Who Is Donny Hathaway? Age, Biography and Wiki
Donny Hathaway, born on October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, was an influential American singer, songwriter, and music producer. He gained fame in the 1970s for his soulful voice and profound songwriting skills. With a career that was tragically shortened by his untimely death in 1979, Hathaway left an indelible mark on the music industry. In 2025, his legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists.
| Occupation | Blues Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 1, 1945 |
| Age | 33 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 13 January, 1979 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Donny Hathaway's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Donny Hathaway was known for his tall stature and commanding presence. He stood approximately 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighed around 180 lbs (82 kg) during his prime. His unique style often included sharp suits and charismatic looks that complemented his powerful vocal performances.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Donny Hathaway was married to his wife, Evelyn Hathaway, with whom he had three children. Over the years, there have been rumors and speculation about his relationships outside of marriage; however, he remained a devoted family man. Hathaway's legacy is carried on through his children, and his family continues to share stories that highlight both his talent and his role as a loving father and husband.
During the peak of his career, Hathaway began experiencing severe bouts of depression and exhibiting unusual behavior. In 1971, he was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia for which he was prescribed various medications. At one point, Hathaway was prescribed fourteen different medications that he was to take twice a day.
After Hathaway was diagnosed and began taking medication, his mental state improved. However, Eulaulah Hathaway has said that her husband became less than diligent about following his prescription regimen when he began feeling better and often stopped taking his medications altogether.
From 1973 to 1977, Hathaway's mental instability wreaked havoc on his life and career and required several hospitalizations.
The effects of his depression and severe mood swings also drove a wedge in his and Flack's friendship; they did not reconcile for several years, and did not release additional music until the successful release of "The Closer I Get To You" in 1978. Flack and Hathaway then resumed studio recording to compose a second album of duets.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Donny Hathaway's estimated net worth stands at around $2 million. Though his life was cut short, his music continues to generate royalties and remains popular on streaming services. Hathaway's earnings were primarily derived from album sales, live performances, and songwriting credits, contributing to his lasting financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Donny Hathaway's career began in the 1960s when he collaborated with artists like Roberta Flack and recorded numerous hits. His most famous songs include “A Song for You,” “This Christmas,” and “Where Is the Love.” Hathaway was known not just for his vocal talent but also for his songwriting prowess, creating timeless pieces that resonated with audiences.
After his passing, his music was reissued and celebrated, reinforcing his status as a legendary figure in soul music. In recent years, there have been discussions regarding posthumous releases and tribute albums that ensure his artistry remains relevant in today's musical landscape.
Louis, Missouri. Hathaway began singing in the church choir with his grandmother, a professional gospel singer, at the age of three, and studying piano. He graduated from Vashon High School in 1963.
Hathaway then studied music on a fine arts scholarship at Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he met his roommate and drummer Ric Powell, who ultimately launched Donny's musical career as a member of "The Ric Powell Trio".
At Howard, he was also a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, but during 1967, just before completing a degree, Donny and Ric left Howard after receiving job offers in the music business with the likes of Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records in Chicago.
Social Network
Although social media did not exist during Donny Hathaway’s lifetime, his legacy is celebrated on various platforms today. Fans and music lovers share tributes, old interviews, and performances, ensuring that Hathaway's contributions to music are commemorated. His official pages and fan networks on platforms such as Facebook and Instagram help keep his spirit alive in addition to various music streaming services showcasing his discography.
Donny Edward Hathaway (October 1, 1945 – January 13, 1979) was an American soul singer, keyboardist, songwriter, backing vocalist, and arranger who Rolling Stone described as a "soul legend". His most popular songs include "The Ghetto", "This Christmas", "Someday We'll All Be Free", and "Little Ghetto Boy".
Hathaway is also renowned for his renditions of "A Song for You", "For All We Know", "Jealous Guy" and "I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know", along with "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You", two of many collaborations with Roberta Flack. He has been inducted into the St.
Louis Walk of Fame and won one Grammy Award from four nominations. Hathaway was also posthumously honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Dutch director David Kleijwegt made a documentary called Mister Soul – A Story About Donny Hathaway, which premiered at the International Film Festival Rotterdam on January 28, 2020.
Education
Donny Hathaway attended the prestigious Howard University, where he studied music and developed his craft. His time at Howard played a vital role in shaping him as an artist, building not only his talents but also a network of future collaborators and friends in the music industry.
Hathaway worked as a songwriter, session musician, and producer for Curtis Mayfield's Curtom Records in Chicago. He did the arrangements for hits by the Unifics ("Court of Love" and "The Beginning of My End") and took part in projects by the Staple Singers, Jerry Butler, Aretha Franklin, the Impressions and Curtis Mayfield himself.
After becoming a "house producer" at Curtom, he started recording there. Hathaway recorded his first single under his own name in 1969, a duet with singer June Conquest called "I Thank You, Baby". They also recorded the duet "Just Another Reason", released as the B-side.
Former Cleveland Browns president Bill Futterer, who as a college student promoted Curtom in the southeast in 1968 and 1969, was befriended by Hathaway and has cited Hathaway's influence on his later projects.
