BLEW US AWAY!| FIRST TIME HEARING Donny Hathaway - A Song For You REACTION

[@susanliltz3875]

Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack : “Where is the love”

[@rksnj6797]

I love their duets!!!

[@marygoodson4920]

YES❤❤❤

[@erikagholston6610]

That is my favorite, it is so beautiful.

[@primeminister66]

The Best!!!!

[@jdw5678]

One of the best soulful duets of the '70s! Just a wonderful song. (NOTE: Not to be confused with the Black-Eyed Peas song with the same title.)

[@minkgraver]

His duets with Roberta Flack are incredible, especially The Closer I Get To You, one of the most beautiful duets ever ❤

[@blackblake3658]

Female Friday.

[@ToeTag1968]

Yes to this. Please do review their duet. It's amazing.

[@jeffworthington9286]

What a voice and what an awesome song beautiful.

[@pockynon]

Oh my goodness - I’ve been asking for a reaction to Donny Hathaway - beautiful voice!

[@marksicotte6339]

Agreed! And 'Where is the love"

[@malexander2147]

RIP Donny Hathaway. Fun Fact: He wrote the Christmas classic song : "This Christmas" ❤

[@Lovejazz01]

That’s how I can’t believe they have never heard of him, I know they hear This Christmas every Christmas holiday …

[@shannonk.moorer9158]

Hathaway composed it along with Nadine McKinnor.

[@Tessiefaye]

My favorite Christmas song.

[@tonyahines4554]

If they have never heard " This Christmas" they should have their black card revoked.

[@stevensheegog3942]

@@tonyahines4554they are in Oklahoma give them a break.

[@neil3418]

A favorite and a classic is Donny Hathaway “Someday We'll All Be Free”

[@joyceedwards2708]

Also, Young, Gifted and Black is a beautiful song.

[@ericdennis3899]

Breathtaking ❤❤❤❤

[@pluckinmageetar]

One of the very best RnB singers of all time! A GOAT for sure!

[@Fruit17-ip4vl]

Yes he was! His daughter Layla Hathaway is following in his footsteps! Great comment! ❤😎

[@LetthaWrite1inn]

100 percent this dude was so good...unfortunate he died so early

[@tillyny]

Fun fact: he sang the theme song for the 70's sitcom "Maude"... and also a beautiful duet with Roberta Flack called "Where is the Love".

[@AnthonyWilliams-ot1yk]

I had no idea he sang the theme song for Maude! No wonder it was so catchy!

[@sassymess7111]

"And then there's Maude.." 😊 I could tell his voice even as a child.

[@terrilgeorge7255]

Where is love is a highlight on a wonderful album. I play it when I need to soothe my soul.

[@obedthemagnificent7128]

😂😂😂😂😂😂then there's Maud

[@alberthaust4542]

I have been a Donny fan since the early 1970s and never knew this.

[@markparris4672]

The song was written by Leon Russell. He was a song writing genius. You should check out some of his stuff also, but Donnie Hathaway was amazing.

[@kellyreiterman]

So many greats have done a cover of this song. What a testament to how brilliantly written this song is.

[@1177kc]

I got to see Leon sing it when he was touring with Willie Nelson decades ago. This is so beautiful.

[@beedeegee9374]

@@kellyreiterman One of Leon’s gems, The Carpenters’ cover is magic, too.

[@AliciaHarvey-rt7ok]

Lady Blue by Leon Russell is a great one to listen to

[@LoneRanger100]

Leon was the goat and the mosat

[@relaxngvoicebruh2281]

How could you NOT know Donny???? You HAVE to listen to his daughter Lalah Hathaway!!! A MUST LISTEN

[@sxm76]

They're young. Donny has been gone for over 35 years!

[@relaxngvoicebruh2281]

@sxm76 True but most people know, Someday We'll all Be Free, and This Christmas, the very least...

[@rhondaatkins1776]

I don't get it either. To have never heard of him is crazy to me.

