There are many great musical artists. I mean many, in their own right. If I had to put two of them side by side and who would’ve made the best of collaborations, it would be Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway.

A great storyteller, pianist and writer, Hathaway was a musical prodigy, making himself known at the age of 3 as a professional gospel singer. I mean, who does that? And what can you do with such a gift of a child but send him on to Howard University on scholarship? He didn’t go at 3 but he went, is what I’m saying.

He worked as a producer and arranger for Aretha Franklin and The Staple Singers. This was probably before Aretha realized she’d become the diva she became. Rest her soul, but Retha was something else!

Well!

Donny was so dynamic in his writing, he’d walk you through various phases or visuals to sing a song so clear to you, you could put yourself as the leading character in his music. I mean, it was all heart and soul. The man was simply genius in what he was able to accomplish in 33 years. Kinda like Jesus, if you’re of that persuasion.

How does one become as such? Well, his grandmother raised him, so when you live among old people, you develop a certain composure about yourself. Although he grew up in the projects, he evolved into greatness, giving us A Song for You, The Ghetto, and there’s Back Together Again with Roberta Flack, with so much more. He didn’t leave this earthly realm without giving us his daughter, Lalah Hathaway, who carries on his legacy with such style and grace, you might miss her among the booty poppers.

Mr. Donny Hathaway, you are remembered. We thank you as you Rest in Love.