The Story of Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas” (+Xmas Heist!)

[@firewordsparkler]

I want to note that adding this song to your own playlists boosts visibility as well. Spotify could boost this song on individualized automated playlists (discover weekly, morning drive) of people who have similar music taste to you. Also, make sure your player isn't muted, but your computer, so Spotify counts the stream. Let's do this!!

[@diggingthegreats]

Pinning this comment! Let's go!!!

[@Kohbruh]

Here for it, but it gets play round my home anyway✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿

[@raggaeldestro8609]

I always thought it was #1. I also hate most Christmas songs (Vince Guaraldi, James Brown and Donny Hathaway not included).

[@jelanilbc]

Facts plus Tax

[@lowlowseesee]

i havent ever streamed (still listening to cds, and tapes and records at work on portables) but i will mention it to people in conversation

[@zoradaughter]

“This Christmas” is sooo incredibly popular in Black households! We love it! 🎉

[@kadu51044]

It's like an inherent song that when it plays, you sing. I got this playing on my machine while I work right now! I'll be sharing this with my work friends here shortly

[@OfficialReggieJamz]

Facts 💯

[@Spoonkid222]

@@MoonLanta someway, somehow, imma just assume you're racist.

[@thatsit5049]

@@MoonLanta why the nut face🤨

[@catastrophic3]

Yep we listen to this way more than the Mariah Carey song

[@totaldstruktion]

As a black man from Chicago, this IS the definitive Christmas song

[@tywayne3]

Chitown!

[@desantonia]

can confirm as a Black woman also from Chicago

[@southsideman4891]

Southside, my brother...

[@brianburkett6606]

FACTZZZZZ!!!

[@rillloudmother]

as a white man from nyc, this is the definitive christmas song.

[@ace15Nura]

Donny Hathaway deserved every flower you can give, he's a legend, a great vocalist and an insane piano player in the way he could move around the keys.

[@DubGDJ]

Let's do this. It needs to be No. 1. It's the epitome of "Christmas Classic".

[@nykki21]

Christmas isn’t official until I hear this song. I am ABSOLUTELY IN!

[@diggingthegreats]

YES!!

[@nykki21]

Only 69 more plays for me and I'm through the playlist!! This was fun

[@theresearchchannel1609]

Real talk, This Christmas is not my only one of my favorite Christmas songs, but one of my favorite songs PERIOD. Could never go wrong with DONNY Hathaway.

[@diggingthegreats]

Same here- It's so good!

[@zoradaughter]

Same! I could listen to this song in June & feel so much joy! 🥹

[@oliviamurphy9482]

same!! I can listen to it any day haha

[@DanFreeman723]

That flatted 5th chord on the turnaround is the magic.

[@diggingthegreats]

so good!

[@jakekeys88music]

Would you say that, going into that 4 chord, it basically acts as a tritone substitution? I'd analyze it that way.

[@cfibb]

3:35 Btw, one chord during the last measure of the chorus Donny plays -which everyone else seems to omit in their versions of this classic tune- is the rather sweetly mischievous B7b5 on beats 3 & 4 that follows the Bm7b5 (of beats 1 & 2). So that particular measure, counting quarter notes when Donny sings “from MEEE” on the downbeat, plays like this: 1 2 3 4 |Bm7b5 B7b5 | Every other cover seems to lack this magical moment which to me, among other reasons, is why Donny’s original version can’t be touched. Thanks for the breakdown tho! Sorry to be that guy! 🤷🏿

[@joshhernandez2292]

Hands down the best modern Xmas song. Not even a question. The chord progressions and tension, that groove, and obviously Donny’s voice. 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@southsideman4891]

Donny didn't say X. He said JESUS CHRIST. Say that with Donny too. It's good for your soul...

[@richrodriguez1356]

I’m CONSTANTLY arguing this song (and Donnie’s OG recording) is the best Christmas song of all time, ruffling the feathers of many a Mariah fan. I’ve even fractured friendships over this argument. THIS IS MY HILL TO DIE ON!

[@728huey]

They're both awesome, but I would argue the that extended version of "Silent Night" by the Temptations is the best Christmas song.

[@southsideman4891]

LOL! GOD bless you, my brother

[@jakekeys88music]

If I had to pick a cover of this that's pretty excellent, I'd vote for Mary J. Blige's rendition. The host for this channel is right: the Train version is pretty "meh".

[@p1nkyblue]

It's crazy because even Mariah agrees with you! Every time she is asked her what her favorite Christmas songs are she says This Christmas and The Christmas Song. She has also said she will never cover them out of respect, they are perfect Christmas songs and she doesn't believe she could do them justice or add anything of value.

