Andre Howard Band

The André Howard Band is a relatively new project for Master Bassist Extraordinaire and Vocalist, André Howard, a veteran blues musician who has perfomed with stars such as Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Guy, Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater and even the Rolling Stones.

André's love of music began more than 30 years ago, when he was a young boy growing up on Chicago's notorious south side. He fondly remembers catching the "Blues Bug" from his Uncle Fred. Uncle Fred and his friend Lonnie often visited the Howard household and jammed with Dré's Dad (on drums) for hours on end. Dré lived for those nights when he could play along side his Uncle Fred and his Dad.

Dré's love for music, as well as his skill, evolved at a rapid pace. Just barely a teenager, he began performing as a professional bassist and singer in the Chicago blues clubs and in a majority of the churches, playing and singing gospel. The next step was college, where Dré formed, directed and performed in various house bands in several Bloomington/Normal, Illinois nightclubs. Upon finishing college, Dré returned to Chicago, where he formed, directed and was lead singer in two bands: Home Slyce and Witness, and had the pleasure of opening the stage for famous performers such as Chubby Checker, The Buckinghams, the Contours and Delbert McClinton. Soon after, Dré formed Dangerous. This popular band shared the stage with The Bar-Kays, The Dazz Band, The Ohio Players, and Cameo.

In the late '90's, André moved to Nashville to join the Johnny Neel band. (Johnny was the former keyboardist and songwriter for the "Allman Brothers Band", a member of "Government Mule" and "Blue Floyd".) While playing with Johnny Neel, Dré did numerous recording sessions and toured world wide.

Upon returning to his roots in Chicago, Dré joined the Charlie Love Band and also worked with Eddie "The Chief" Clearwater. In recent years, André has had the enormous pleasure of working for Chicago finest blues singers! This list includes, Lucky Peterson, Nellie Tiger Travis, Grana' Louise, Big Time Sarah, Zora Young, Carlos Johnson and Pat Scott.

While working with Charlie Love, Dré has had the great pleasure of sharing the stage with Mick Jagger and Ron Wood of the Rolling Stones, Buddy Guy, and Son Seals, and performing with many member of the KoKo Taylor Band (just to name a few).

Keeping with his busy schedule, Dré joined the Lonnie Brooks band and now tours with Lonnie and his sons, Wayne and Ronnie Baker Brooks. Along with Lonnie and Charlie, Dré joined the Liz Mandville Greeson Band and does vocals as a regular special guest star for the Two For the Blues Band that plays all over the northwest suburbs.

Gathering knowledge and experience from all these years of playing the blues with such a diverse society of new and old time Blues legends, Dré has brought his own flavor to the blues. He has made a demo CD, with a few songs on it for your listening pleasure. Look for a full version of the CD, with some of Dré's original tunes coming in late spring.

It is André's heartfelt wish that you enjoy this gift of music that the Lord has bestowed on him.

He and his band members wish you love, peace and happiness.

God Bless!!!