Miki Howard - Robbed by Phyllis Hyman, Loved by Whitney, Shaded by Anita Baker

[@MelodyMaker151]

I hate that Miki always puts herself down. She was so great. She is right up there with the best of them in my eyes.

[@Simonebrown46]

Absolutely! 👏🏽💙

[@noladarling5160]

ABSOLUTELY!!

[@pricillahubbard9708]

🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@Rozorov1]

My Mom's favorite!

[@priscillawilson9703]

Miki's vocal prowess is ALL TRUTH! She is beautiful and so humble.

[@jansenhodge6008]

I have a Mikki Howard story. Marla Gibbs had a club here in Los Angeles called Marla's memory lane. There was an open mic night. I had just finished singing, and Mikki called me to the table she was sitting at with Chaka Khan, Craig T Cooper, and Ollie Woodson. She licked her finger and rubbed it down my chest, and made a sizzling noise. I said alright, Mikki. She made my day. I've always been a fan of her work.❤

[@The_Office_Of_Eternal_Affairs]

That's a great story!

[@mack1820]

Lol Miki thought you was hot 🔥!!

[@CeliniacForLife]

So did y'all smash? 😂

[@Smittyanddee]

Love this story😂

[@deewoo2776]

Great story! Oh yes I remember Marla's Memory Lane on King & Arlington. I just drove by that area yesterday. I used to hang out there on some Tuesday nights back in the late 80s/ early 90s. That was a fun time back then. Just being grown.

[@earlbjenkins7095]

Sadly Overlooked. Great Singer.

[@Smittyanddee]

Your absolutely correct

[@AngelHoll-pr8fz]

How did phyllis pass?

[@deborahcooper7545]

Thank you for doing this interview. I been playing Ms. Howard's music a lot lately. ​@Smittyanddee

[@pollyannalight6313]

A huge part of the problem was they were getting high, high-! Miki, Whitney, Chaka . . .

[@RH-ub4bm]

@Angelholl-pr8z. Phyllis Hyman committed suicide Back in 1995.

[@inaworldofreality8045]

Whitney Houston was simply a cheerleader 📣 and a real woman that respected real talent and hard work and yes she loved the lord.

[@Smittyanddee]

Yes, she did and we celebrate her every day

[@inaworldofreality8045]

@ right Cissy is definitely her moma same firmness and voice texture in Whitney’s early career.

[@denisejohnson3578]

@@inaworldofreality8045 agreed! where else is all that talent coming from? no shade to teresa graves but WH was Cissy's baby...

[@genaross4143]

Truly🙌🏾💯💯💯❤️!!

[@tiltedtexan1980]

TIL about Teresa and my jaw STILL hasn’t come up off the floor 🤯. Cissy raised her and molded her into the woman she became but she’s Teresa’s TWIN. And knowing second hand how times were back then I can see Cissy got her because “appearance” was everything

[@kevinharris3993]

I have heard that story several times about Ms. Baker and it has never changed. Something is seriously wrong with Ms. Baker. Baker is a legend but you should never excuse character and integrity because someone is talented. Mikki Howard is a real one. I am glad she is still around and still singing great

[@The_Office_Of_Eternal_Affairs]

Baker terrorized Detroit and a nearby suburb, last I was there. I only talked to her once and it ended with her yelling at me for no good reason. What made it even scarier was we were in an elevator.

[@ArtTheSinger]

Sir get a life

[@Smittyanddee]

We’re gonna give Anita Baker Grace as a community that understands and supports mental illness

[@ZoniaC-e9k]

Did Baker ever give a reason for not showing up for her own mother's day concert last year 2023??? Those ppl were lined up with their moms to see her and she didn't show up nor was a reason even given, nor refunds! 😑

[@4leafclover611]

Teresa Graves (Get christie Love)

[@Interestingisntit]

Mikki is being kind in the Phyllis Hyman story because she’s not present because to hide someone’s luggage until the tour is over is lowdown! Nothing funny about it ! It’s trifling even. God bless you Mikki !

[@tmat90-o8t]

Same feeling I got too about that.

