Clerk at Evans post office works on second album
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Glenda Howard takes a seat at her keyboard. The singer-songwriter also works as a window clerk at the U.S. post office in Evans. Her debut album, I'm Committed, is based on people in her life.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
Glenda Howard works for a government entity that delivers the mail, but the Evans post office window clerk said she also has a message of her own to deliver.
"Some people preach; my sermon is in song," said Howard, an Evans resident who is a singer, songwriter and producer originally from Queens Village, N.Y.
Nicknamed the "singing postal lady," Howard said it's not uncommon for customers to hear her vocalizing her tunes.
"Generally speaking, you will find me (working) around with some music playing because I love music," she said. "When people come in the post office and they don't hear music playing, they ask me 'What's wrong? Why is there no music?'"
In 2002, Howard released her freshman album, I'm Committed, which features eight songs dealing with real-life issues that she says many people face.
"The purpose of the album is that everybody can see their self in different phases," she said, adding that each song was "birthed" from personal situations and encounters with people.
The song Not Just The Lovely, Howard said, describes a situation when God told her to pray for someone she was having difficulties with. Howard explained the song's message - to pray for everyone.
Glenda Howard shows a copy of her first CD at her counter in the Evans post office. She says she usually plays music while she's at work - so often that she's had regular post office customers ask her if something was wrong when the music isn't playing.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"I didn't die just for your neighbor," she said, repeating a verse from her song. "I didn't die just for your friend. I died to save all souls. I even died for him. If salvation were just for the lovely, you wouldn't even make it in. I died to save all men."
Howard, who has been singing since age 5 and traveling around the country with her father, who sang in a quartet, said music is all she's ever known.
"Ever since I've been alive, I've been surrounded by music," she said. "To me, (singing) is my ministry. My heart is toward ministering to people."
Despite the trials and tribulations Howard has dealt with in her life, she said she hopes those who listen to her music will learn from her experiences and be encouraged.
Howard said the secret to her success is putting her trust in God.
"A lot of people go through hardships, divorces, separations, etc., but the difference between me and them is that I lean on God," she said, adding that her faith also has kept her calm while knowing her son, Moses, 26, is stationed in Iraq. "The Lord let me know before he left he was going to be OK. (God) just told me to put him in (his) hands."
Howard is working on her next CD, which she said is currently untitled. The CD, she said, will highlight worship songs and is expected to be released next year.
To purchase Howard's CD, call her at 869-9354, or e-mail her at gpraiser@bellsouth.net.