NEWBURGH – Lillie Bryant Howard is an outspoken community activist and at age 77, is still a jazz singer. She performs regularly at Newburgh nightlife hot-spots.
The Newburgh native will be given a Key to the City for her life’s work and contributions to the community.
Howard’s notoriety began when, as a 17-year-old, she paired with Billy Ford and hit the top of the music charts as Billy and Lillie, singing such classics as “La Dee Dah” and “Lucky Ladybug.”
In more recent years, Howard ran unsuccessfully for mayor of Newburgh.
Her son, Omari Shakur, also an outspoken community activist, ran unsuccessfully for mayor.
