Entertainment

INSIGHT MAGAZINE

Entertainment The Multi Talented

Maria Howell

by Joylette Hilliard

Undeniable passion and raw talent, often tug at the hearts of human nature causing us to marval at the wonder of others and find ourselves captivated by their creativity. Before Gastonia, N.C. native Maria Howell even opens her mouth, her presence draws you in creating a magical experience from the onset. Her daily mantra is to reflect on what she can do to make the current day better than yesterday. In order to handle her hectic, yet rewarding career, she relies on her to-do list. This includes phone calls, replying to text messages, sending and responding to e-mails and doing interviews, as well as recording voiceovers. Let’s not forget her singing gigs, both public and private. She is often booked beyond her human capacities.

In order to maintain her peaceful place, she always tries to attend church on Sunday, no matter what city she’s in at the time. Her guilty pleasures are her love of cartoons, and reading a good book. Her family is her number one priority and she intentionally finds time to call loved ones and tell them she loves them.

The Vocalist The path of her singing career began as a child, in her church choir, St. Paul Baptist Church in Gastonia. Some of her musical influences include Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday , Ernestine

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Anderson, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. All these great women impacted the great artist she is today.

Maria has shared the musical stage with such artists as Ray Charles, Ronnie Laws, George Benson, Earl Klugh, and Nancy Wilson. She recently did a virtual concert with Mavis McCready, the pastor from Greenleaf. Her gift has opened many doors for her, she spent six years abroad in Asia. She recently returned to N.C. after residing in California for years.

The Thespian Maria is a graduate of Winston-Salem State University where she majored in Biology and minored in Chemistry and a proud member of (Gamma Phi Chapter) Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Spring '81. “However she said, “from the age of 6 years old, I knew I was going to sing and act”. Often our passion will lead us into unknown territory. A recent college graduate Howell heard about a casting call for The Color Purple. Her passion overruled her fear and she took a chance. Upon arrival she was met by 3,000 others pursuing their dreams as well. Howell wasn’t selected for the role, but her courage led her to approach the casting director, to ask if her headshot be kept on file. Still motivated she took another risk, and informed him that she could sing. The casting director, asked, “What song do you know?”. She responded, “God Bless the Child”. Well, how about she sang the song in his ear!!! This bold chance led to a screen test, and the rest is history. The Color Purple is a classic movie, and you can view Maria singing the song, “God Is Trying to Tell You Something”. This movie advanced her career and opened many doors for her.

Maria’s TV appearances include Army Wives, Devious Maids, Revolution, Aquarius, Criminal Minds, Saints and Sinners,The Resident, and most recently Judge Adora Morrison on the new hit TV show “Delilah”. Her film credits include The Blind Side, Addicted, Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Christmas Wedding Baby, and Hidden Figures. Maria, continues to humbly acknowledge that all good and perfect gifts come from the Lord.

The Voiceover Artist Maria is a sought-after voiceover artist. Voiceover work is highly prized, and quite competitive in the entertainment industry. Maria loves this challenge, as it provides her with the opportunity to play different characters. Her voiceover credits include commercials for Nike, McDonald’s, Story Mode video games, several book narrations, and trailer promotional spots for Turner Classic Movies.

The Community Advocate Maria has a heartfelt affinity to help others. She expressed that she has a calling to help others, especially the next generation. She currently serves on the Advisory Boards of www.studentswithoutmothers.org and www.toscomusic. org, a non-profit organization that presents a wide variety of music through performances and outreach programs. Her most recent partnership is located in her hometown of Gastonia, NC, with the Gaston Arts Council and www. legacymusic.co where she continues to coach and mentor rising artist, in the areas of singing, acting, and voiceover.

Maria, believes that all her life accomplishments are attributed to her parents William “Buddy” and Virginia Howell. They lived to see her dreams come true, and today as they both rest in peace, Maria continues to honor them, and relish in all the values, prayers, and support that they shared with she and her siblings.

Maria is an amazing talent, she exhibits her faith daily, and continues to excel in her calling! Keep your eyes open, because you never know what’s next for this great talent.