[@Fruit17-ip4vl]

I can understand why they would not know about him. They are young. Guess what? The amazing thing is that they are discovering these great artists and I absolutely love it! Yes! His daughter is talented as well! ❤❤️

[@deshaunx776]

Lalah Hathaway is nearly a legend in her own right! Her voice is top tier.

[@jessebrown3790]

Slow roasted in a Gospel Church.. Amber .... That is one of the best descriptions of Donny Hathaway' s voice!

[@surlechapeau]

Jay & Amber, you'll love Donny Hathaway/Roberta Flack duets "The Closer I Get To You" and "Where is the Love" !!!

[@bcostello]

second this

[@bertisjordan1085]

Yes

[@pattyduke3079]

They also recorded a beautiful rendition of Carl Kings You Got a Friend.

[@rhondaatkins1776]

Back Together Again

[@sarahenley613]

It makes me emotional every time he sings, "and when my life is over" because his life was over way too soon.

[@stevetournay6103]

Karen Carpenter, too. (And that version is reprised, in a ghostly fade-in, at the end of the album it's on. Wrenchingly beautiful. As is this Hathaway version, which I had not previously heard.)

[@carolhollis4886]

Donny Hathaway- what a special human being!

[@donaldriddle230]

There is a video of this song with Leon Russell, Willie Nelson, and Ray Charles. Ray brings Willie to tears.

[@RobSquadReactions]

We have to check that out!

[@NBKenC]

I fully agree with this recommendation. It is even more emotional knowing it was recorded shortly before Ray's death.

[@leodejongful]

@@RobSquadReactions Even better check Donny's own live at the Troubador L.A. version. Strange not many people seem to know it, but it's one of the most magical performances i know. Also because of the crowd. Also "A house is not a home" live at NAACP awards by Luther Vandross. With Donny, Marvin and George Michael one of the best voices. And speaking of must see performances by the best voices; Whitney Houston - I have nothing (live Billboard 1992). 3 perfect singing performances.

[@kennewton7518]

That's Donny playing the piano also. He was a multi-instrumentalist and trained concert pianist

[@brendarobinson1656]

Can’t get any better than Donny Hathaway!

[@mickey10jb80]

Donny Hathaway- I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know

[@rksnj6797]

YES!!!!!

[@user-dz6fy6qv2l]

More upvotes!!

[@yousexymf]

Yessssss. My favorite song of his

[@NobodySpecial512]

This song. Its one of the greatest covers I have ever heard.

[@mickey10jb80]

@@NobodySpecial512 I agree!

[@bassblvd3065]

“Someday we’ll all be free” and “the Ghetto”(Live)

[@panamas6865]

💗

[@samueltabo3390]

Yes! He captures the essence of this song written by Leon Russell. Check out Karen Carpenter's amazing cover of this song. Donny Hathaway recorded 2 iconic duets with Roberta Flack, Where is the love and The closer I get you! Donny Hathaway has one of the best voices ever

[@lamusiclover2264]

Also "You Are My Heaven". Wonderful song.

[@micheallandry]

Jordan and Amber- You are doing a terrific job with your song reactions.I would love for you to do a reaction to the song “PIECES of Dreams” by by Johnny Mathis. The Live version from the Tonight show.He was Barbra Streisand’s favorite singer when she was younger.She has said of him:”There are good singers ;There are a small handful of truly great singers ; and then there is Johnny Mathis.” He is the third best -selling recording artist of the past century behind Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley . This is a phenomenal performance by Johnny. A Must See !! You willlove it.Johnny received two standing ovations that night. Johnny Carson- host of the show at that time-called the performance the best ever on the Tonight show.Please react to it. You will be thrilled you did!!

[@randytaylor1406]

This song is great, with a great perfornce by Leon Russell. As you have mentioned, Karen Carpenter also gives an incredible performance of this song.

[@user-dz6fy6qv2l]

and their last hit together, Back Together Again!

[@samueltabo3390]

I only heard Donny Hathaway's death was a suicide not too long ago. May he RIP

[@Skeezer66]

He is one of the Greats from the 70's!! Died too soon. His duets with Roberta Flack are legendary!!!! Another vote for "The Closer I Get to You"!!

