Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an African-American soul musician best known for his duets with Roberta Flack. Born in Chicago, he grew up in St. Louis and played piano, earning a fine arts scholarship to Howard University in 1964. He was offered jobs in the music industry before graduating, and left school after only three years.

He worked as songwriter, session musician and producer for The Staple Singers, Jerry Butler, and Aretha Franklin, as well as with Curtis Mayfield. His debut solo single was "I Thank You Baby", a duet with June Conquest, followed by the influential (though only a minor hit) "The Ghetto, Pt. 1". His debut LP was Everything Is Everything (1970), which was critically acclaimed. His second album, Donny Hathaway, was a major hit and was followed by an acclaimed album of duets with label mate Roberta Flack which included a hit version of Carole King's "You've Got a Friend" and the self penned "Where Is The Love". Hathaway also began working on soundtracks but his output would slow down in the mid 70s as depression set in. In the late 70s Hathaway renewed his collaboration with Flack spawning the hit "The Closer I Get to You" (1978). More recording was set to follow with the duo, but Hathaway was found dead in an apparent suicide in 1979. He was discovered on the sidewalk below the 15th floor window of his room in a New York City hotel.

Donny Hathaway's Donny Hathaway Live has been cited as an influence by numerous artists, including India.Arie and Stevie Ray Vaughan. This short live album includes noted r&b musicians Willie Weeks (bass guitar) and Cornell Dupree (guitar).

Hathaway was considered an eccentric by many, and claimed himself to be a devotee of mid-20th century French classical composers. Several anecdotes about Hathaway are contained in Jerry Wexler's book Rhythm And The Blues. Hathaway also lives on with the latest generation of R&B and pop stars such as Brian McKnight, India.Arie, and Justin Timberlake, who have hailed him as a key influence.

Notably, on soul group The Whispers' 1980 self-titled album, the group paid homage with "A Song for Donny," written by fellow soul singer Carrie Lucas. The song was set to the melody of Hathaway's "This Christmas."

In 2005, neo-soul singer songwriter guitarist, Raul Midon (Blue Note) worked with Hathaway's longtime producer Arif Mardin (known for collaborations with Bee Gees, Norah Jones, & Aretha Franklin) and created a tribute song to Hathaway called "Sittin' In The Middle."

Hathaway's daughter Lalah is an accomplished R&B/jazz singer. Another daughter, Kenya, was a backing singer on American Idol 2006.