Coordinates	34°58′17″N138°53′41″N
name	Anita Baker
background	solo_singer
born	January 26, 1958Toledo, Ohio, United States
origin	Detroit, Michigan, United States
genre	R&B;, soul jazz, smooth jazz, soul, quiet storm
occupation	Singer-songwriter
years active	1978–present
label	Ariola (1979)Beverly Glen Records (1982-1984)Elektra (1985-1995)Atlantic (1996-2001)Blue Note (2004-present)
website	Blue Note artist page }}

Anita Baker (born January 26, 1958 in Toledo, Ohio and raised in Detroit, Michigan) is an American R&B;/soul jazz singer-songwriter. To date, Baker has won eight Grammy Awards, and has four platinum albums and two gold albums to her credit.

Music career

''Chapter 8 '' (1979)

In 1975, Baker (Contralto) joined the Detroit based band, Chapter 8, which featured Michael J. Powell, who would later produce her solo works. The band eventually got a record deal with Ariola, and their self-titled debut ''Chapter 8'' came out in Fall 1979. Two singles hit the R&B; charts: "Ready for Your Love," a duet between Baker and group member Gerald Lyles; and the Baker-led "I Just Wanna Be Your Girl."

Ariola Records was bought by Arista. The executives at Arista did not want to renew Chapter 8's contract.

''The Songstress'' (1983)

Baker released her solo debut album, ''The Songstress'', in 1983. Produced by Patrick Moten and Otis Smith, the album was released on a small label, Beverly Glen Records. The album helped launch Baker's career as it found minor success on the R&B; chart. Baker herself co-wrote the album's opening track, "Angel".

''Rapture'' (1985-1986)

In 1985, Baker signed a contract with Elektra Records, a division of Warner Music Group. She released her second album, ''Rapture'', in 1986. Produced by her friend Michael J. Powell (from the Detroit soul band Chapter 8), Baker wrote several tracks for the album herself including "Been So Long" and "Watch Your Step", and co-wrote the single "Sweet Love" which became her first mainstream hit; it peaked at number eight on the U.S. ''Billboard'' Hot 100, number two on the U.S. Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Songs, also making the Top 20 in the United Kingdom. "Caught Up in the Rapture", "No One in the World", and "Same Ole Love" also became major R&B; and adult contemporary chart hits during 1986 and 1987. ''Rapture'' ultimately became Anita's biggest-selling career disc and went on to sell nearly eight million copies worldwide and earned Baker two Grammy Awards in 1987: Best R&B; Vocal Performance, Female for the album and Best Rhythm & Blues Song for "Sweet Love". Baker's world tour for her ''Rapture'' album, entitled A Night of Rapture, was filmed and released on home video (and DVD in 2007).

In 1987, Baker collaborated with The Winans on the single "Ain't No Need to Worry", which led Baker to her third Grammy Award the following year, in the Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus category.

''Giving You the Best That I Got'' (1988)

Baker's third album, ''Giving You the Best That I Got'', was released in October 1988. She again worked with Powell, and the album became a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the ''Billboard'' 200 chart and selling five million copies worldwide (including three million in the U.S. alone). It featured such hits as "Just Because" and the title track, which became Baker's biggest pop hit, reaching number three on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 while topping both the R&B; and adult contemporary charts. The album also won three more Grammy awards.

''Compositions'' (1990)

Baker returned to the studio in 1990 for her fourth album (her third for Elektra), entitled ''Compositions''. Once again produced by Powell, this time Baker became more involved in the songwriting and production process and began to experiment with jazz influences. Baker wrote or co-wrote seven of the nine songs on the album, including the hits "Talk to Me", "Fairy Tales", "No One to Blame", and "Whatever It Takes" (written with Gerald Levert). The album was mostly cut "live", in that the rhythm section was playing as Baker sang. The album included musicians Greg Phillinganes, Nathan East, Paulinho da Costa, Vernon Fails, Ricky Lawson, and Stephen Ferrone.

Though the three singles from ''Compositions'' all failed to reach the top forty of the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 ("Talk to Me" came closest at number forty-four), they still became top twenty hits on the R&B; chart and were also moderate adult contemporary hits. ''Compositions'' peaked at number five on the ''Billboard'' 200, number three on the ''Billboard'' Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums, and number four on the ''Billboard'' Top Contemporary Jazz Albums, and was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. The album also earned Baker her seventh Grammy Award and her fourth in the category of Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance. Amazingly she had won in that category four out of the past five awards ceremonies 1987 - 1991.

