Blessings to you all. My name is Jackie Best. I sang in a group with Howie called Subway in the 70’s. I searched for him for years and was saddened to find that he passed away. Please accept my condolences and know that he was loved by many. I’ll always remember his big smile and his crazy sense of humor. He may be gone but never forgotten.
Q: How did you meet Howard?
A: I met Howard in Florida many years ago in the late 70’s . I followed the music of CHA FOR MANY YEARS. I really enjoyed their music and even named my puppy DISCO AFTER the groups style of music.
I met his family and adored his mom and sisters. He lived with me in Florida for 3 years before returning to Columbia South Carolina. He will surely be missed for his wonderful keyboard talent. He always said he doesn’t dance he helps people to dance with his music.
Veronica please contact me at my email address rhenry5550@gmail .com
I am very sorry for your loss and would love to pick up our friendship again. Email me please.
My dearest sympathy’s to you and your family.
May God bless you always.
Love, Robbie
Howard and I grew up in the same neighborhood I knew the young family very well Howard lived on 41 Tompkins Ave and I lived at 39 Tompkins Ave we had lots of fun growing up 1959- 60’s was very special years i can’t believe he’s gone ay he RIP
Q: How did you meet Howard?
A: I remember on day I was in the train station and I saw a bunch of guys and one had a t-shirt that said: Crown Heights Affair - Keyboards. I was like wow there is one of the musicians from my favorite band. I was about 21 or 22 years old. A few years later, I met Bass Player Skip Slaughter at his house who was friends with one of my bandmates and he told me that he was leaving a touring band called The Strikers and they needed a bass player. He gave me Darryl Gibbs' Phone number and Darryl came to see me play with my band at Club Saturn in Bklyn. He liked the way I played and asked me to come to a rehearsal to meet the other guys and to see if I would fit in. So get to rehearsal and the first person I see is Howie !! I was a bit star struck, Then in comes drummer Boe Brown then in comes one of my favorite Bass players Muki Wilson. I was in heaven, I'm at a rehearsal with Crown Heights Affair!!.. Howie was a cool kind of quiet laid back guy like me who was very good on the minimoog keyboard, his playing reminded me of Larry Dunn and George Duke. Howie welcomed me to the band and we had a good rehearsal. We performed at many shows as The Strikers and i learned alot of Howie's moogbass lines. That was a great moment in my life and I will always be thankful to have shared the stage with one of my idols. RIP my brother!
Dear Howard's Family,
Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Howard. I had the privilege of knowing him for many years, and his friendship was truly a blessing in my life.
Howard was a man of many gifts—his love for music, his curious mind, and his warm spirit touched the lives of those around him. What I will remember most is the deep love he had for his children and grandchildren. He spoke of his family often, always with pride, affection, and a desire to spend more time with those he cherished.
May you find comfort in the many wonderful memories you shared with him and strength in the love that surrounds you during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with your family as you grieve this tremendous loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Kathy Anderson
When Pat visited me August-September 2026 we shared many smiles and laughter because Howard called to check on her everyday.
May Howard's soul rest in Heavenly peace while Pat, Howard's family, music partners, friends, and those who love him be blessed by God's peace and comfort.
Norma Callender
Pat's oldest sister,
San Jose, CA