[@pockynon]

This song was written by the great Leon Russell. “This Christmas” is also a great song written by Hathaway.

[@sandie00]

Hell yes, Donny Hathaway!

[@awoFalase]

One of the great voices of all time.

[@gabrieltrevino942]

Wait til u realize he sings one of the all- time Christmas bangers, This Christmas 🎄

[@GinaGeeILuvu]

Donny Hathaway was a beautiful soul that left us way too soon! His voice is beautiful and memorable! RIP! His daughter Lalah is an amazing performer and is a chip off the old block, very talented!❤❤

[@Rockscissorspaper]

Maybe you guys have heard him and didn't know it. His song "This Christmas" is a Black Christmas standard lol

[@panamas6865]

No lies told! 😂❤️

[@fayesouthall6604]

I dunno about a black Christmas but I’ve always loved it. My favourite Christmas song ❤❤❤

[@lepoetress]

Christmas ain't OFFICIAL until This Christmas, The Temptations say, "In my miiiiiiiind", The Jackson 5, Charles Brown's "Plllllllleeeeeease come home for Christmas" or "Bells will be ringing" and Stevie Wonder, singing Ava Maria, That's What Christmas Means to Me and Someday at Christmas, followed by Red Velvet cake and (non alcoholic) egg nog, wooooooo chile, we can celebrate Christmas

[@kevinsacks3185]

"Someday We'll All Be Free" is a must listen.

[@TracyfromNC]

You know he was mentioned by Amy Winhouse in her song, Rehab, where she called him, Mr. HATHAWAY.

[@562goodguy]

"Giving Up" is another Donny Hathaway classic.

[@courtnayzeitler8564]

The PERFECT song, sung PERFECTLY.

[@loritajohnson5664]

Sometimes I want to cry when you both mention you have never heard of these legendary musicians like Donny Hathaway. His duets with the equally great Roberta Flack are also classics. 'Where is the Love'; 'The Closer I Get to You'. But I'm glad you are educating yourselves and discovering treasured artists and songs!

[@LibraAllWoman]

My sentiments, exactly, @loritajihnson5664.

[@fransiscocazares7073]

Another great Donny Hathaway song is "For All We Know." An absolute amazing vocalist.

[@nettricegaskins1871]

This song ALWAYS makes me cry. I cried when I heard Alicia Keys sing it live in concert. It's in my top 10 favorite songs ever. RIP Donny Hathaway.

[@fayesouthall6604]

I’m in tears listening to this.

[@craigarandolph]

He was a great singer . A legend and his legacy lives on in his music and his daughter Lala Hathaway

[@redchick5278]

This song gets me in the feels everytime!

[@charlesc7950]

One of the most incredible vocals ever laid down.

[@robrobertson4619]

Yes yes! Donnie Hathaway/Roberta Flack duets😁

[@lottietucker3082]

His daughter Lalah Hathaway is another amazing singer. Donny suffered from Mental illness and committed suicide at the Essex House hotel here in NY. He was an amazing artist. A story similar to another Artist Phyillis Hyman.

[@RetroClassic66]

I finally figured out why your channel is so popular. It’s because it’s like hanging out at a favorite record shop that’s owned by your friends and you get to spend time every day listening to music and discovering new artists and new tunes (new to you at least) and talking about it. So many of us who are Baby Boomers and Generation X especially have fond memories of spending hours doing that - listening to records and discovering all kinds of music and artists, whether brand new or from an earlier era, reading the liner notes of record albums or reading magazine articles about the bands and performers who were on the records we listened to, and talking about them with friends and family. It helped to form us as people, this musical exploration. Ultimately we learned about ourselves in this process. You two, Jay & Amber, are like the cool couple that own the record store. Rob Squad Records & Tapes!

[@stevetournay6103]

I like that. Even the store name works...

[@TheKittsPajamas]

This is so sweet of you and well said. ♥️

[@paulmillner2048]

One of my all time favorites of Donny Hathaway is Someday We'll All Be Free. Your soul will open up when you hear this song.