[@joesmith-vd4hu]

Yeah, that was evil. The stress of being on tour and not having your clothes and personal items ...😮😮

[@NopeUghUghAbsolutelyNot]

Right cuz she know she aint just have to get a new dress. That was underwears, bras, toothbush, hair care, makeup... all needing replacing before performing

[@LightBlue9-f4w]

My thoughts exactly, that was evil!!!

[@Beeli-fl4vk]

Exactly she wasn't doing it to be funny

[@thashittv2885]

Love Miki Howard. One of thee greatest vocalist in my time.

[@Smittyanddee]

Yes lawd❤

[@larose6551]

Period!❤

[@thashittv2885]

@larose6551 KZbin "Baby Be Mine live" when she was at the Apollo. Lady was blowin'!

[@revmd621]

🫰🏾🫰🏾🫰🏾

[@marcusburns09]

I couldn’t agree more!!!❤

[@rodwillis4080]

Not only is Miki a legend, she also dropped some nuggets here.

[@Smittyanddee]

I had the honor of talking to her after the interview, and can I tell you you learn the most from people who make mistakes in their life, who have ups and downs. She was raw and she was real, and I loved every minute of it.

[@Mimi-cg2cw]

Crack got her..m

[@hereforit2347]

Miki has one of the greatest voices in R&B. 🎶 I remember when her first album dropped in the 80s, I *RAN* to go get it. I sing along to her songs to this day. She is a whole vibe. I was a young, single, Black mom in L.A. with a government job, my own apartment, a new car, and living life. We could afford to do that in those days and have money for bills, clothes, restaurants, movies, Disneyland, etc. GOD IS GOOD! 🙏🏿

[@WilConquer]

Love me some Miki i not surprised that She loved Whitney , Chaka and Phyllis.

[@Smittyanddee]

It was a very small club of the greats

[@monetenglish68]

She was so understanding of Phyllis Hyman because they both went through a lot

[@curtismichael4703]

Miki Howard ALWAYS gives good interviews!

[@corneliuswhite5139]

ALWAYS!

[@Smittyanddee]

Yes she does ❤❤

[@larose6551]

She’s so real and her transparency shines through

[@armonwiggins2798]

"they take this stuff serious".... That last line hit.

[@Smittyanddee]

Right

[@Sttephy30]

Hey Armon

[@diorrboyyyy]

not “teeth” in the comments

[@Sttephy30]

@@diorrboyyyy Not you talking, while hiding being a FACELESS troll. Lets see how your mug looks.

[@shesslucky]

When does she say it? Sorry I have hard of hearing.

[@finefeatheredfriend9240]

Her saying that “they took us off the radio” was so deep to hear her say. That’s always been such a conspiracy for me that REAL R&B artists and music is extinct and no one wonders why or asks questions. All we have now is degenerate rap music and “singers” with babified, sleepy sounded voices and EVERYONE sounds the same and has the same music and cheap music videos 🙄

[@hardren101]

Rap replaced R&B & technology did the rest.

[@bxrokk]

We all know why: MONEY!! Real singers and artists were replaced with people who were willing to do anything for a dollar and easier to mass market. It's like McDonalds vs a real restaurant. Unlike other genre's, there wasn't enough market share to keep REAL r&b going. The public didn't consume it like they consumed the newer lower quality acts. Eventually most labels stopped investing in it and went after the superficial acts that cost less and generate more revenue.

[@hardren101]

@@bxrokk By 1980, rap music had infiltrated the industry, by "85" it had taken hold, and slowly but surely, rap music began to replace R&B, coupled with the intro of CD's in "83". CD's were a game changer, b/c music buyers were no longer forced to by an entire album b/c they liked one song & this had a huge impact on record label's bottom line. By 1990, Rap had replaced R&B, as labels were primarily signing rap artists and rappers were popping up all over the place good, bad, and everything in between. Ya know shit has gone way left when white boy's begins to cash in. The industry remains influx as the technology has evolved (CD's, streaming, etc. 360 deals became semi-popular but not for long.

