In 1979, the world lost soul great Donny Hathaway all too young at age 33. A legendary composer, arranger and solo singer, Hathaway is renowned for songs like ’The Ghetto’, ‘This Christmas’, ‘Someday We'll All Be Free’, and ‘Little Ghetto Boy’ as well as his collaborations with Roberta Flack.
Carrying on his legacy is his daughter, five-time Grammy-award winner, Lalah Hathaway. The MSO, in partnership with Melbourne International Jazz Festival, is presenting Lalah Hathaway singing the songs of her father in her Australian debut performance.
The ‘First Daughter of Soul’ will perform with the MSO under the baton of principal conductor in residence, Benjamin Northey. The concert is an orchestral tribute to her father’s work, arranged by multi-Grammy-Award winning American composer Vince Mendoza, which debuted in New York in 2019.
Lalah Hathaway is a renowned vocalist who has shared the stage with Prince, Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock as well as collaborating with modern jazz and hip-hop heavyweights Pharrell Williams, Dr Dre, Snarky Puppy, Robert Glasper and Esperanza Spalding. This is the first ever show where Lalah has dedicated the entire performance wholly to her father Donny’s repertoire.
Donny Hathaway’s albums are considered part of the foundation of American soul music and have influenced artists from George Benson to Amy Winehouse. He was posthumously honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019.
An incredible singer performing seminal soul tracks with the lush accompaniment of a full symphony orchestra? You know it's what you need. Find out more and book tickets here.