Who Is Miki Howard’s Husband? Truth Behind Her Marriage Story
When you think of Miki Howard, you think of that rich, soulful voice that poured out emotion in every note. But beyond her musical brilliance, you might find yourself wondering—who is Miki Howard’s husband? The answer isn’t just a name. It’s a glimpse into the private life of a woman who loved deeply, lived boldly, and turned every chapter of her story into art. Let’s uncover the truth about her husband, her marriage, and how those experiences helped shape her remarkable life.
A Brief Look at Miki Howard’s Life
Before diving into her marriage, it helps to know who Miki Howard really is. Born Alicia Michelle Howard in Chicago in 1960, she grew up surrounded by music. Her mother, Josephine Howard, was a member of the gospel group The Caravans, and her father, Clay Graham, sang with The Pilgrim Jubilees. You could say Miki was destined for the stage.
Her career took off in the late 1970s when she joined the R&B group Side Effect, and later, she carved her own path as a solo artist. By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Miki had become one of the defining voices of contemporary soul, with hits like “Come Share My Love,” “Love Under New Management,” and “Ain’t Nobody Like You.” Her music told stories of love, pain, and independence—often mirroring the experiences she lived offstage.
Early Love and Relationships
Before she ever walked down the aisle, Miki Howard’s love life drew public attention. One of her earliest significant relationships was with musician Augie Johnson, a fellow member of Side Effect. Their bond extended beyond music—they had two sons together, Brandon and Nicholas. Despite not marrying, Miki and Augie remained connected through their children and their shared history in music.
Later, Miki had a close relationship with singer Gerald Levert, son of the legendary Eddie Levert from The O’Jays. Their connection went beyond romance—they collaborated musically and inspired each other’s work. Gerald produced several of her songs, and together they created timeless tracks filled with passion and honesty. Though their romance eventually ended, their artistic chemistry left a lasting mark on Miki’s career.
Miki Howard’s Marriage to Eddie Phelps
So, who is Miki Howard’s husband? Her former husband’s name is Eddie Phelps. The two were married in 1989, at the height of her musical success. Phelps wasn’t a celebrity or a public figure, which made their marriage somewhat private compared to her other relationships. While not much is publicly known about Eddie Phelps’s background, it’s believed that he preferred life out of the spotlight—a sharp contrast to Miki’s vibrant presence in the entertainment industry.
Their marriage lasted for several years, but it wasn’t without its struggles. Reports suggest the pair faced personal and professional challenges that eventually led to their separation. By 1996, after roughly seven years of marriage, Miki and Eddie had divorced.
Their Family Life
During their time together, Miki and Eddie Phelps welcomed a daughter named Kaitlyn. Miki has often spoken about her devotion to her children and the importance of family, even when balancing the demands of a music career. While she rarely discusses her marriage in detail, her commitment to her role as a mother has always been central to her identity.
Kaitlyn, like her half-brothers Brandon and Nicholas, grew up around music but has mostly stayed away from the public eye. Miki, known for being protective of her family’s privacy, has made it clear that while her life has been public, her children’s lives are their own.
How Her Marriage Influenced Her Career
Like many artists, Miki Howard’s personal life inevitably found its way into her music. Her songs from the late ’80s and early ’90s carry themes of love, heartbreak, empowerment, and emotional resilience—feelings that reflect the highs and lows of her romantic experiences.
In interviews, Miki has hinted that the lessons she learned from love and marriage helped her grow as a woman and as an artist. Songs like “Love Under New Management” resonate deeply because they aren’t just about romance; they’re about reclaiming strength and self-worth after hardship. Whether consciously or not, Miki channeled her experiences with love—including her marriage to Eddie Phelps—into her soulful performances.
Fans have long admired her ability to turn personal pain into art that feels universal. You can hear the story of a woman who has loved, lost, and rebuilt herself, all through the emotion in her voice. That authenticity is what makes Miki Howard’s music timeless.
Life After Divorce
After her divorce from Eddie Phelps, Miki Howard focused on raising her children and continuing her music career. She didn’t remarry, choosing instead to live life on her own terms. Her later albums, such as “Pillow Talk” and “Private Collection,” showed a more mature artist—one comfortable in her own skin and unafraid to express herself honestly.
Though she kept her romantic life more private after her marriage, Miki continued to perform and record, earning respect as one of R&B’s most enduring voices. She also explored acting, most notably portrayed in the 2016 TV One biopic Love Under New Management: The Miki Howard Story, where her life, including her relationships, was brought to the screen. The film gave fans a deeper understanding of the woman behind the voice—strong, flawed, and real.
Today, Miki Howard remains a beloved figure in music. She continues to perform, connect with fans, and inspire younger artists with her authenticity. Her story isn’t just about fame or relationships—it’s about survival and self-discovery.
Myths and Misconceptions
Because Miki Howard’s career has spanned decades, rumors have occasionally swirled about her love life. Some have speculated about other relationships or mistaken professional collaborations for romance. However, credible sources and interviews confirm that Eddie Phelps was her only husband.
Fans sometimes confuse her connection with Gerald Levert as a marriage because of their close bond and musical chemistry, but they were never married. Similarly, her partnership with Augie Johnson, though long-term and deeply personal, remained a relationship outside of marriage.
By separating fact from fiction, you get a clearer picture of who Miki Howard really is—a talented, passionate woman whose experiences with love, both joyful and painful, became part of her creative legacy.
Featured Image Source: essence.com