[@bxrokk]

@@hardren101 Facts!!!

[@jazzysassysgarden6367]

Yeah the baby singing is weird to me. Why is that a thing.

[@LindaK-v3j]

I just saw her in concert here in Atlanta for my Birthday and she packed the house. She sounded wonderful!

[@GlennDGrace]

Mikki is so down to earth. Such a wonderful quality in a human being. 😊

[@Smittyanddee]

Miki is so cool. This interview was one of my favorites. I've always been a huge fan

[@sweetbutterbaby]

She’s so underrated.

[@hardren101]

Don't think she was underrated... She made some major contributions to her demise (Addiction, overly aggressive husband/manager).

[@irasavage1162]

No one can sing good morning heartache like Mikki Howard ❤❤❤

[@GiGi52020]

I absolutely love Miki. I messaged her on facebook once and she replied, that spoke volumes to me. Beautiful woman , beautiful voice and down to earth.

[@brandonmartin4495]

This is crazy ☺ because for some reason I thought Whitney was probably a fan of Miki's singing. Now I hear Miki saying she loved Whitney. Awesome and heart warming

[@WillWize]

Oh for sure, they were friends. Whitney loved her some Miki

[@TheeOne4.44]

Mikki is one of those underated, unappreciated GREAT Singers who was cheated out of the Industry. What a beautiful Woman with an Amazing Voice- Gerald LeVert's Soulmate and Love💜

[@hardren101]

There were some mitigating circumstances that contributed to Mikki's career becoming stalled (Addiction, an over aggressive husband/manager, ego)...I loved her music & vocals).

[@1kamaria10]

@@hardren101Who cares? It still doesn’t take away from her being an amazing vocalist and a vibrant humble woman.

[@hardren101]

@@1kamaria10 NO clue what you are talking about, since nowhere in my statement did I insinuate she wasn't any of the things you mentioned. The woman has NEVER come across as negative, bitter, or vindictive. I have watched more than 1 interview over the years and the woman has NEVER said a negative word about anyone and never comes across as shady or katty. She could have very easily thrown Phyllis under the bus for not returning her luggage until the end of the tour. I have NOTHING negative to say about Mikki, I have a great deal of respect for how she comes across in her interviews.

[@TheVoiceOfReazun]

This was soooo refreshing and boy could this woman blow! Actually watched some of her performances just days ago and then this pops up! She’s a breath of fresh air, humble, so humble I don’t think she realizes how legendary she yet is and will forever be. She’s may have not gotten the impact and longevity the way that she should have gotten but she did enough to engrave her mark on history. AND THAT alone, is enough. She got to sit with the greats yet and still and has amazing stories of personal encounters that many will forever wish they could have had. She’s a blessed woman.

[@Smittyanddee]

I truly believe that her honesty and her vulnerability is more respected now than it was back then. She might be ahead of her time.❤

[@SuiteVII]

Im from Detroit and gained a whole new perspective watching this. Crack was more devastating than I realized, I had no idea our middle class was so strong.

[@mynamemeanssweet]

Oh I love this, Mikki Howard 🫶🏾

[@Smittyanddee]

Me too❤

[@elaineredy8937]

Ms. Miki Howard glad to see you still around 👏🏽🎼🎤🎼🙏🏽🌹

[@DLFfitness1]

The Billie Holiday album was my favorite project of hers.

[@Smittyanddee]

We will tell her

[@michaelvittoria6926]

Love that one, too!!!

[@AntonioJLee]

She sang her a$$$$ offff on that jazz record! She is grossly underrated.

[@kingrl62]

❤

[@sheldonholmes2654]

Pizza Papilis Greektown my sister use buy me the Seafood pizza ❤

[@shawnjones4527]

The hostess is absolutely stunning, I love her natural hair and overall looks. Mikki, you look great as well and I’ve always been a fan of your work!

[@ninobrown5416]

That pause when asked about Anita Baker was deafening😩

[@hardren101]

Baker is a very NASTY, mean spirited individual. The public manner in which she kicked Babyface off her tour was UNCALLED for but Face kept it classy.