Following ''Compositions'', Elektra Records secured the rights to Baker's debut album ''The Songstress'' from 1983, and re-released it with a new cover artwork in 1991.

After almost five years of touring, performing, and recording non-stop, Baker took a break, only entering the studio to record the jazz standard "Witchcraft" with Frank Sinatra for his 1993 ''Duets'' album.

''Rhythm of Love'' (1994)

Baker's fifth album, ''Rhythm of Love'', was issued in September 1994. After ending her successful partnership with Powell, Baker produced most of the album herself along with many famous producers such as George Duke, Arif Mardin, Barry J. Eastmond, and Tommy LiPuma. ''Rhythm of Love'' was mainly recorded at Baker's home due to her pregnancy at the time, and she wrote five of the album's twelve songs. The album was another commercial success, peaking at number three on the ''Billboard'' 200 and number one on the ''Billboard'' Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums, and eventually being certified double platinum by the RIAA. The first single, "Body and Soul", became Baker's first U.S. top forty hit in over five years. Baker won the award for Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance for the single "I Apologize" at the 1996 Grammy Awards, her fifth Grammy Award in this category and her eighth overall. Baker embarked on the ''Rhythm of Love World Tour'' in support of the album, on December 14, 1994 to November 14, 1995.

Recent career

In June 2002, Rhino Records released ''The Best of Anita Baker'' (known as ''Sweet Love: The Very Best of Anita Baker'' in the UK, with a slightly different track listing), a compilation of Baker's material from 1983–2002.

Two years later, in March 2004, Blue Note Records announced that they had signed Baker to an exclusive recording contract that would result in at least two albums. Bruce Lundvall, president and CEO of EMI Jazz & Classics, signed her after she approached him to record for Blue Note. At the same time Rhino Records released ''A Night of Rapture: Live'', a compilation that contained nine live tracks and three multimedia videos recorded in the late 1980s.

In September 2004, a decade after her last studio album, Baker released a new album, entitled ''My Everything''. Co-produced by Barry J. Eastmond and Baker herself, she wrote or co-wrote nine of this album's ten tracks, including a duet with Babyface, "Like You Used to Do". Though she had been out of the limelight for some considerable time, the album was a success and debuted at number four on the ''Billboard'' 200 and number one on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums. The album was certified gold by the RIAA, denoting sales in excess of 500,000 units in the U.S.

In October 2005, Baker released her first Christmas album, ''Christmas Fantasy''. Again produced by Baker and Eastmond, the album mixed traditional Christmas carols ("God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"), standards ("I'll Be Home for Christmas"), re-imagined classics ("Frosty's Rag"), Broadway show tunes ("My Favorite Things"), and three new songs by Baker and Eastmond ("Moonlight Sleighride", "Family of Man", and "Christmas Fantasy"). She received a Grammy Award nomination in 2007 for Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance for the song "Christmas Time Is Here".

In 2007, Baker appeared on Dave Koz's album ''At the Movies''. She sang "Somewhere" from the Broadway musical ''West Side Story''.

Baker embarked on a concert tour in 2008, entitled ''An Evening with Anita Baker''. Her performance at DTE Energy Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on July 12, 2008, was recorded and Baker announced plans to release a new DVD and/or CD live album in early 2009.

On September 19, 2008, BusyBoy Productions filmed her entire ''An Evening with Anita Baker'' concert at Mystic Lake Casino Hotel in Prior Lake, Minnesota, for Baker's up-and-coming DVD and B-roll footage for promotional purposes.

On April 25, 2010, Baker performed at the New Orleans Annual Jazz Fest 2010 at the Congo Square Stage.

On June 10, 2010, Baker sang the National Anthem at Game 4 of the NBA Finals in TD Garden. Her performance was criticized by some viewers.

Baker will be releasing a new album in the beginning of 2011 entitled "21st Century Love", her seventh studio album, which will be released on Blue Note Records/EMI.

