Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway was an influential American singer, songwriter, and musician born in October 1945 in Chicago, Illinois. Raised by his grandmother in St. Louis, he showcased his musical talent early on, singing in a gospel choir and exhibiting prodigious skills on the piano. Hathaway attended Howard University, where he met fellow musician Roberta Flack, with whom he would later collaborate on several successful projects. His professional career began as a session musician, and he gained recognition with hits like "The Ghetto, Part 1" and the acclaimed album "Everything Is Everything." Despite his successes, Hathaway struggled with mental health issues that affected both his personal life and career, leading to a tragic end in 1979 when he died by suicide. His music, characterized by a blend of gospel, blues, and rhythm and blues, continues to resonate, influencing a diverse array of artists, from Amy Winehouse to Beyoncé. Hathaway's legacy is marked by his soulful sound and the emotional depth of his work, which has left a lasting impact on the music industry.
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Subject Terms
Donny Hathaway
Singer, songwriter, and producer
- Born: October 1, 1945
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
- Died: January 13, 1979
- Place of death: New York, New York
A legendary rhythm-and-blues singer, composer, and producer, Hathaway sang memorable songs that have entered the canon of American popular music.
Early Life
Donny Edward Hathaway was born in October, 1945, to Drusella Huntley in Chicago, Illinois. From the time he was a boy, however, he was raised by his grandmother, Martha Pitts, in an inner-city housing project in St. Louis, Missouri. With a keen eye for talent, Pitts, a professional singer, encouraged her grandson’s musicality, and he began singing in his church’s gospel choir under her auspices at the age of three, and he was considered to be a piano prodigy. Later on, upon his graduation from high school, he was awarded a scholarship to study music at Howard University. While in college, he met his wife, Eulaulah, with whom he later had two daughters. He also pledged the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. Finessing his talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician, he met Roberta Flack, a fellow Howard undergraduate who became his collaborator. While pursuing undergraduate studies, Hathaway formed a jazz trio and enjoyed some local success on the local Washington, D.C., circuit. However, in 1967 after being courted by recording companies, he left Howard without earning a degree to pursue a music career in earnest.
Life’s Work
Hathaway started his professional career as a studio session musician, working as a songwriter and producer for Aretha Franklin, the Impressions, and others. He was later signed by Atco Records in 1969 to record his first hit, “The Ghetto, Part 1,” which appeared on his acclaimed debut album, Everything Is Everything. His next release, Donny Hathaway, was also a critical success, featuring duets with him and Flack, with whom he later went on to record the hit “The Closer I Get to You.” His final solo album was Extension of a Man, released in 1973. He worked consistently as a producer, a songwriter, and a composer, creating several film and television sound tracks and releasing the perennial Christmas favorite“This Christmas.” A popular artist, Hathaway enjoyed a great deal of success; his songs had wide radio play and many artists were influenced by his soulful sound.
Nevertheless, Hathaway was plagued with mental health issues that negatively impacted his personal life and his career. A series of stints in the hospital and interruptions to studio recordings caused a rift between Hathaway and Flack. Tragically, in 1979, Hathaway’s body was found on a were chosen sidewalk in front of the Essex Hotel. His death was later ruled a suicide, and he was eulogized by the Reverend Jesse Jackson. After his untimely death, Flack released several of the duets they had recorded together to honor his memory.
Significance
Although his career was brief and met a tragic end, Hathaway had a major influence on rhythm-and-blues and soul artists as varied as Amy Winehouse, India.Arie, Anthony Hamilton, and Beyoncé. Hip-hop artist Nas cites Hathaway as an important musical influence. His songs introduced generations of listeners to classic gospel-tinged blues and soulful rhythm and blues. He also helped to launch the career of the talented Flack, providing her and many others with a sound to emulate. From his personal sorrow came music that has withstood the test of time.
Bibliography
Goodman, George. “Donny Hathaway, 33, Pop and Blues Singer, Dead in Hotel Plunge.” The New York Times, January 15, 1979. Obituary gives a concise overview of Hathaway’s career.
Pavlic, Ed. Winners Have Yet to Be Announced: A Song for Donny Hathaway. Atlanta: University of Georgia Press, 2008. Moving collection of prose poems in which the author writes about the power of Hathaway’s artistry.
Weisbard, Eric, ed. Listen Again: A Momentary History of Pop Music. Durham, N.C.: Duke University Press, 2007. Collection of essays on the development of pop music, with several references to Hathaway.