[@jenisereedus]

😂😂😂

[@raydavis1539]

I literally saw her fall off the stage in Philly- drink still in her hand and continued singing- never missing a beat..Legendary

[@ProfitPathTV-zf6je]

Yeah, this NEVER happened. LMAO.

[@LamaarMaxwellPickens-b6u]

That was daneice Williams

[@myshanamakisi6063]

Love Miki Howard. Great to see she's doing well. Very talented!

[@Smittyanddee]

Bigger things coming

[@mrmaxxx94]

Miki Howard always been 💯 real talk

[@Smittyanddee]

And that’s why we love her

[@ShevetteJackson]

Right

[@brittneybutler2491]

Absolutely!!

[@ArtTheSinger]

Everything they said about Detroit is valid.

[@Smittyanddee]

Okkkkkkkkk facts❤❤❤

[@tiffanyharris414]

Facts❤️ If your from Chicago and Detroit‼️ You know you know🥰

[@daughterofgod3829]

EVERYTHING

[@akiaadams5399]

❤❤❤🎉

[@citizen_morgan7444]

Thank you 4 HELPING me 2 remember the GOOD TIMES when LOVE WAS UNDER NEW ... MANAGEMENT: LOVE 💙 me some MIKI HOWARD! 😍😍😍🤩🤩🤩

[@Smittyanddee]

Wasn’t it a good times❤❤

[@joycefanner1664]

I love MIKi Howard

[@Smittyanddee]

We do too

[@pamjackson2599]

Mikki Howard is a dynamic vocalist! I still listen to her on my "side effects" album. Listen to her sing " I can't play"!

[@Smittyanddee]

Her songs are still relevant today. You listen to one of her songs and it takes you back to A Moment In Time that you will never forget.❤

[@renahgade1750]

Is that an album? ah! Never mind Spotify put me on to a band called Side Effect when I searched the song name! I’m late!

[@brenita5764]

I love Miki Howard down🥰I fell in love with her voice and music when I was in elementary school! I’m still listening to her today🤗Her career may not have went as far as others but she definitely deserves her flowers💐💐

[@phlqueen8881]

Hey Miki girl we miss you 😘 looking good

[@Smittyanddee]

She is seeing all the love y’all

[@TiffanySkylark]

Phyllis Hyman was SOOOO BEAUTIFUL! And her voice was THE VOICE Pre Whitney. All of these women are AMAZINGGGGG

[@Mkc77004]

I’m one of your biggest fan Miki Howard. Thank you

[@sidvicious647]

One of Chi-Towns FINEST❤❤❤ !!!!

[@t.moodyel777]

OMG! This was one of the GREATEST songstress of my time... I keep her music in rotation!

[@philliprhinehardt6268]

Miki Howard is one of my favorite singers.

[@davidsroom260]

Miki's face when she was showing her reaction to what Baker said---God, that was too funny. She really comes off as a sweetheart and down to earth and funny. And resilient!

[@steph-i-see-you]

Mikki has always been beautiful with the voice of an Angel. Love her ❤️❤️

[@gwendolynbrown1355]

I saw Mikki twice in an intimate setting. Her voice is phenomenal.

[@River.mckinney]

Always enjoy to seeing Miki sing or talk. She seems to always try to be as honest as she can without crossing any dangerous boundaries. I’m glad to hear another person who was seriously not deny that there may be truth to the Theresa Graves paternity. I’ve never seen a replica of two “strangers” as Theresa and Whitney.

[@lornagreen8961]

I always had in my heart that Miki deserved the phenomenal but gritty version of a career like Whitney. Miki is soooooo UNSUNG. It ain't over til it's over!! 💜💪🏾💜

[@Smittyanddee]

❤❤❤

[@RH-ub4bm]

Big fan of Micki Howard!!!

[@ZoniaC-e9k]

MIKKI HOWARD, YOU ARE THE BOMB, THAT VOICE WAS SOOO AWESOME!! I MET YOU IN THE COTTON CLUB IN CHICAGO WHEN I WORKED THERE!

