's self-titled debut album.
• 🎶 After Me 2 U, he co-founded Diverisiti, signing with Global/EMI Records, where he wrote and produced twelve songs for their CD.

Solo Ventures & Creative Control

• 🌍 Devon launched his solo career overseas, releasing "Urban Eclecticism" in Europe in 2005, which led to a record deal in Japan.
• 📈 His hit single "Other Side of the Bed" marked his first US release in 2007, with a video directed by Chris Robinson.
• 🎤 The 2015 album "Return To Love" was entirely self-produced vocally, allowing him full creative control over the sound and timing.
• 🌴 Songs like "Back to Paradise" from "Return To Love" are designed to transport listeners, reflecting his personal experiences and preferences.

Songwriting Influences & Process

• 🧠 Devon is a self-taught singer who learned by listening to artists with similar vocal ranges, eventually developing his own sound.
• 🌟 He draws comparisons to R&B legends like Michael Jackson, Babyface, and El Debarge, acknowledging their influence on his style.
• 📝 His father's legacy instilled a passion for writing music, which he consistently pursued even when not actively working on projects.
• 🛠️ While he writes lyrics and melodies, he collaborates on music production, but emphasizes his meticulous approach to ensure the final product aligns with his vision.

Passion for Advocacy: Foster Care & Homeless Youth

• ❤️ For over 20 years, Devon has been a dedicated advocate for foster kids and homeless teens in Baltimore, working with agencies like Second Home.
• 🤝 He emphasizes the importance of understanding the backstory and challenges faced by these youth, advocating for compassion and support.
• 🏡 Devon highlights the critical need for life skills and housing for older youth who "age out" of the foster care system, often leading to homelessness.
• 🎁 He has organized compilation CDs where 100% of proceeds supported day shelters for homeless youth and performed at numerous charitable events.

Recent Music & Future Plans

• 🚀 His latest single, "Forever and Always," achieved significant success, reaching #8 on the Indie Soul chart in the UK without prior expectation.
• 💿 An upcoming album is tentatively scheduled for March 2022, with the next single titled "Morning Sun."
• 🎶 Future plans for "Forever and Always" include remixes by DJ Pope (house music) and Samir Singletary (quiet storm mix).
• 🎧 Devon appreciates platforms that shine a light on independent artists and believes there's much good music that remains unheard.