Dwight Howard's CD for kids showcases musical moves

Growing up, I sang in the choir in high school, and that was a lot of fun. Mostly I sang tenor.

Since then, I’ve always wanted to do the other side of music. I wanted to start a music label, find talent and motivate younger kids to sing and be successful.

My favorite song is “ABC,” a remix from the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson. I hit a couple high notes that are very cool. “Shoot for the Stars,” is one of the most inspirational songs I’ve ever heard.

I do a lot of impersonations on this CD, like on "Whoomp (Hoop) There It Is" and "U Can't Touch This (Howard Time).” When I was growing up, I watched a lot of movies and acted out scenes in different voices. I used to prank call friends and use a voice from TV.

That kind of helped me with singing, too. In the studio, I would ask the guys what tone I needed to be in. After I hear it, I can repeat it. You have to have a good ear, and be able to do it over and over.

Like basketball, making a CD is not as easy as people think it is. People who sing don’t just wake up every day and record an album. You have to be very disciplined to be good as a singer. You have to practice and take care of your body.

A lot of people were skeptical that I was doing an album. I poured my heart into it. I want to inspire people who want to sing and want to accomplish any of their goals. Anything is possible if you really believe.

I learned something that I can use on the court: just being fearless. Singing, you have to be fearless because you do it in front of everybody.

At first, I was nervous singing in front of my friends. Then I was like, forget it. If they like it or not, so what? I am doing my best at it.

-- As told to Michelle Hiskey