[@maxacorn]

for me, until i hear this song, it's not christmas. and i do mean THIS song. this version is the best version of the song and only donny could do it. i loved it as a kid and i still love it to this day.

[@notsogood9449]

To most of us Black folks Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" has always been the No. 1 Christmas song. When I was a kid growing up it didn't feel like Christmas until they started playing Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas" on the radio. #1. Donny Hathaway's - "This Christmas" #2. Nat King Cole - "The Christmas Song" #3. ? #4. ? #5. ?

[@wrightcommunications8235]

Agreed, this video is appreciated but fourty years too late.

[@bagley232]

Carla Thomas Gee Whiz its Christmas

[@NomusaMagical]

“In my mind …” starts Christmas for us. Silent Night by Temptations is our black family’s #1. Donny Hathaway is a close 2nd! 👩🏾‍🦳🫶🏽

[@sptmbr2891]

Let it Snow- Boyz II Men

[@KKAkuoku]

Never heard of this song before this video, so I dipped out to listen, and can proudly declare that it’s a cheetah-gliding-on-an-oil-slick smooth alternative to what’s incessantly playing on the radio this time of year.

[@kh4901]

Never heard it? I love it so much, I wish I could hear it for the first time again. Play it for your friends and get them in on this!😊

[@yetispaghetti5754]

I can only imagine how many people from that era getting the rush of nostalgia from hearing this when they go to the store

[@dusteddevilapparel]

It's the sign of the Christmas season for me!!!

[@hadjiioke]

Dude, this is my all time favorite Christmas song. If this son were played repeatedly in stores, I would never leave.

[@angelamarinelli2017]

Started listening to Donny Hathaway when I was about 14... he is my ALL time favorite male vocalist & this is my ALL time favorite Holiday song!! & him & Lalah together?!?! Are u kidding me?!?! It's magical!! 🥰 🥰🥰

[@blurelic4]

I must add that The Whispers' cover of "This Christmas" is phenomenal! It is a slowed down arrangement but I believe it is good. Yet, as stated, nothing beats the original. Side note: I share a birthday with Donny Hathaway.

[@ImJustEricka]

It's beautiful !! But love the original as well

[@placebosyndrome]

I love that cover as well, and I love how they used the exact same music from that cover for their beautiful tribute, "A Song for Donny" (also released in 1979). so good!

[@andrewswagmane]

It’s notable to mention that Donny Hathaway once said “When I think of music, I think of music in its totality, complete. From the lowest blues to the highest symphony, you know, so what I'd like to do is exemplify each style of as many periods as I can possibly do”, which really resonates with what Jonte was explaining about how he uses elements of all genres in one song.

[@southsideman4891]

So THATS the key! A lot of times I try to figure out why things are good, I thought that about Donnie several times...

[@nekola413]

Donny Hathaway is one of my all-time favorite artists second only to Same Cooke. Honestly, I go back and forth between the two. This Christmas is the ultimate Christmas song. I've already started streaming it. Let's do this!

[@karencoleman6442]

Donny Hatheway sung this song with a soulfulness. To many African Americans who also celebrate Christmas see it as that Christmas is also for us. Growing up as a black kid You always heard white Americans like Bing Crosby, or Rose Mary Cloney sings White Christmas. To me it tells a story that to many of African American in the the social and economic struggle that we will have better days and "This Christmas Will Be A Very Special Christmas For Me tells you that you can have a very Merry Christmas too. To many of us kids in the hood sung along with Mr. Donny Hathaway with such joy. Donny Hathaway song is a true classic. He left us a rich true treasure!!! 🎵

[@jracerichards]

The song was recorded during sessions for his 2nd album. The company never released it as a single but slowly started getting play over many many years. Since Lalah took over his estate she has definitely pushed for the song to be part of Christmas music tradition . The arrangement is classic Donny ,which he's used in other songs including Someday we'll all be free.

[@JeffTheGent]

👏🏽 “This Christmas” is not just one of my favorite holiday songs. It’s one of my most beloved tunes of all time, period, maybe top 20. And I’m a _huge_ music-lover, so that’s really saying something. Thank you, *so* much for making this video. I bought Donny Hathaway’s original version of “This Christmas” today, 12/23/23, on Amazon and iTunes to help make it the commercial hit it deserves to be.

