Donny Hathaway to receive posthumous Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
by Staff Editor
Just in from sources over at Vibe, the Recording Academy will be honoring Donny Hathaway with a Lifetime Achievement Award for the 40th anniversary of the late soul singer’s death.
“Each year, the Recording Academy has the distinct privilege of celebrating music industry giants who have greatly contributed to our cultural heritage,” said Recording Academy President and CEO, Neil Portnow, via Business Wire. “This year, we have a gifted and brilliant group of honorees and their exceptional accomplishments, contributions, and artistry will continue to influence and inspire generations to come.”
Hathaway recorded many classic hits including “Someday We’ll All Be Free,” “A Song For You,” and “This Christmas.” The Chicago native was found dead on January 13, 1979 outside of the Essex House hotel in New York where the incident was ruled a suicide.
As stated on the Grammy website, “Donny Hathaway was a versatile soul stylist who built his legend singing both urban protest songs as well as smooth, signature duets with the likes of Roberta Flack, despite his far-too-short career.
The Academy will also be giving folks their flowers while they’re here with Dionne Warwick and George Clinton & Parliament also receiving lifetime achievement honors. Other honorees include Black Sabbath, Julio Iglesias, Billy Eckstine and Sam & Dave.”
The 61st Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will broadcast on February 10, 2019 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. A special presentation for the lifetime achievement awards is scheduled for May 11, 2019.