About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Until he was exalted to icon status by new millennial neo-soul stars such as India.Arie, Alicia Keys, and Musiq, Donny Hathaway's contribution to the legacy of contemporary R&B was largely overlooked. Thanks to his posthumous resurgence in popularity, however, which is affirmed by this must-have Donny Hathaway Collection, the singer has been discovered by a whole new generation. Vocally, the Chicago native recalls the warm, gospel-inspired soul of Stevie Wonder, while lyrically he draws on the message of racial pride and cries for equality of forebears such as Curtis Mayfield and Marvin Gaye. During his short-lived career, Hathaway -- who committed suicide at age 33 -- earned his greatest chart success by collaborating with fellow Howard University graduate Roberta Flack, with whom he recorded a duets album. So it's not surprising that many of those hits -- including the longing ballads "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," the euphoric "Back Together Again," and the Top Ten R&B remake of James Taylor's "You've Got a Friend" -- are included here. Although diehard Hathaway fans may be disappointed that Collection neglects a wealth of material from his two solo albums, 1970's Everything Is Everything and 1973's Extension of a Man, they will rejoice in the inclusion of the classic inner-city anthems "The Ghetto," "To Be Young, Gifted and Black," and "Someday We'll All Be Free." A Donny Hathaway Collection is a timeless testament to a soul man way ahead of his time. Tracy E. Hopkins, Barnes & Noble

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating:
• Ratings: 4Reviews: 4
• See All Reviews

More Customer Reviews