Bob Howard papers

1927-1986

Bob Howard, pianist, comedian, actor of the Broadway stage and on his own radio show, was the first African American performer to have a regularly scheduled television program. Born in West Newton, Massachusetts, as Howard Joyner, he attended and dropped out of Howard University Medical School and later enrolled in the New England Conservatory of Music. During his early years in vaudeville, he was the piano playing member of Joyner and Hopkins (Morris Hopkins was a dancer).

In 1943, Howard appeared on Broadway in Early to Bed. He also worked in radio from 1938 to 1975, with his own programs on WEAF, WCBS, and WHN. He was the first Black performer on television, with his own 15 minute show on CBS from July 1948 to December 1951. His film credits include Howard's House Party, Junction 88, and Stars on Parade. Howard's career took him to Europe and Japan, and across the United States. He continued playing the piano and singing at various nightclubs and restaurants until his death in 1986.