Howard Jones

Howard Jones. John Howard Jones is an English singer-songwriter and keyboardist who rose to prominence in the mid-1980s as a defining figure of the synth-pop era. Known for his optimistic lyrics, melodic hooks, and pioneering use of technology, he achieved significant commercial success with a string of international hit singles. His career has spanned over four decades, encompassing pop stardom, independent artistic exploration, and continued touring.

Early life and education

Born in Southampton, he grew up in High Wycombe and later Rotherfield Peppard, Oxfordshire. He began studying piano at age seven, showing an early aptitude for music. His education included attending The Royal Grammar School, High Wycombe before pursuing a course at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, though he left to focus on a career in popular music. During this formative period, he was influenced by a wide range of artists from The Beatles to Stevie Wonder, and he began performing in various pub and cover band circuits around the United Kingdom.

Musical career

His professional breakthrough came in 1983 after a successful performance on the television show ''The Tube'', leading to a recording contract with WEA Records. His debut single, "New Song", became a Top 5 hit in the UK Singles Chart, establishing his signature sound. His first two albums, Human's Lib (1984) and Dream into Action (1985), were major successes, spawning global hits like "What Is Love?", "Pearl in the Shell", "Things Can Only Get Better", and "Like to Get to Know You Well". He became known for elaborate live shows, often featuring mime artist Jed Hoile. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, he continued to release albums such as One to One and Cross That Line, while his sound evolved. In the 21st century, he has maintained an active career through independent releases on his own Dtox Records label, collaborative projects, and extensive touring, including performances on the Retro Futura tour and as a special guest with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark.

Musical style and influences

His music is fundamentally rooted in synth-pop, characterized by prominent sequencing, lush synthesizer pads, and strong melodies. Early work made extensive use of technology like the Roland Jupiter-8, LinnDrum, and Fairlight CMI, often performed solo with backing tapes. Lyrically, his songs frequently explore themes of positive thinking, personal growth, and humanism, influenced by philosophers like Krishnamurti. Key musical inspirations include the melodic invention of The Beatles, the soulful pop of Stevie Wonder, the electronic experimentation of Kraftwerk, and the art-rock of David Bowie. This blend resulted in a distinctive, accessible sound that bridged the progressive rock of the 1970s with the electronic new wave of the 1980s.

Discography

His core studio album catalogue includes the UK number one Human's Lib (1984), the multi-platinum Dream into Action (1985), and One to One (1986). Subsequent major label releases include Cross That Line (1989), In the Running (1992), and Working in the Backroom (1994). Later independent albums showcase a continued evolution, with works such as Revolution of the Heart (2005), Ordinary Heroes (2009), and Transform (2019). His hit singles compilation, The Best of Howard Jones, remains a perennial seller. He has also released several live albums and remix collections, documenting different phases of his career.

Personal life

He has been married to his wife, Jan, since 1985, and they have two children. A long-time resident of Somerset, he is known for his interest in Buddhism and meditation, practices which have informed his songwriting and outlook. An advocate for animal rights, he supports organizations like PETA. He maintains a dedicated fanbase and engages with them directly through his independent business model and active presence on social media platforms.

Category:English male singers Category:English synth-pop musicians Category:Musicians from Southampton Category:1955 births Category:Living people