 Rebecca Lynn Howard's confidence shines through in her music and in
her life. The 20-year-old Kentucky native has plenty to be confident about.
She’s not only a gutsy, powerhouse singer, but—unlike most young artists—gold
and platinum stars like Reba McEntire, John Michael Montgomery, Patty Loveless
and Lila McCann have already recorded Rebecca Lynn Howard’s songs.
'I’m real proud of that,' Rebecca admits. 'I didn’t just come out of high
school and land a record deal. I’m a songwriter and I’ve been working in this
business since I was 10 years old. I’ve worked really hard over the past
decade.'
Rebecca started singing as a toddler. By the time she was in grammar school
she had taught herself piano and was beginning to write her own songs.
Throughout the years she sang in school and church—and even directed the church
choir. 'I was really wrapped up in music all the time,' Rebecca admits.
For three years Rebecca toured with the Kentucky Opry variety show. As a solo
artist she opened shows for Martina McBride, John Michael Montgomery, Ricky Van
Shelton and Sammy Kershaw. During that time, she made frequent trips to
Nashville developing her songwriting skills and making contacts.
'I’ve always known this is what I wanted to do,' Rebecca says. 'I finally
talked my mom into bringing me to Nashville when I was 10.'
Rebecca Lynn Howard recorded a demo that eventually helped secure a recording
contract with Rising Tide Records. She recorded 'Softly And Tenderly' for The
Apostle soundtrack, which won a Grammy. Rebecca was snapped up by MCA Nashville
when Rising Tide closed its doors in ‘98.
'I’ve been through a lot in the past couple of years,' Rebecca admits. 'But
I’ve got a lot of discipline. My manager and I used to run 8, 10, and as much as
12 miles a day for about six to eight months. I’m sure that kind of physical
challenge helped me develop the proper mental endurance to handle the various
hardships that arise in this business.'
Those hardships are finally paying off and Rebecca couldn’t be more excited
about her new record. 'Musically, the songs I write are so different. I don’t
think you can peg my music to any other artist. I’d say it’s kind of rock ‘n’
roll meets bluegrass meets r&b meets country. Growing up I listened to Reba,
Patty Loveless, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston and Mariah
Carey—all the big power singers;' Rebecca says. 'I think you can hear a lot of
their influence in my music.'
Together, Rebecca Lynn Howard and producer Mark Wright forged a unique sound,
which combines the heart of country music with the soul of contemporary pop.
Rebecca wrote much of the album with some of her favorite co-writers.
Rebecca wrote the single "Out Here In The Water" with Robin and Trey Bruce.
'When we met for a songwriting session, none of us had any ideas. So we started
playing this funky, greasy melody, and all of a sudden Trey says, ‘You hold the
pole and I’ll try to net him.’ I totally freaked out and the song snowballed
from there. It was one of those times when we didn’t let the right side of the
brain overtake the left side.'
'I Don’t Paint Myself Into Corners' is another stand-out track that seems to
be getting a lot of attention. Rebecca received a standing ovation after singing
this powerful ballad at Fan Fair ’99, even though the crowd was not yet familiar
with the new artist. Rebecca Lynn Howard remembers, 'I was so surprised when
everyone stood up in their seats! They were screaming and whistling and
clapping... I didn’t expect such a large reaction from a crowd that didn’t even
know who I was. I couldn’t stop smiling!'
"I wrote ’Believe It Or Not’ with Marty Dotson and Ron Hardin. It’s a huge
power ballad," Rebecca says about one of her favorite cuts. "You can definitely
hear the influences of Michael Bolton and Celine Dion. The verses are tender and
the choruses just blast your head off. The strings and piano arrangements are
really cool."
Rebecca wrote "Was It As Hard To Be Together" with Carl Jackson. "It’s a very
powerful song and it’s really, really country," she explains. 'Everyone who
hears this song will know they just listened to a country song. And, anyone who
has ever been in a relationship will relate to it. I really love it.'
It takes persistence and determination for anyone to make it in the world of
music, but Rebecca Lynn Howard isn’t worried. "The most important thing is that
I keep my priorities in order and remain true to myself," she says. "The rest
will take care of itself."
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