dr. robert

Dr. Robert, also known as Robert Howards, first came to international prominence as singer/songwriter with Eighties band The Blow Monkeys. He was born in Scotland but he spent his teenage years in Australia. A return to Britain in 1981 saw the formation of The Blow Monkeys. The band made their recorded debut in a tiny independent imprint, Parasol, in January 1982. Their immediate success secured them a record deal with RCA in 1983. With their second album they achieved the much sought after breakthrough both in Europe and the USA. The third album achieved silver sales status on release. It featured a glorious duet with Chicago Soul/Funk legend Curtis Mayfield. The band split up in 1990, after nearly 10 years together.

Having further expanded his musical boundaries by performing with soul diva Kym Maselle and funk legend Curtis Mayfield, Robert also supplied bass duties for good friend Paul Weller, both live and in the studio. He has also lent his production skills to the Beth Orton/Terry Callier duet “Dolphins” and one track in her record Central Reservations.

Robert is also known for his uncompromising political opinions. His duet with Curtis Mayfield was banned by the BBC for its perceived anti-Conservative lyrical theme.

In 1992, Dr Robert formed his own label and released his first album, Realms of God, an electro-folk record. With Birds Gotta Fly, his fifth album solo, Robert has returned to his childhood roots in East Anglia, Scotland.