Latest Release
- FEB 14, 2024
- 5 Songs
- Donny Hathaway · 1971
- Blue Light In the Basement · 1977
- Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway · 1972
- A Donny Hathaway Collection · 1973
- Donny Hathaway · 1971
- Never My Love: The Anthology · 1973
- A Donny Hathaway Collection · 1972
- Never My Love: The Anthology · 1973
- A Donny Hathaway Collection · 1972
- Never My Love: The Anthology · 1970
Essential Albums
- When Roberta Flack teamed up with old friend Donny Hathaway for their 1972 self-titled duet album, the two had already established themselves as solo artists. Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway brings together Flack’s quietly intense singing and piano-playing and Hathaway's gospel-influenced vocalizing and songwriting talents for an album of understated elegance and simmering passion. Roberta and Donny harken back to their church choir days for “For All We Know” and a stately reading of the hymn “Come Ye Disconsolate.” They turn up the funk quotient for “Baby I Love You” and luxuriate in a jazzy mood on “Where Love Has Grown.” Surprising interpretations of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin”” (reconceived as a slow-burning soul ballad) and “You’ve Got A Friend” (marrying R&B with folk) find them taking chances. “Mood” allows Flack to shine with a meditative, classically-derived instrumental. Most of all, there’s “Where Is The Love,” the bittersweet lovers’ plea that won them a Grammy. Dim the lights, get cozy and savor this album’s magic.
- On his 1970 debut, the late singer/songwriter dazzles us with his versatility. Hathaway proves himself to be an expert pianist who can improvise exuberantly on soul-jazz hit “The Ghetto” and just as easily lead a gospel chorus on the joyful, inspirational title track. The album’s nine cuts morph from blues and boogie-woogie to pop balladry. Then there’s Donny’s voice, and the way he communicates unspeakable sadness and undimmed optimism, particularly on “I Believe to My Soul.” Few long-players have so exquisitely expressed both the struggles and joys of their era.
Albums
- 1984
- 1973
- 1971
Music Videos
- 2022
- 2020
Artist Playlists
- An underappreciated master of sweet '70s soul.
- Soul masterworks that have a spiritual tone.
- Their original tunes have been the source material for some of modern music’s biggest hits.
Singles & EPs
Live Albums
- 1980
- 1972
Compilations
More To Hear
- Spotlighting the song that became a holiday staple for Black culture.
- Road-tested songs feat. The Rolling Stones, Ryan Adams and Beck.
- On new gospel, Chance the Rapper, and more.
About Donny Hathaway
In his tragically short life, legendary soul singer and songwriter Donny Hathaway left behind a wealth of great music. His two biggest pop hits—“Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You”—were collaborations with Roberta Flack. • Born in Chicago and raised in St. Louis, Hathaway began singing at his grandmother’s church when he was three. • The singer’s piano skills earned him a scholarship to study music at Howard University. There, he met singer and future duet partner Roberta Flack. • In the late ’60s, Hathaway worked as a producer and arranger for artists like Curtis Mayfield, Aretha Franklin, and The Staple Singers. • In 1970, Hathway released his debut album, Everything Is Everything, featuring hits like “The Ghetto, Pt. 1” and a cover of Nina Simone’s “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” • That same year, the singer released “This Christmas,” which has since become a modern holiday standard. Christina Aguilera, Chris Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Mary J. Blige are among the artists who’ve recorded cover versions. • The singer’s 1971 eponymous sophomore album features his acclaimed cover of Leon Russell's “A Song for You.” • The following year brought the collaborative album Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway. The single “Where Is the Love” cracked the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100. • In 1972, Hathaway recorded the theme song for TV series Maude and composed music for the film Come Back Charleston Blue. • Hathaway and Flack scored a No. 2 pop hit in 1978 with “The Closer I Get to You,” off Roberta’s album Blue Lights in the Basement. • After struggles with depression and schizophrenia, Hathaway was found dead of an apparent suicide in January 1979. He was 33. • In 1980, Flack released Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway, which includes vocals Hathaway recorded prior to his death.
- HOMETOWN
- Chicago, IL, United States
- BORN
- October 1, 1945
- GENRE
- R&B/Soul