[@Smittyanddee]

Love how everyone has a positive story about her❤

[@bambam6231973]

I love the D cant wait to go back...love Miki great interview

[@jeremiahj3565]

Proud to be from Detroit! Detroit was once a Black Mecca!

[@Smittyanddee]

Love

[@jbsrekees876]

She sounds like a really humble person

[@slimzona]

Absolutely love this legend So glad you interviewed her ❤️

[@gwendolyntaylor7419]

My Favorite Girl Miki Howard!!!! Best live show ever and the realest! Love you Miki!!!!!! 🙌🏽🙌🏽🥰🥰

[@adroutt1985]

I just love her spirit. She has always been consistent as a person. So underrated yet respected amoungst the community 👏🏾👏🏾

[@kellyprice778]

I love miki I still play her song baby be mine....and I love Phyllis and Anita and chaka....some of the most powerful singers I just grew up loving them ...y'all need to sit down and talk...😊😊😊🥰🥰🥰🥰👏👏👏👏💯💯💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@Smittyanddee]

❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@machinelearng]

I love Miki. I met Miki at my lawyer's office in 1986. His name was Curtis Shaw. He had an assistant named Pearl, who I had a crush on. Curtis was also Marvin Gaye's lawyer. He introduced me to Miki and I played on her band for her first promotional tour in 1986. Around this time of year. I was a kid for real. I remember seeing Gerald LaVert come to the rehearsal at Studio D on West Blvd.

[@Quinnfos]

I LOVE THIS INTERVIEW, MS. MIKI HOWARD, AND DA INTERVIEWER! Straight to da point, respectful, and filled with love rather than solely wanting/spilling tea. Much love to Miki Howard, A REAL ONE!

[@Smittyanddee]

Awww thx

[@CarlJames-r7g]

The legendary Miki

[@Smittyanddee]

Absolutely

[@melindamullins9272]

I can't wait for the full episode I look forward to watching it thanks a bunch ❤️💯💯💯🎹🎹🎹🎼🎼🎼

[@theresalucas9477]

I love that she said Detroit was like Africa ❤. I remember feeling the same way, it was very pro black. And I remember the Scene. We use to watch all the time, the studio was on Jefferson. Good memories 😊.

[@aarondavis9626]

Coleman Young made sure of that

[@misstunes1765]

Thank you so, so much for this interview! I Love Sista' Miki Howard! What a kind, talented soul. I met her after her concert in CT years ago. She was so sweet and down to earth. Her Billy Holiday tribute album is still unmatched to this day!

[@Smittyanddee]

Love that album

[@BigStash]

The Scene was incredible. GOD BLESS Fast Freddie

[@Smittyanddee]

Love that show… and the new dance show😂❤️

[@BigStash]

@Smittyanddee Jesse The Body was an incredible Dj too. They had the right host too (I forget his name)

[@DRLEWIS]

Nat Morris

[@BigStash]

@DRLEWIS yes!!! Thank you. Amazing host

[@Gerald-y1g]

What a voice ... 💎 💎 💎 💎 💎

[@Smittyanddee]

Right!!!

[@shannalynnmeighan347]

Happy to discover channel host Toni Dee. I like your style and presentation - you are one of a kind, great host. 🌹🌹💐💐

[@melindamullins9272]

No we need way more time with this epic woman I can't wait to meet her one day b c of humble yet confident energy ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@deewoo2776]

I saw thee Miki Howard perform a few times at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood some years ago and gave a great performance. She was nice enough after the show to autograph all of the CDs i brought. Miki is real real.

[@Smittyanddee]

People say they don’t remember what you said, but they remember how you made them feel. People have so many wonderful stories.❤

[@CCLee-y4l]

*singing* I'm in love under new management!

[@Smittyanddee]

Miki is that chick! 💯

[@brownbeauty39]

Miki Howard is very talented and gorgeously gorgeous 💖💎💖

[@christina2119]

Love this woman and her beautiful voice ! Wish she could make more music 😊 ❤. Just try to live , without ur brother, & ul find out we can't live without each other .....You Are My Friend..🎶🎵 Thank u , Miki...

