Donny Hathaway

Date of Birth: October 1, 1945

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: January 13, 1979

Biography

Donny Hathaway was an American soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter, and arranger noted for his rich, gospel-infused voice. Born on October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, Hathaway was raised by his grandmother, Martha Crumwell, in St. Louis, Missouri, where he began singing in church at an early age. He attended Vashon High School and later received a fine arts scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied music. Hathaway’s career took off in the late 1960s when he started working as a producer, arranger, and session musician. He signed with Atco Records in 1969 and released his debut album, “Everything Is Everything,” in 1970. The album received critical acclaim and established him as a significant talent in the music industry. He is best known for his duet work with Roberta Flack, producing hits like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Hathaway also produced solo hits like “A Song for You,” “This Christmas,” and “Someday We’ll All Be Free.” Despite his professional success, Hathaway struggled with mental health issues, specifically paranoid schizophrenia, which affected his career and personal life.

5 Interesting Facts about Donny Hathaway

1. Donny Hathaway won a Grammy Award for his duet with Roberta Flack, “Where Is the Love.”

2. He left Howard University just before completing his degree to focus on his music career.

3. Hathaway’s song “This Christmas” has become a perennial holiday classic.

4. He influenced several contemporary artists, including Alicia Keys and John Legend.

5. Hathaway’s life and career were tragically cut short when he was found dead after falling from a 15th-floor hotel room in New York City. His death was ruled a suicide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Donny Hathaway

1. “When I think of music, I think of music in totality, complete, from the beginning to the end.”

2. “Music is a universal language, and I believe that it can bring people together like nothing else can.”

3. “Soul music is about making a connection, touching people’s hearts and souls.”

4. “I’ve always tried to express the way I feel about the world and life through my music.”

5. “In my music, I strive for a balance between the intellectual and the emotional.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Donny Hathaway’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.

Children

Donny Hathaway had two daughters, Lalah Hathaway and Kenya Hathaway. Lalah Hathaway is also a Grammy Award-winning singer, following in her father’s footsteps with a successful music career.