Harold H. Howell was born to Janie and Benjamin Howell in Philadelphia Mississippi and came of age in the midst of the great depression. His middle name, Hutchinson, came from his mother’s maiden name. He and his three brothers Ray, Roy, and Gerald “Boots” Howell were well known and were collectively known as “Those Howell Boys” to the residents of the town. All three of the siblings were encouraged by their father “Mr. Ben” to learn how to play musical instruments, particularly brass and percussion. The siblings took well to this as they fiercely competed with each other and eventually founded the city's first public band. Howell would later, in fact, play trumpet in the army. Howell graduated from Philadelphia high school and finished 2 years of college before entering the Army.
Harold and one of his brothers holding their instruments.