[@tyler8902]

Donny Hathaway made some of the best music we have to offer as a species. He deserves this and so much more

[@oneinamillennial]

Your channel is truly something special. This version of “This Christmas” is my favorite Christmas song. Also, thanks for mentioning Patti Labelle’s performance too. I watch it every year to get me in the holiday spirit. 😂😅❤

[@southsideman4891]

He warmed my heart making an effort to make this number one. May this be remembered for his good. Respect.

[@robbiedubbelman3024]

Those chords were beautifully played, very warm sound 😊

[@G400martin]

We had a tree fall on our house while we were in it, just a couple days after finishing decorating earlier this month. All our hard work crushed with no chance to enjoy it. This song got us through it.

[@charlescdt6509]

Thank you for doing this break down. It was awesome. I feel the reason Mariah's song is known more is its pure pop and easier to sing. The meter changes can catch folks unless you really know the song.

[@amontaineaurore4700]

I am so down for this. It irks me when people don't know this song. My favorite Christmas song! Thank you for doing this!

[@jadimwendo464]

This Christmas has long been the best Christmas song in my opinion. I'm down to make it number 1.

[@horissores]

Definitely my favourite Christmas song. The only Christmas song I can listen to any day of the year

[@oscarcronin428]

The odd-metered groove is so natural and smooth. Been my fav xmas tune for years. Glad its starting to get some recognition.

[@diggingthegreats]

It’s too good to NOT be number 1!

[@southsideman4891]

Donny didn't say X. He said JESUS CHRIST. Say that with Donny too. It's good for your soul...

[@jbstein]

@@southsideman4891 X is a traditional way to write Christ. Χριστός is how you write "Christ" in Greek. In many traditional Christian abbreviations, X stands for Christ, as in the "Jesus fish" acronym ΙΧΘΥΣ (Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior)

[@southsideman4891]

@@jbstein there is no power in the name of "X"; but ALL POWER IN HEAVEN AND EARTH IS IN THE NAME OF JESUS! Amen and Amen

[@nicolebrown2851]

Definitely my Xmas fave! Streaming the playlist for 2 days now nonstop and counting! This song deserves to be #️⃣1️⃣❗️

[@seanw7452]

I adore this channel so much. You masterfully tell stories. I am excited every time a very drops. All the best mate!

[@diggingthegreats]

🙏🙏🙏

[@aldon560]

This Christmas is the best Christmas song. Periodt

[@davidrauline9730]

Donny Hathaway is one of the most unjustifiably underrated artist of that period. Now I want an episode about is cover of Jaleous Guy which make totally forget about the Lennon Version.

[@cashnprizes317]

This is my favorite Christmas song. It's gotta be the first Christmas song I hear after thanksgiving; and i can't fully get into the Christmas spirit if i don't hear it on the radio. Donny's version is the only one I ever want to hear.

[@joem1152]

I’m so happy to see this video, I was just looking up chords, I love lots of Xmas songs but this one is my favorite! Best vibe and happy, and I’ve always noticed how it’s so different from other more nostalgic Xmas songs

[@southsideman4891]

Donny didn't say X. He said JESUS CHRIST. Say that with Donny too. It's good for your soul...

[@sk3lly704]

BRO I JUST DISCOVERED DONNY HATHAWAY AND FOUND HIS CHRISTMAS SONG, I WAS LITERALLY RANTING TO MY FRIENDS HOW IT'S THE BEST CHRISTMAS SONG. AND NOW YOUR VIDEO CAME UP ON MY RECOMMENDED.

[@cwwheelz]

Let's make this happen! Donny deserves this!

[@cliffordporter9086]

Best Christmas song ever!!!

[@godivabaker6622]

It’s not Christmas until I hear this. I love this song so much I listen to it all year long.

[@lairdhercules4553]

Dude I don't know how you got the mark with me every video, but this is one of the most underrated Christmas songs. It's known in black households like Stevie Wonder's Happy Birthday. It just hasn't fully crossed over into a pop Christmas classic. I'll try getting that playlist going.

[@1mespud]

"This Christmas" Facts: The bassline was done on a Fender/Rhodes keyboard bass. There's also a marching band bass drum in the chorus not so much to be an African homage, but to immolate a Salvation Army band that were always out in public and in front of stores during the Christmas season.

[@HorneATL]

Listening to it at this hour … and, it’s AMAZING! The chords are complex and require your heart and soul to digest!

[@djhollywoodlive6910]

I agree this song deserves more credit

[@joedellava7805]

Thank you, my toddler's "new" favorite Christmas is now this ❤. We're making sure the next gen listens to quality music 🙏 The playlist works!

