Donny Hathaway was an influential American soul singer, keyboardist, and composer whose searing vocal talent and emotive performances earned him a revered place in music history. Born on October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Hathaway grew up in a housing project with a strong gospel music heritage that would come to inform his deeply passionate style. After studying music on a fine arts scholarship at Howard University, he went on to work as a songwriter, arranger, and producer before embarking on a successful solo career.

Hathaway's career in the late 1960s and 1970s was marked by a fusion of jazz, blues, gospel, and soul, with albums such as "Everything Is Everything" and "Extension of a Man" showcasing his versatility and depth as an artist. His profound partnership with singer Roberta Flack produced timeless hits like "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," with their collaborative album "Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway" standing as a testament to their chemistry. Despite his relatively brief career, Hathaway's influence endures, particularly through his definitive holiday classic "This Christmas," and live performances like those captured on "Live At The Bitter End 1971." Tragically, Hathaway's life was cut short when he died on January 13, 1979. His legacy, however, continues to resonate through his music and the generations of artists he has inspired.

Genres

Chicago Soul

Classic Soul

Funk

Neo Soul

Quiet Storm

Soul

Southern Soul

Related Artists

Al Green

Curtis Mayfield

Marvin Gaye

Stevie Wonder

John Legend

Otis Redding

Bill Withers

Sam Cooke

Aretha Franklin

Roberta Flack

Teddy Pendergrass

Isaac Hayes

Latest Release

Where Is the Love (Ben Liebrand Rework)

Roberta Flack•

Donny Hathaway

Single - Released June 28, 2024