donny hathaway

Biography

Donny Edward Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an American soul singer, songwriter, pianist, arranger, and producer celebrated for his profound influence on soul, R&B, and jazz. Born in Chicago and raised in St. Louis by his grandmother, a professional gospel singer, Hathaway began performing in church at age three and was known as a piano prodigy by his teens. He attended Howard University on a fine arts scholarship, where his musical skills flourished and he formed key relationships that would shape his career.

Hathaway's professional journey began as a session musician and arranger at Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records in Chicago, where he worked with artists such as Aretha Franklin and The Impressions. His solo career took off with the release of 'The Ghetto, Pt. 1' in 1969, followed by acclaimed albums like 'Everything Is Everything' and 'Donny Hathaway Live.' Hathaway is perhaps best known for his collaborations with Roberta Flack, including the Grammy-winning duet 'Where Is the Love' and the classic 'The Closer I Get to You.' His music blended gospel, soul, jazz, and blues, marked by rich arrangements and deeply emotive vocals.

Despite his artistic achievements, Hathaway struggled with mental health issues, specifically paranoid schizophrenia, which affected his personal and professional life. He died tragically in 1979 at the age of 33. Hathaway's legacy endures through his recordings, his influence on generations of artists, and posthumous honors such as the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Fun Facts

• Donny Hathaway was known as 'Donny Pitts, The Nation’s Youngest Gospel Singer' when he began performing professionally at age six.
• He left Howard University just before graduating after receiving job offers in the music industry.
• His live album 'Donny Hathaway Live' is widely regarded as one of the greatest live recordings in soul music history.
• Hathaway was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Martha Pitts - Grandmother and early musical mentor; gospel singer who introduced Hathaway to church music and piano (Early gospel performances) [1945–1963]
• Curtis Mayfield - Professional mentor; Hathaway worked as arranger and session musician at Mayfield's Curtom Records (Arrangements for The Impressions, session work at Curtom) [Late 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Roberta Flack - Frequent duet partner; recorded several albums and hit singles together (Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (1972), 'Where Is the Love', 'The Closer I Get to You', 'You Are My Heaven') [1971–1979]
• Ric Powell - Drummer, college roommate, and early bandmate; member of The Ric Powell Trio (The Ric Powell Trio, early Howard University performances) [1963–1967]
• June Conquest - Duet partner on Hathaway's first single ('I Thank You, Baby') [1969]

Artists Influenced

• Amy Winehouse - Cited Hathaway as her favorite artist and referenced him in her song 'Rehab' ('Rehab', vocal style) [2000s]
• John Legend - Cited Hathaway as a major influence on his vocal and songwriting style (General discography) [2000s–present]
• D'Angelo - Influenced by Hathaway's soulful vocal delivery and live performance style (Live performances, 'Voodoo') [1990s–present]
• Alicia Keys - Inspired by Hathaway's musicianship and songwriting (General discography) [2000s–present]
• Luther Vandross - Influenced by Hathaway's vocal style and arrangements (General discography) [1980s–2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. The Closer I Get to You (Blue Lights in the Basement)
2. A Song for You (Donny Hathaway)
3. Jealous Guy (Someday We'll All Be Free)
4. The Ghetto (Everything Is Everything)
5. Where Is the Love (A Donny Hathaway Collection)
6. This Christmas (A Donny Hathaway Collection)
7. Love, Love, Love (Extension of a Man)
8. Where Is the Love (Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway)
9. Back Together Again (feat. Donny Hathaway) (A Donny Hathaway Collection)
10. I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know (Extension of a Man)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #soul, #you've-got-a-friend