[@jdmaccordcoupe1727]

Lalah just shared this . But I’ve been advocating hard for this song , it was not only a masterpiece but so many favorites. Love this channel can’t believe how quick it’s grown

[@JC20XX]

My workplace plays the radio so I've heard this a few times a day for a couple weeks now and it truly is one of the best.

[@diggingthegreats]

Get that playlist going at work 😂

[@flowmaka]

Love the breakdown and review of this song. The chords are amazing and were so ahead of his time. Amazing story of how this song came to be! Great overall presentation! ❤

[@Sean72_]

This Christmas is the BEST Christmas song ever written and sung in my opinion! You can play that song at anytime of the year and it'll feel like Christmas...NO other Christmas song does that.

[@mojomogul]

Shout-out to this channel, the algorithm suggested the "Rock With U" video and I've been watching the others since. Love this video, song, and entire vibe of sonic exploration of classic songs. Keep on!

[@Drrolfski]

Kurtis Blow - Christmas Rappin', BY FAR the best Christmas groove ever made, if only for being inspired by Chic's legendary Good Times. Also highly influential for being one of the very first commercial hiphop tracks ever released with half a million copies sold. It got him signed to a major label as the first rapper in history.

[@ErikOlkiewicz]

I am so glad I found this channel. Great!

[@robynology101]

Please tell me original writer got her dues for this masterpiece. This Christmas is the warmest, sweetest, and most soulful Christmas song ever 🎄 Edit: I just listened to Train’s rendition all the way through and was pleasantly surprised. No apologies necessary. Merry Christmas ❤

[@StoneFreeSofie]

Ha love it! Donny Hathaway is my favorite singer of all time. His voice, his live performances, he really deserves to be known by a lot more people! Gonna stream this till my ears bleed :D

[@karla.with.a.k]

Thanks for this video! Donny Hathaway’s This Christmas is my absolute favorite holiday song. Always has been and always will be.

[@thomasbrown3356]

This song came out when I was 5 years old. I was probably unwrapping a gift, under the pine Christmas Tree, when I first heard it. This tune brings back some good Christmas memories.

[@Notcoolkid]

I just discovered this channel and it’s already a fave!

[@david-2vm278]

I love your work. I love your passion. And you are right it is the best. I loved it every since 1973 when I first heard it.

[@diggingthegreats]

Thank you for the kind words, this song is so good!

[@c.cosman3674]

glad im not late to this one, lets get this track up there!

[@parkerchace]

I'm a huge fan of Donny and love this idea!! I'll try to do what I can

[@machinelearng]

My favorite and the most soulful Christmas song ever. This should be the number Christmas song and Donny's version of it can not be matched

[@redhouaneboulechbak8316]

You forgot to mention The Whispers version (They also did a remake of it by changing the lyrics tited 'song for Donny')

[@diggingthegreats]

Another great one!

[@tywayne3]

Yes, both great versions! Slow and mellow. They both slap on different ways.

[@redhouaneboulechbak8316]

@@tywayne3 The latter was a tribute for their friend Donny

[@tywayne3]

@@redhouaneboulechbak8316 thanks, don't think I never knew that. Kinda makes sense.

[@shawncharles6077]

The conversation with Jonte Moore reminds me of talks I'll have with my dude Will. He's not as active but when I get confused about a chord or two he can explain it just like that and it makes complete sense. Big Dawg keep these coming. I love the content. Might wanna think of some merch soon. You get my support for sure.

[@diggingthegreats]

Yes! Jonte is the man - so great having him come on and share his knowledge and heart on this song. Thank you for the support! Figuring out merch now, so stay tuned!

[@curtismillerjr3173]

Good job Guy’s Thanx for illuminating on the epic of this song which is one of my faves no one else can sing this song like Donny Hathaway well Chris Breezy version I must say was dope also the rich color and emotional content puts this song at the top of the list show me some more chords my gratitude to y’all for this video a virtuoso song of hope.

[@irvegriffiths8256]

Get Jonte in more - he has such a beautiful way of explaining 😀😀😀

[@mischievousjr.9299]

Dayuum this sound track is criminally Underrated imo I've never heard of this track appreciate it for adding it to my yearly tracks to play for the seasons

[@jjutt87]

Excellent video - 7min - 👌🏽👏🏽👍🏼📹💯🔥

[@mrjohnson115]

I thought you’d dig a little deeper and also mention that that’s also Donny Hathaway playing the Fender Rhodes bass. That’s not a real bass on this song. Not a lot of ppl pick up on this. Listen closer now 😊 Love the channel!! Keep pushing!!

[@TheTheoTherone]

Hello from January! Love this song! 2023 ya'll! This plan is genius!!!! LET'S GO!!!!

