Donny Hathaway

Donny Hathaway

One of the greatest composers and performers of soul ever.

Founded

October 1, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois

Full Name

Date of Birth

October 1, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois

Still Alive

Date of Death

January 13, 1979 in New York, New York

Donny Hathaway performing at Mister Kelly's in Chicago on November 1, 1971.
Donny Hathaway performing at Mister Kelly's in Chicago on November 1, 1971.

About The artist

"He's just the strongest soul singer that ever existed. Call it gospel. Call it soul. Call it whatever you want. That tradition of singing… black singers, African-American singers. He came from that tradition."
Raul Midon

Did you know...

Hathaway first worked behind the scenes as a producer, arranger, songwriter and session musician. He achieved notoriety and commercial success as Roberta Flack's duet partner of choice.

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Genres from this era

Cool & Post-Bop

Cool & Post-Bop

The term covers subgenres like hard bop and free jazz.

Pop/Pop Soul

Pop/Pop Soul

Black music finely crafted and packaged for the masses.

Soul

Soul

Combines rhythm & blues and gospel music styles.

Psychedelic Soul

Psychedelic Soul

Soul gets high.

Rock

Rock

Rock loses the roll but gains amplitude and attitude.