[@melindamullins9272]

Wow iconic she has so many stories of her lifeI love this woman has a beautiful voice and is so down to earth while be a great presence. Let's get a movie going on her life mike Howard 💯❤️🎹🎼☮️

[@lashaystillwinning]

I love her energy!

[@kikataye6293]

I love you Miki! I sang your songs all the time in the band room at my high school lol

[@Smittyanddee]

She's definitely a legend. Childhood memories.

[@miraclesblessings-n8e]

MIKI!!! I'm so glad to see that she is still around and doing well. My mother loves you and your music....are you performing anywhere? I would love to bring my mom and her best friends to see you. I pray God's blessings on your life and your family.

[@Smittyanddee]

❤❤❤❤

[@KelliFrederick-f8r]

Love this and they are talking about home. Detroit ❤

[@Smittyanddee]

DETROIT❤ we should’ve said something about Bell isle

[@kellyprice778]

I will be playing they music this wknd..😊😊😊😊👍👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Smittyanddee]

You can play that music every weekend and every weekday lol

[@RonaldMoten-n7r]

Love Mikki Howard 🤩🤩 She's a Legend 😄😄🤗🤗❤️❤️

[@ginadavis64]

Ms Howard is one of my All time favorite artists! A true SONGSTRESS!!❤❤❤

[@chonnaw162]

This woman's a powerhouse❤

[@Robertoni7]

Love Miki Howard. One of my favorite singers.💜

[@Smittyanddee]

One of ours too, thank you for your positive comment. It’s well appreciated.

[@MsMadAboutMusic]

I thoroughly enjoyed this interview!! Miki looks great!! Keep on singing and living good Miki!!😀

[@antoinepierre8593]

Love Miki Howard. We did a production of DREAMGIRLS together back in the 90s. She has always been down to earth and cool as a fan. Miki is a stomp down Sanger!

[@clarkvaughan]

I KNEW I loved this show for a REASON! Detroit in the house!!! ♥♥♥♥💙(Blue heart for the PRIDE!!)

[@CoreHibb]

Love this! Great interview!!

[@wynetteleaks41]

Miki Howard will ALWAYS BE IN MY TOP 5

[@ricardored207]

As long as I’ve got a pair of functioning ears,my ears will ALWAYS be tuned to her wonderful voice‼️🏆👉🏽👩🏽🗣️🎵🎶🔟

[@ElijahLukeMusic]

This was good

[@XcellTheArtist-1of1]

Miki gives great interviews

[@Smittyanddee]

Yes lawd she does

[@XcellTheArtist-1of1]

@ you’re a great interviewer too. Blessings to your channel!!

[@Smoothoperator89]

RIP to my Aunt; Phyllis .... ❤

[@ccfunk1]

Love Miki. Detroit is my hometown!!!!

[@kincamell2]

Gratitude for sharing. Peace to Chicago, Detroit, New Jersey and Philly.

[@tmacthespa]

I love some Miki! She was so bomb ! The performance with Luther at the Wembly was awesome. Such a great talent!

[@Smittyanddee]

Absolutely

[@sheilapalmer9539]

You are a legend

[@anitraalexander617]

Miki Howard... One of the best!!! L❤VE her!!!

[@atmybest4]

I remember her telling that story about her and Anita Baker on a radio show years ago. So wild! But that one about Phyllis Hyman is new to me. Talk about legendary and funny!

[@rogerwinters9856]

Miki Howard you are so real beautiful and so gifted with that voice, stay real.

[@cynthiathomas4980]

Awwwww Miki Miki Miki! It's so good to see her and she's still the Grand Dame of song😊❤We want more Miki!

[@NetteJ]

I love love love me some Miki Howard!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ I have all her songs some on vinyl ❤❤❤❤❤

[@Smittyanddee]

She’s one of the best

[@a.p.murdock4081]

Amazing interview!

[@matthewfernando2825]

Love Miki Howard... Have all her albums..... ❤❤❤

[@RodrickColbert]

I am so glad to see and hear Miki after all these years of loving her music.