Donny Hathaway
Donny Hathaway was an American soul singer, pianist, and songwriter whose work in the early 1970s helped define the genre.
His duets with Roberta Flack, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," became definitive soul ballads.
Hathaway struggled with depression and died in 1979 at thirty-three.
His influence on R&B and neo-soul remains profound.
Sacred choral tradition
- MotownDetroit's soulful moniker
- grooveNarrow cut or routine
- melismaMulti-note syllable singing
- falsettoArtificially elevated singing register
ballad · crooner · rhythm · blues · vinyl · harmony · vocals · funk
- duetsTwo-person musical performances
- backing vocalsSecondary vocal parts
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
- ensembleUnified group or outfit
Subdued, lasting sadness
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- passionIntense emotional drive
- vulnerabilityOpenness to harm
anguish · sorrow · joy · yearning · intimacy · sincerity · pain · devotion
Power to affect others
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- legendUnverified traditional tale
- pioneerEarly explorer or settler
- timelessUnaffected by eras
classic · tribute · posthumous · sampled · covered · inspiration · tragic · mental health
Keyed percussion instrument
- keyboardArray of input keys
- electric pianoAmplified keyboard instrument
- organBody's working component
- accompanistOne who plays alongside
arranger · improvisation · comping · Howard University · conservatory · left hand · accompaniment
gospel
Sacred choral tradition
falsetto · ballad · crooner · rhythm · blues · vinyl · harmony · vocals · funk · jukebox
Roberta Flack
- duetsTwo-person musical performances
- backing vocalsSecondary vocal parts
- harmonyAgreement or musical blend
melancholy
Subdued, lasting sadness
- longingIntense, persistent desire
- tendernessGentle, caring quality
- passionIntense emotional drive
vulnerability · anguish · sorrow · joy · yearning · intimacy · sincerity · pain · devotion · heartache
influence
Power to affect others
timeless · classic · tribute · posthumous · sampled · covered · inspiration · tragic · mental health · genius
piano
Keyed percussion instrument
- keyboardArray of input keys
- electric pianoAmplified keyboard instrument
- organBody's working component
accompanist · arranger · improvisation · comping · Howard University · conservatory · left hand · accompaniment
Donny HathawayJohnny Mathis
Nat King Cole · Kenny G · Barry Manilow · smooth jazz · easy listening
Donny HathawayLionel Richie
Michael Jackson · Barry White · Stevie Wonder · Luther Vandross · Whitney Houston
Donny HathawayTony Bennett
longevity · Stevie Wonder · Quincy Jones · Smokey Robinson · B.B. King