UnSung: Donny Hathaway

Donny Edward Hathaway
(October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979)

Donny Hathaway was a Prolific Song Writer, a Composer and a musical genius of the Fabulous Soul Music Era. Donny’s rise to Soul Music prominence made him the standard bearer for contemporary R&B Male vocalist. One of the greatest voice in the history of recorded music, indeed Donny Hathaway is responsible for creating and influencing the vocal styles of many of today’s R&B singers such as Usher, Neyo, Chris Brown, Boyz II Men, Jodeci, Dru Hill, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Lyfe, Alicia Keys, Beyonce, George Benson, India Arie, Stevie Wonder, Brian McKnigh and many more.

Hathaway, the son of Drusella Huntley, was born in Chicago. He lived with his grandmother, Martha Pitts, also known as Martha Crumwell, in the Carr Square housing project, in St Louis. Hathaway began singing in a church choir with his grandmother, a professional gospel singer, at the age of three. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1963. He studied music on a fine arts scholarship at Howard University in Washington, D.C. and during 1967 left Howard without a degree after receiving job offers in the music business. This rare documentary honors the legacy of the great Donny Hathaway.