[@fulanspeaks7319]

I can't listen to this without tearing up

[@saturnnet1627]

Jay and Amber, you will love his " The Ghetto" and his duo with Roberta Flack "Where's the Love."

[@rosslawson3584]

The live version of The Ghetto is a whole vibe.

[@jimmysmith-xb7vm]

Back Together Again with Roberta Flack is 🔥

[@jackiefloyd8003]

Donny Hathaway was a once in a lifetime phenomenon. He was brilliant in every way possible. He committed suicide many years ago but he remains with me forever.❤️🎼

[@mikerichards67]

So good, another great song written by the late great Leon Russell, your Oklahoma icon in my humble opinion. The introduction sounded like Leon is playing the piano.

[@courtnayzeitler8564]

LEON 4 ever!

[@TrashWerewolf]

One of the greatest love songs EVER WRITTEN and Donny's performance is absolutely BRILLIANT!!! This song and Donny as an artist are both criminally underrated!

[@NoAnimalLeftUnfedInc2015]

Donny Hathaway is G-d.... Just a musical vessel. He was a creative genius. A heavyweight within the culture. You can hear his pain. So sorry he passed the way that he did. Valhalla, Donny

[@whitespider99]

Amber & Jay, you should also check out Donny Hathaway's duets with Roberta Flack: "The Closer I Get To You" and "Back Together Again".

[@84moondance]

The Ray Charles version of this song is just as amazing. :)

[@deshaunx776]

The impromptu live Whitney Houston version is just as good. Ray’s version is very Ray.

[@MOS650]

Donny and Roberta Flack - Back Together Again.

[@stephaniejones4749]

Donny Hathaway had one of the best voices in Soul music I ever heard and him and Roberta flack their duets are timeless. May he Rest in Peace🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@trjbrew]

If memory serves, the great Leon Russell wrote this song. Christina Aguilera does an outstanding version of this on Herbie Hancock's Possibilities album. For me Donnie Hathaway's definitive songs are "This Christmas", and the duets with Roberta Flack, "The closer I get to you" and "Where is the love".

[@seanswinton6242]

YES! I made a complete CD years ago with the various versions. Simply Red has an understanding version. It was on their "Simplified" album. That is an intimate version with vocal and piano only. I also like the instrumental version by Journey's Neal Schon. It's very emotional.

[@trjbrew]

@@seanswinton6242 Thanks for those suggestions! I will listen to both!

[@brianherrington7226]

Yes he did. Stand up Leon.

[@tylerhackner9731]

His voice is immaculate! Gifted by God himself

[@kellyreiterman]

I feel Donny's emotions everywhere in my body when he sings. Such a talent he was.

[@Musicvegan01]

The Whispers has a tribute to Donny Hathaway called "A Song For Donny". Donny was a song arranger for other acts & sings the theme song to the 1970s TV sitcom "Maude". Jose Feliciano sings the theme for "Chico And The Man", Sammy Davis Jr. for "Baretta", Johnny Mathis and Deniece Williams for "Family Ties", & Al Jarreau for "Moonlighting".

[@jrox6091]

I've never heard Hathaway's version and it's lovely. Recognized the piano intro instantly, as Leon Russel plays it the same. Beautiful, with tender sentimental lyrics. So sad that he died young, I remember when it happened. He had many many fans who were heartbroken. Be blessed ❤

[@TonyPucci11]

Younger listeners might recall the blind and autistic artist Kodi Lee doing this song on America’s Got Talent, he got a standing ovation, a Golden Buzzer, and went on to win the whole season of AGT. This song makes me tear up every time!

[@deborahcurry1014]

That was so beautiful. I cried when I watched it on AGT that night.

[@James-tr6ld]

Greatest voice of all time. His live cover of John Lennon’s “Jealous Guy” will blow you away.

[@jeannieschmidt2217]

One of the greatest songs ever written. Just a masterclass in songwriting and storytelling.

[@cla9085]

Donny Hathaway has so many amazing songs!

