Donny Edward Hathaway was born on October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, and grew up in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a musical prodigy from an early age. Hathaway was introduced to gospel and jazz through his church and local community, which greatly influenced his musical style.

He attended the American Conservatory of Music in Chicago, focusing on classical music, and later earned a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he studied music education. While at Howard, he met and became friends with Roberta Flack, which led to fame for his duet with her on “Where is the Love?“

He died on January 13, 1979 when he fell out of the 15th floor of the Essex Hotel. His death was ruled a suicide, he was 33. Donny is buried at Lake Charles Park Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.

Donny Hathaway Discography

1970 – Everything Is Everything
1971 – Donny Hathaway
1972 – Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway
1973 – Extension of a Man
1980 – Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway

Essex Hotel
160 Central Park South
New York NY 10019