Howard Francis

From his early days in East London, England where he played piano for the local church choir Howard Francis drew inspiration from the enduring musical traditions of the Pentecostal church including Blues, Soul, R&B, Jazz and Gospel.   Alongside his dexterity, Howard’s simmering skill and determination would lead to his first forays in the field of session music when he became affiliated, at their inception, with the highly-regarded London Community Gospel Choir (LCGC) for whom he has penned hits, songs and harmonies for over three decades.  Howard has produced popular songs such as ‘Perfect Harmony’, ‘I Will Wait’ and the definitive ‘True Praises’ which have helped him to garner critical acclaim and expand his audience as the LCGC continue to travel extensively throughout Europe, Asia and the Caribbean often with Howard at the helm of what has proved to be a fruitful and lasting partnership.

His songs echo the likes of Andrae Crouch, with whom in a career- defining moment Howard had the distinct pleasure of working with in the early 1980s. He then went on to play a key part in the making of Donnie McClurkin’s Grammy-nominated ‘Live in London’ disc while broadening into the pop market to include work with some of the world’s leading and best- selling artists.

Howard has also toured the globe with superstar acts including Will Young with whom he performed before the Queen and Ireland’s biggest pop export Westlife on their 2007 ‘The Love Tour’ in support of their chart-topping album of the same name.

Today you are likely to hear Howard with anyone from Alexander O’Neal to Mica Paris, Blue, Five, Gloria Gaynor, Van Morrison, Tom Jones, Alesha Dixon and Des’ree, all of whom have sought his talents on stages and in studios as pianist, vocalist or Hammond meister at some stage of their illustrious careers.

In 2011, Howard founded his own community project called The BIG Sing which aims to unite people with uplifting music. Thirteen years later, he runs community choirs across the country teaching hundreds of people very week. Howard also mentors other musicians through his very own Music Academy.

At his home studio, Howard often produces, arranges and directs music projects, with many new artists soaking up his songwriting skills.  Howard is married to Gemma, his partner in work, music and life, and they have four children.