[@malikismail9725]

Duets with Roberta Flack was amazing as well as his classics , Young, Gifted and Black; Someday we’ll all be Free and This Christmas

[@seanjudge4675]

So so, so glad you found this song! It’s one of my all-time favorites!

[@israelcuhen10]

His vibrato, his placement choices, and his trademark break of changing words like "over" to "ooo-vaaaah-huh" makes him the most imitated male singers of all time.

[@rosemarywatson1231]

Donny’s voice will take you there!

[@jacklynazure689]

This song makes me cry so much. It is so beautiful and wonderfully sung. Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, my two favourite male singers ❤

[@aletteabroaders7852]

Read about him he struggle from mental illness and took his own life but left a man on this world that will live forever

[@veot.2869]

FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY, FINALLY!!!!!!! I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO JUMP FOR JOY OR CRY TEARS OF JOY!!!!! I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR YEARS FOR YOU TWO TO DO DONNY!!!! I live in St. Louis, Missouri where Donny spent most of his life. He went to school with my former horn instructor. He sung with Angela Winbush who was a former church parishioner of mine. Donnie is a legend. The closest comparison would be Stevie Wonder. SOMEDAY WE'LL ALL BE FREE I would say is his signature song besides THIS CHRISTMAS. I champion his music, his talent, his voice. No one is better. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐🌺

[@PopRocks74]

Donny Hathaway’s version of the Beatles “Yesterday” on the album “These Songs for You, Live” is stunning. Also, check out “Someday We’ll All be Free” & “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother” from the same live album. Rest Easy, Mr. Hathaway.

[@blackblake3658]

Waiting for Earth Wind and Fire Beatles cover Got to Get You Into My Life.

[@robrobertson4619]

Good song, especially the original written and performed by Leon Russell! 👍

[@LottiesFaith]

Goodness, that voice.🫠

[@alberthaust4542]

His live version of "What's Going On" is awesome. Some great piano playing, rhythm guitar and percussion!

[@Marshal0013]

Donny had a voice that will never leave your conscience. A forgotten legend with a soulful voice for the ages. His daughter Lalah has a tremendous voice which her father would have been proud of.

[@ronnieleverette2376]

He was absolutely fantastic. This song was also done by the Temptations.

[@petezavala8153]

If you have lost a sibling, a relative, a mother or a father or a grandparent you feel this song. Thank you mom and dad for the values you instilled in me. I believe in my heart and soul that you are in a space where there is no space or time 🙏

[@terriertz5134]

Unbelievable enough, this song was not written by Donny, it was written by Leon Russell. This is by far my favorite cover of this song. Donny was one incredible pianist & vocalist. I heard this song for the first time in 1992 by a neighbor who had a record collection to be envied by everyone. Thanks for reacting to this and thanks to my neighbor Anne for introducing me to the music of the late, great Donny Hathaway.

[@stevetournay6103]

I think I may agree. And I am a HUGE fan of Karen Carpenter...

[@Keedeeg]

Leon Russell wrote this one. All these years and this song gives me chills and can pull a tear from me. I knew that love in my 20s. This song was everything to me after that break-up.

[@theenemyspublic681]

Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack " You are my heaven " Written by Stevie Wonder! A beautiful song!

[@ToeTag1968]

If y'all want to trip out, listen to his daughter, Lalah Hathaway. She definitely share her dad's pipes! She delivers a master class in vocals in the song "Something" that she collaborated with Snarky Puppy on (search YT for Snarky Puppy feat. Lalah Hathaway - Something (Family Dinner - Volume One)). It earned her a Grammy. Even if you don't review it for the channel, just listen for your own edification. At one point in the song, she splits her voice in two and harmonizes with her self. Her voice is an amazing instrument.

[@tlbrooks422]

I would never compare the two--his version is just tooooo speculial---yet you might be interested to learn that Karen Carpenter covered this song. After she passed away at such a young age, this song hit so differently. I still tear up over that reality of her passing too soon.

