I never owned music by Donny Hathaway. I went to "Barnes and Noble," yesterday and bought his greatest hits. The first track is, "A Song For You."
The last track is "This Christmas," which listening to Tom Joyner and Sybil yesterday mentioned Donny did not survive to hear the release of this incredibly pretty version of "This Christmas."

So last night I sunk into a pillow with a glass of Riesling and the jazzy mood of this cd which is wonderful...Roberta Flack is wonderful as well.

When I listened intently to "A Song For You," which Prince mentions in his song, "Here." I can feel that Prince is very deeply in love with someone....The insensity of that love grows in that song and ends with one of the most sincere sung "I Love You'." that I have ever heard on a record.

Here's a little of the opening lyrics:

A Song For You

I've been so many places in my life and Times
I've sung a lot of songs I've made some bad rhymes
I've acted out my life in stages with 10 thousand people watching
We're alone now and I'm singing this song 2 you
I know your image of me is what I hope 2 be
I treated you unkindly darlin' can't U see
There's no one more important to me baby can't U see thru me
Cause' we're alone now and I'm singing this song to you.

Have You guys heard this song? What are your feelings about the intensity of the emotion in this song and Prince's reference to it in his song, "Here?"

I strongly believe that Donny Hathaway is a very under-recognised influence upon Prince.

There are many similarities in their music. Listen to 'Everything is everything' from the 'Live' record. That could be the mid 90's NPG band doing an aftershow. The refrain is very similar to that found in 'strange relationship', too!

There are many parallels, too numerous to mention.

Check out his work.. he was awesome!

Tame said:

A Song For You was actually written by Leon Russel, but it's been covered by many different people, including Donnie Hathaway. My personal favourite recording is by Ray Charles.

TwiliteKid said:

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[Edited 12/21/09 9:56am]

3121 said:

Exactly. Coming from Ray, it takes on a whole other level of meaning, kind of like Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt".

I think Whitney Houston also covers this song on her new album. I have that cd by Donny also - it's awesome. His music brings out true emotion. I get chills when I hear his voice - one of greatest voices ever imo.

I never even noticed that Prince referred to this song in Here. I guess I'll have to listen for that.
[Edited 12/11/09 10:06am]

Nice post Tame!

Beautiful song. I love this version with Leon Russel, Willie Nelson and the incredible Ray Charles
Makes me cry each time he's so good!

I like Donny's because it's the first version I heard as a child, but I think Ray Charles' is the definitive.

"Donny Hathaway must be one of the greatest unsung heroes of black music. A handful of great albums, some live, some studio-based, and then a tragic suicide. The best singer ever, who makes you sometimes wonder whether it's ever worth recording anything again...Music like this is almost enough to make you believe in God..."

Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt aka Everything but the girl !!!!

Great compliment, no ?

I Love "Here"..yep, Love it!! It's my life story, it truly is.. Love

Isabell said:

Oo my LORD!!..look at the way Willie Nelson is looking at Mr. Charles at the end..Breath taking, Beautiful, Wonderful, Lovely & Oo so kind!! Love

boom said:

I just now put on Whitney's new cd. I realize it is the same song now...
Very nice and faster with a dance beat.

And thanx Twilitekid.
[Edited 12/11/09 16:36pm]

all i have is memories!!!!

That song a beautiful and Donny masters it with his voice.

KidaDynamite said:

With Ray Charles version 2nd.

I love Donny Hathaway and have all of his albums. Def worth it.

Miss Karen's version is the best!

I adore her, I haven't heard Karen's version. I gave my Carpenter's cd to my cousin and yesterday I borrowed "Yesterday Once More." I'll play it soon.