Bob Howard

Bob Howard (born Howard Joyner, June 20, 1906 – December 3, 1986; another source gives his birth date as June 20, 1897) was an American pianist-vocalist on swing records in the 1930s. Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Joyner began singing in New York night clubs in the mid-1920s. He began recording in 1931 under his real name for Columbia.

Under the name Bob Howard, he played New York's Park Central Hotel, Famous Door, Hickory House and other clubs as well as theaters. He was signed to Decca in late 1934 and recorded a series of hot small group swing records between 1935 and 1938. His studio groups included Benny Carter, Buster Bailey, Rex Stewart, Ben Webster, Teddy Wilson, Russell Procope, Cecil Scott, Cozy Cole, Bunny Berigan, Artie Shaw, Babe Russin and others. Howard did not play piano on his Decca recordings, only sang.

He embarked on European tours as a solo performer. He also had his own radio series in New York in the middle and late 1930s. In the 1940s, he performed in a handful of short films (1936–1947). He acted in an episode of Perry Mason in 1959.

In 1948, Howard hosted The Bob Howard Show on CBS, making him the first African-American to host a regularly broadcast network TV show. The program was cancelled after 13 episodes. He also was a regular performer on Sing It Again on CBS-TV in 1950 - 1951.

He later relocated to Las Vegas and Los Angeles. He died in the Bronx, New York.

Birth and Death Data: Born June 20, 1906 (Newton), Died December 3, 1986 (The Bronx)

Date Range of DAHR Recordings: 1931 - 1947

Roles Represented in DAHR: vocalist, piano

Notes: Original name: Howard Joyner.

= Recordings are available for online listening.
= Recordings were issued from this master. No recordings issued from other masters.

Recordings (Results 76-96 of 96 records)

Company Matrix No. Size First Recording Date Title Primary Performer Description Role Audio
Decca 62635 10-in. 9/30/1937 What do you want to make those eyes at me for? Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 62636 10-in. 9/30/1937 She's tall, she's tan, she's terrific Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63251 10-in. 2/7/1938 There ain't gonna be no doggone afterwhile Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63252 10-in. 2/7/1938 If you're a viper Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63253 10-in. 2/7/1938 Baby, it must be love Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63254 10-in. 2/7/1938 Raggedy but right Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63575 10-in. 4/8/1938 In my Mizz Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63576 10-in. 4/8/1938 Toodle-oo Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63577 10-in. 4/8/1938 Just about the time Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 63578 10-in. 4/8/1938 Talk to me Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64226 10-in. 6/27/1938 I can tell by looking in your eyes Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64232 10-in. 6/27/1938 Dapper Dan Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64233 10-in. 6/27/1938 You better come back Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64234 10-in. 6/27/1938 Southern Casey Jones Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64343 10-in. 7/26/1938 I used to love you Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64344 10-in. 7/26/1938 Keepin' out of mischief now Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64345 10-in. 7/26/1938 Sweet Emalina, my gal Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64346 10-in. 7/26/1938 Beale Street Mama Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64347 10-in. 7/26/1938 You're in Kentucky sure as you're born Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64348 10-in. 7/26/1938 Any rags Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
Decca 64349 10-in. 7/26/1938 On revival day Bob Howard Orchestra vocalist  
(Results 76-96 of 96 records)

Citation

Discography of American Historical Recordings, s.v. "Howard, Bob," accessed October 11, 2024, https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/110280.

Howard, Bob. (2024). In Discography of American Historical Recordings. Retrieved October 11, 2024, from https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/110280.

"Howard, Bob." Discography of American Historical Recordings. UC Santa Barbara Library, 2024. Web. 11 October 2024.

DAHR Persistent Identifier

URI: https://adpprod2.library.ucsb.edu/names/110280

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