[@shawniegee1635]

They both of those amazing voices died young.😢

[@luciebrisson5881]

I love Donny Hathaway. I still remember the day I learned he had died. I was visiting my sister near Montreal and there was an article in the English language newspaper. I remember I cried. I was 17. He just is a rare talent, and his voice!!

[@themajicman745]

I love this cover, but the Temptations also did an awesome version featuring Dennis Edwards.

[@AlisonSwift-gv9gv]

I saw an episode of American Masters, about Roberta Flack. They mentioned Donnie Hathaway. His story was heartbreaking

[@kellyreiterman]

I saw that episode as well.

[@drel5891]

A brilliant artist/writer. Sadly, an event I won’t forget, my father and I were on our way to work in NYC’s Central Park when a news bulletin came over the car radio that Donny Hathaway committed suicide by jumping from the Essex Hotel near the park. Apparently the singer was suffering from depression and succumbed to the illness. A remarkable artist, gone too soon.

[@csf7773]

Now listen to Whitney singing this at the Welcome Home Heroes concert. Green dtess. It is INCOMPARABLE

[@Citizenesse8]

Donny Hathaway and his daughter Lalah are phenomenal. Ray Charles did a version of this song that you should listen to as well. You should check out more Ray Charles anyway. Leon Russell wrote this beauty of a song and you should listen to him sing it too. I know it would be listening to the same song but they each bring their own hauntingly beautiful spin through their voices in this song. I love this song. It almost always brings a tear to my eye.

[@mrreed2000]

His duet with Roberta Flack “The Closer I Get To You” is a must!!!

[@willfromyadkinville]

lets go! donny! R.I.P.!

[@verarobertson4395]

I hope you young people are reaching these old musical artist. They have such amazing and tragic stories all at the same time. That is way they sing the way they do.

[@MarshaLove0723]

I've never heard this live version before. I'm not normally a live-version person, but this one is 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾.

[@kennydeez..1774]

🔥🔥🔥🔥Amazing, Outstanding and Beautiful Song And Voice. Both go so well together.

[@gwennmesler5997]

Donny played the piano, breathtaking. The flute, lute stunning.😊

[@mkmstillstackin]

Donny Hathaway had such an incredible voice! His original version of "This Christmas" is my mom's absolute favorite. I am a fan of it, too.

[@HassanGay]

Hey Jay & Amber! I'm so glad that you finally got to listen to The Great Donny Hathaway! Please check out “Someday We’ll All Be Free” as well as his collaborations with Roberta Flack. Absolutely Classics!!! Also please do “Purple Rain” for your movie reactions!

[@helgar791]

I had the pleasure of seeing the great Leon Russell do the original of this in person many years ago. Donny here though does it justice.

[@RogerWyatt365]

If you haven't already, listen to Leon Russel's (original) version. Not as melodic as Donny's version, but oh so heart-felt. RIP Donny. RIP Leon.

[@aletteabroaders7852]

The fact that you said new OMG crazy he made this Christmas you have to have heard the song this Christmas 😮

[@johngoodroe809]

What a voice. His live version of the Beatles "Yesterday" is absolutely amazing.

[@jdw5678]

Congrats guys, you have come upon one of the greatest musical geniuses of our time. Donny Hathaway was never appreciated as much as he should have been. He was the consummate singer, songwriter, musician and arranger. His greatest song IMO was "Someday We'll All Be Free," but the glorious instrumental prelude to that song (on the album), "I Love the Lord, He Heard My Cry," raises the performance to the level of masterpiece. Sadly, we lost him way too soon. And good observation Amber, DH did indeed get his start in church.

[@TMan786]

"The Closer I Get to You" by Donny and Roberta is one of the greatest soul duets of all time IMO. Perfection.

[@frederickclanahan1]

He’s the best male vocalist, just my opinion.

[@soulberries_1]

This is definitely the most heartfelt version of A Song for you, which was written by Leon Russell. But Christina Aguilera and Herbie Hancock also do a stunning jazzy version that is also worth checking out.

[@ANaijamansPerspective]

He’s the best male vocalist ever. Pitch , soul, passion, perfection