Friday, April 13, 2007

Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway "Where is the Love" 45




This was a real dynamic duo. Their creative interplay together and on each other's records is amazing. This 45 should be familiar to most, unfortunately thanks to the Black Eyed Peas. Regardless I wanted to take a minute and show love to Donny Hathaway a tortured genius who composed some real heart rending soul without any sap.
His take on Ghetto life in the 70s was a huge influence on many who came later(Ghostface for example) Even a quick check of thebreaks.com will show you he has been sampled by everyone for Beck to Too Short and Wu Tang to B.I.G. His music has that timeless quality that people can always come back to. His Altantic LPs from the early 70s Everything is Everything, Donny Hathaway, Live, Roberta & Donny, and Extensions of Man span a 3 year 5 album run of brilliance. The depression that impacted his career and may have taken his life is always lurking in the often melancholy grooves. Despite this he managed to write the theme song to.... "Maude"???? Who knew. Maybe Bea Arthur explains the sadness.
I think I have made clear how much I love Roberta so I won't push that any further. This was the real deal for a "creative partnership" and if you don't know go check him out.

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