Thank you for taking the time to have this interview with IMAAI.
Tell us about your music.
My music is blend of all the styles of music that have influenced me over the span of my life. I grew up singing gospel and bluegrass… then moved on to country. In my teens I became obsessed with powerhouse singers like Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey and Celine Dion, while the songwriter in me was completely obsessed with Sheryl Crow! Country music became my career pathway and over the years, I’ve had so many amazing opportunities and experiences. Years ago, I formed a band with a few of my friends and my husband, called the Loving Mary Band. We were Steven Tyler‘s backup band for several years and I became a big fan of rock ‘n’ roll music for the first time in my life! So, this entire journey has created a very diverse sound for me now.
When did you start performing?
When I was about 13 years old I started performing with a group called the Kentucky Opry Junior Pros. It was a local group near my hometown in Kentucky, that showcased musically inclined kids in that area. I played with them until I was about 16 years old and started playing some shows on my own. I put together a band and started playing some solo shows anywhere I could get booked… Mostly festivals since I was so young. Also during that time, my mom was taking me to Nashville to play any open mic nights that we could find. After I landed my record deal at 18 years old, I started my touring career and have pretty much been doing that nonstop ever since. I toured with so many amazing artists. Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Alan Jackson and Kenny Rogers were just a few of those artists. I learned from the best. All of those experiences really shaped me into the entertainer and performer that I am today.
What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Even though I’ve lived in Nashville longer than my actual hometown, I still consider Salyersville Kentucky my hometown! It’s a tiny little town tucked away in the Appalachian mountains of eastern Kentucky and it’s very rich in musical heritage. From that area came artists like Chris Stapleton, Loretta Lynn, Keith Whitley, Patty Loveless, Dwight Yoakam, The Judds, Wynonna, and Billy Ray Cyrus. My hometown definitely helped shape me as a musician and most definitely influenced the style of music that I make today!
What performers have been your inspiration?
I have so many artists that I look up to from various genres of music. Reba McEntire influenced me very early on in my childhood. It was because of her that I wanted to sing country music. Patty Loveless was always one of my favorites as well. When I was a teenager I started listening to more pop oriented artists like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey and Sheryl Crow. I’m just such a huge fan of great singers. Speaking of amazing singers, my favorite “driving in the car music” is The Carpenters. I adore Karen’s voice so much. All of these artists continue to inspire me.
What do you base your success on?
I feel like I’ve come a long way in my journey so far in this business. Used to be, I would’ve answered this question very differently than I’m going to answer it today.
Singing songs that I believe in and watching how those songs touch people’s hearts… or move that person to dance…or laugh…or cry…or heal, is success in my book.
What was your latest musical release?
My latest release is “I Am My Mother”. I wrote this song a few years ago with some friends of mine. We wanted to write a beautiful tribute to our mothers. A mother‘s love is so unconditional and never ending and it just seemed fitting that we honor a love that big. It’s one of the most heartfelt songs I’ve ever been part of… And most definitely the hardest to sing. I don’t think I’ve managed to get through this song yet without getting choked up.
Do you have any news to share?
I’m so excited to be finishing up my full length album that will release later this year. It’s comprised of songs that I have been collecting for over 20 years now. I’m so proud of the music on this record and can’t wait to share it with the world!
How can fans find you?
Instagram: www.instagram.com/
rebeccalynnhoward/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/rebeccalynnhowardofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/RLHofficial
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rebeccalynnhoward4246
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@rebeccalynnhoward
Website: rebeccalynnofficial.com/
Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Music has always been my therapy. It’s been my refuge. It’s been my healer. It’s been my teacher. It’s been my friend and my worst enemy. It’s been my balance and my imbalance. It’s been my secret keeper and my secret teller. It’s been my heart wide open to all of you. It will continue to be all those things.