Watch Brittany Howard Perform “History Repeats” on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’

“History Repeats” is the lead single for Howard’s most solo debut album, Jamie.

“I’ll tell you what I want to do. I want to keep moving forward. I don’t want to go back to where we’ve already been.” During the breakdown of her riveting performance last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live Brittany Howard made it clear why she’s a standout soul singer. She performed a refreshing rendition of “History Repeats” from her album Jaime, released in June. In a silk robe and her signature vintage glasses she danced across the stage as her backing band laid down a track that sounded like vintage funk and R&B which meshed seamlessly with Howard’s staple soulful vocals.

Howard’s performance provides a glimpse into her experiences as a biracial queer woman. Moving lyrics like “I washed my hands with it/I don’t wanna do it again/Don’t push me” make it clear why the song is the lead single. What’s great about the performance is the fact that the artist is singing candidly about an inner journey where she realized she had outgrown her past.

Jaime is an album dedicated to the artist’s sister who passed when she was just 13 years old. Additionally, her solo debut details her experiences growing up as a biracial child in Alabama and her earliest relationships.

“History Repeats,” the lead single for the project is about not wanting to fall into old habits and end up in a defeating space. 

If you’re familiar with Howard’s artistry, you’re well aware of her work as a lead singer and guitarist of the group Alabama Shakes. Since 2009, the band has won four Grammys and even performed at the White House. Notably, in 2012, Howard created the band Thunderbitch and in 2017 prior to Jaime she helmed another new band, Bermuda Triangle.

Watch the entire performance below.