Donny Hathaway was one of the brightest new voices in soul music at the dawn of the '70s, possessed by a smooth, gospel-inflected romantic croon that was also home to fiery protest material. Hathaway gained his most tremendous commercial success as Roberta Flack's duet partner of choice, but unfortunately, he is similarly remembered for the tragic circumstances of his death — apparent suicide at 33 years of age.
Donny Hathaway went to Howard University on a scholarship to study music. His duet with Roberta Flack, 'You've Got a Friend,' was a major hit, but the pair fell out in 1973. His song 'The Closer I Get to You' was a number one for Flack's Blue Lights in the Basement album in 1978. 'Where Is the Love?' topped the R&B charts, went Top Five on the pop side, and won a Grammy, and the accompanying album went gold in 1972. Amid his blossoming success, Hathaway was also battling severe bouts of depression.'The Ghetto' still ranks as a classic soul message track and has been sampled by numerous hip-hop artists, including Eminem and Busta Rhyms. 'Extension of a Man' was his last album, and he retreated from the spotlight. Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway released in 1980. Two of the duets on the album became posthumous hits.
St. Louis Walk of Fame
Grammy Awards
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