[@mctulkyviperbit6166]

I’m glad you’re giving us this mission! Can’t wait

[@octothorpe12]

Word. THE best Christmas song.

[@vitormxavier]

Cool! We can do it! I love the classic The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole (actually composed by Mel Torme). Nat turned it into a must-song for the season. I always remember my 82yo dad, the biggest of Nat's fan I know, teaching us about this song when we were little (we are from Brazil, BTW - and there is a bit of cultural adjustment in this!). Anyway, Nat is the greatest for me in many different aspects. But Donny, man...Donny is super special and his This Christmas deserves to be first! Loved the story!

[@bjang6065]

I'm calling it now. This channel will get to millions of subs in the following year. I want to work with you.

[@mamaluvs2dance]

Phuque Spotify. If they paid fairly, we wouldn't have to do all those melon farming calculations. I been blasting this song for 50 + years. It is and always will be #1. (close 2nd to Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas.") It's about SOUL, you feel it in your spirit. Everything isn't about crunching numbers and science. Geesh. Shine on Donny Hathaway and gratitude to Nadine McKinnor. #repChi

[@Micatone]

Finally, others feel the same way about this track that I do...by far the best Christmas song...

[@LLuke.]

you are just forever goated man, this channel hits every. time.

[@DanielleA2023]

Mariah has said in interviews this song is on her Xmas playlist every year

[@DaFlasher]

Youre a gosh darn madman if you think you can beat Queen Diva/Xmas on her Xmas song… IM IN! Streaming now ;)

[@JoshuaMartelli]

Thanks for reminding me of this classic B. Got it rolling right now. Will leave it going through NYE! Let's do this!!

[@diggingthegreats]

YES!!!

[@JoshuaMartelli]

Question - if we want to double down does it matter which version we buy on iTunes?

[@joshualawrence7785]

Always hear this everywhere during Christmas

[@LiverpoolFan74]

And now it has 120+ million streams on Spotify!! CLASSIC SONG!!

[@anthonydandrea2170]

One Record Store Day I scored a sweet 7" reissue of the original with a solid cover by Ceelo Green on the flip, and it's been in the holiday music rotation ever since.

[@jorgereynolds3237]

been trying to tell everyone this for years…thank you!!!

[@MrDbuccaneer]

Unquestionably beautiful, what a song 👌🏿

[@Mustardknuckles]

Thank you for this video!!!! I can't stand when I only here the cover versions of this masterpiece!

[@Kattywampus]

This is the best Christmas song, hands down. I have tried to collect all the covers, and even did one myself!

[@southsideman4891]

MAN GOD BLESS YOU IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST FOR TRYING TO MAKE THIS SONG #1 FOR THE LATE GREAT DONNY HATHAWAY! HONESTLY THAT CHOKED ME UP: RIP, MR. HATHAWAY...

[@truthdotnet]

Consistently great videos, man-content, editing, and length are all on point. Excited to follow along as your channel continues to grow

[@kjchicago1]

This Christmas(by Donny Hathaway)came out on Atlantic Records Atco Label in 1970

[@anonymouspreme3425]

This is definitely the best Xmas song....period.

[@bbs1613]

Christmas season does not start for me until I hear Donny Hathaway's This Christmas!!

[@StayBased_]

Your videos are dope. Im binge watching all of them. Thank you!

[@debbienehikhuere]

YES PLEASE THIS CHRISTMAS IS AN AMAZING SONG!!!!

[@diggingthegreats]

We gotta make it go number 1! We can do this!

[@debbienehikhuere]

@@diggingthegreats IM READY LETS FUCKING GO!!! This is an amazing video btw, love Donnie love Nat, love all of this!!!

[@curtis445]

in my top three for best christmas songs. the horns be making it for me. also, its just the jam really for me.

[@psir3]

This is the standard for Christmas songs!!! I've done my part!! (I actually forgot it was playing and let it go for about 30 hours!!! Haha)

[@reubenlee6438]

I will do this for Donny Hathaway, one of the greatest singers in history. This probably is my favorite Christmas song too.

[@IrnBruNYC]

YOU ARE DOING THE LORD'S WORK, SIR. And I would like to shake your hand.

[@jeffb587]

Never thought I'd end up a captive audience to a Donny Hathaway pump and dump scheme pitch. The Wolf of Billboard, ladies and gentlemen!

[@diggingthegreats]

😂😂😂

[@ASSman864]

Lolol

[@howkel]

It's added to my xmas playlist! And the Christmas Queen is Darlene Love.