Eddy Howard was a distinctively idiomatic American singer. He used shading and colorization effectively in his crooning style that was somewhat reminiscent of Rudy Valee sans the nasality. He wasn't particularly influenced by most of the singers before and during his time, so there is very little of the Italianate subtly that was the mark of many a vocalist.

His style was instantly recognizable and he was a great favorite with the audiences he attracted. His voice was exceptionally pleasing with his soft and melodious phrasing, not only in ballads but swinging numbers as well.

Howard was born in Woodland, California, September 12, 1914. About the age of 16, he had sung on a Los Angeles radio station and then had stints along the way with -bands of Eddie Fitzpatrick, Tom Gerun and Ben Bernie. He abandoned a projected medical career to make music his profession.

He joined the Dick Jurgens band and was lead vocalist for some time. He composed best sellers as well, "My Last Goodbye," and "Careless," which were both very successfully recorded with the Jurgens band on Vocalion. Another big hit of this team was "Ragtime Cowboy Joe." Jurgens had always been able to recognize exceptional and unique vocalists but Eddy Howard outreached all of them in popularity and style.

It was subsequently an easy move for him to form his own band in the 40's and move successfully into club work and recording contracts with major labels. Hits came immediately with "To Each His Own," "Don't Tell Her What Happened To Me," "In My Adobe Hacienda," "If I Knew Then," and the list goes on and on. His appearance was that of any one on the block. Again, idiomatically American.

Eddy Howard's band was particularly popular in the Chicago area, which he made home-base. You will notice that all the World recordings were done in the Chicago studios. These span the years 1949 through 1952. Although Howard had periods of illness in the early 50's, he reorganized his band several times and remained active into the 60's. His death was untimely, occurring at age 49, May 23, 1963, in Palm Desert, California. He left a musical legacy of intrinsic value to posterity.

- Jay McGahee