This post was originally done last year. After seeing TV One’s Unsung over the weekend, I was moved to re-post it.
You are either falling in or falling out of love when listening to a Donny Hathaway record…that voice will soothe a broken heart, wrap itself around your shoulders and allow you to cry tears of sorrow. Or that voice will seep into your heart, making that new-found feeling of love seem bigger, brighter, and heavier than you’ve ever felt in your life. Donny Hathaway is still revered for his uncanny ability to put into words just how folks were feeling…he said what people could not say.
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What strikes me about Donny Hathaway’s voice is the passion…his voice exudes a story that makes you believe that he himself has gone through the things that he sings. Which is why when you need someone to sympathize with you, pull out as Donny Hathaway record.
I was first introduced to Donny through the movie Sparkle. That song that Sister sang in the bar when she was high on drugs…I searched for days to find out what that song was…that was my introduction to Donny Hathaway. When I heard his version, I was instantly hooked.
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Through all the brilliance that was Donny Hathaway, there was always a touch of sadness behind his songs. As is known, Donny suffered severe bouts of depression and you can almost hear the desolation and melancholy in his voice. His death, on January 13, 1979, was ruled a suicide, even though his career and partnership with Roberta Flack were said to be on the upswing. He and Roberta Flack seemed made for each other…their voices were the perfect complement to each other and together, created one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.
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Donny’s two beautiful daughters were each blessed with his musical gifts. Lalah is a successful solo artist and Kenya is one of the background singers on American Idol. I remember Elliott Yamin paying Kenya mad love during the season he was on AI because he loved Donny Hathaway so much. I’ve not come across any singer who has matched Donny’s passion, but truth? Elliott has come the closest. If you don’t believe it, go and listen to his version of “A Song For You”…absolutely beautiful…
Peace…
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pjazzypar
