We remember Donny Hathaway. ‘Donny, A Song For You’

This day (January 13, 1979), in New York City, died Donny Edward Hathaway, an American soul singer-songwriter and musician.

WATCH IN FULL

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Tracklist :

1 . The Ghetto

2 . w/ Roberta Flack – Live

3 . Put Your Hand In The Hand

4 . Unsung

5 . Tribute Film

AUDIO TOP 10

Tracklist :

The Ghetto . A Song For You . I Believe to My Soul . Little Ghetto Boy . Someday We’ll All Be Free . I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know . Voices Inside (Everything Is Everything) . You’ve Got a Friend . What’s Goin’ On . To Be Young, Gifted and Black .

Donny Hathaway: The Soulful Genius Who Shaped the Sound of an Era

Donny Hathaway was born on October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, by his grandmother Martha Pitts Cromwell, a professional gospel singer who introduced him to the piano.

By the age of three, he was performing as “Little Donnie Pitts,” a gospel prodigy, under the protective watch of his family.

Influenced by legends like Ray Charles and Liberace, Hathaway’s early musical education combined church hymns with late-night jazz and blues.

A Scholar of Sound

Hathaway excelled in both academics and music, earning a fine arts scholarship to Howard University, where he astounded his professors with his advanced understanding of music theory.

Though his ambitions initially leaned toward teaching or preaching, his undeniable talent drew him to performance and collaboration, particularly with classmate and future wife, Yula.

Despite leaving Howard to support his growing family, Hathaway’s time there laid the foundation for a career that would redefine soul music.

The Architect of Modern Soul

After honing his skills at Curtom Records under Curtis Mayfield’s mentorship, Hathaway became a sought-after arranger and producer, working with artists like Aretha Franklin and The Staple Singers.

His debut album, “Everything is Everything,” released in 1970, introduced hits like “The Ghetto,” while his holiday classic “This Christmas” remains a seasonal staple.

Hathaway’s collaborations with Roberta Flack, including the Grammy-winning “Where Is The Love,” solidified his status as a vocal powerhouse and lyrical poet.

Triumph and Turmoil

As Hathaway’s star rose, so did his struggles with mental health.

Diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, he grappled with delusions and erratic behavior that strained both personal and professional relationships, including a temporary rift with Flack.

Despite these challenges, his 1973 album, “Extensions of a Man,” showcased his compositional brilliance, with tracks like “Someday We’ll All Be Free” capturing his resilience and hope.

A Tragic End

In January 1979, Hathaway reunited with Flack to record a new duet album, but his mental health deteriorated during the sessions.

On January 13, he was found dead outside his 15th-floor New York City hotel room, a suspected suicide at the age of 33.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, adding a somber note to his legacy.

Legacy Beyond the Notes

Hathaway’s profound influence on soul, jazz, and gospel continues to resonate.

His daughters, Lalah and Kenya, have carried his musical torch, while his recordings are celebrated as masterpieces of emotional depth and technical brilliance.

Posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019, Donny Hathaway remains an enduring symbol of artistry, passion, and the complexities of genius.

Wikipedia

The most comprehensive guide to Soul Singer Donny Hathaway

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Photo : Rhino

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