Selected awards and accolades

Grammy Awards

{| class=wikitable |- | colspan=4 align=center | Grammy Award history |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominated work ! Result |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 1987 | Best R&B; Vocal Performance, Female | ''Rapture'' | |- align=center | Best Rhythm & Blues Song | "Sweet Love" | |- align=center | rowspan="2"| 1988 | Best Soul Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group, Choir or Chorus | "Ain't No Need to Worry" (with The Winans) | |- align=center | Best R&B; Vocal Performance, Female | "Giving You The Best That I Got" | |- align=center |rowspan="4"| 1989 | Record of the Year | "Giving You the Best That I Got" | |- align=center | Song of the Year | "Giving You the Best That I Got" | |- align=center | Best R&B; Vocal Performance, Female | "Giving You the Best That I Got" | |- align=center | Best Rhythm & Blues Song | "Giving You the Best That I Got" | |- align=center | 1990 | Best R&B; Vocal Performance, Female | Compositions | |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 1995 | Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance | "Body and Soul" | |- align=center | Best R&B; Album | ''Rhythm of Love'' | |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 1996 | Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance | "I Apologize" | |- align=center | Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals | "When You Love Someone" (with James Ingram) | |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 2005 | Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance | "You're My Everything" | |- align=center | Best R&B; Album | ''My Everything'' | |- align=center | 2007 | Best Traditional R&B; Vocal Performance | "Christmas Time Is Here" | |}

American Music Awards

{| class=wikitable |- | colspan=4 align=center | American Music Award history |- ! Year ! Category ! Nominated work ! Result |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 1987 | Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist | Anita Baker | |- align=center | Favorite Soul/R&B; Album | ''Rapture'' | |- align=center |rowspan="2"| 1988 | Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist | Anita Baker | |- align=center | Favorite Soul/R&B; Album | ''Rapture'' | |- align=center |rowspan="3"| 1990 | Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist | Anita Baker | |- align=center | Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist | Anita Baker | |- align=center | Favorite Soul/R&B; Single | "Just Because" | |- align=center | 1995 | Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist | Anita Baker | |- align=center | 1996 | Favorite Soul/R&B; Female Artist | Anita Baker | |}

Other honors

Baker received a "Legend Award" at the 2010 Soul Train Music Awards, where she also performed and was honored..

{| class=wikitable |- ! Year ! Category ! Organization ! Result |- align=center | 1994 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | | Star at 7021 Hollywood Blvd. |- align=center | 2005 | International Artist of the Year | Canadian Smooth Jazz Award | |- align=center |}

Personal life

She married Walter Bridgforth Jr. on Christmas Eve 1988. As of October 2007 they were finalizing their divorce. They have two sons, Walter Baker Bridgforth (born January 1993) and Edward Carlton Bridgforth (born May 1994). Baker currently lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Discography

1979: ''Chapter 8''

1983: ''The Songstress''

1986: ''Rapture''

1988: ''Giving You the Best That I Got''

1990: ''Compositions''

1994: ''Rhythm of Love''

2004: ''My Everything''

2011: ''21st Century Love''

Tours

''A Night of Rapture Tour'' (1986/87)

''Giving You The Best Tour'' (1988)

''Compositions World Tour'' (1990)

''The Rhythm of Love Tour'' (1994/95)

''An Evening with Anita Baker Tour'' (2008)

References

External links

Official Website

Anita Baker on Blue Note Records

Biography and note to fans at SoulTracks

Official Myspace Page

Category:1958 births Category:African American singer-songwriters Category:African American female singer-songwriters Category:American contraltos Category:American jazz singers Category:American rhythm and blues singer-songwriters Category:American soul singers Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Blue Note Records artists Category:Living people Category:Musicians from Ohio Category:People from Detroit, Michigan Category:People from Toledo, Ohio Category:Smooth jazz singers Category:Women in jazz

de:Anita Baker es:Anita Baker fr:Anita Baker id:Anita Baker nl:Anita Baker ja:アニタ・ベイカー pl:Anita Baker pt:Anita Baker fi:Anita Baker tr:Anita Baker

Coordinates	34°58′17″N138°53′41″N
name	George Duke
background	solo_singer
born	January 12, 1946San Rafael, CaliforniaUnited States
instrument	Vocals, piano, synthesizer, keyboards, contrabass, trombone
genre	Jazz fusion, R&B;, funk, Alternative rock music, rock and roll, jazz pop, post-disco, Crossover jazz
occupation	MusicianComposerMusical directorProducerEducator
years active	1967– present
label	Pacific Jazz, Pickwick, MPS/SABA, MPS/BASF, Atlantic, Epic/CBS, Elektra, Warner Bros., Bizarre, Telarc Jazz, Heads Up
associated acts	Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio, Frank Zappa, Cannonball Adderley
website	George Duke official site.com
notable instruments	Moog synthesizer }}

George Duke (born 12 January 1946 in San Rafael, California) is a piano and synthesizer pioneer and singer. A multi-talented musician, he has worked with numerous acclaimed artists spanning numerous genres as a recording artist, composer, record producer, professor of music, and music director. He made a name for himself with the album ''The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio''. He is known for his solo work as well as for his collaborations with other musicians, particularly Frank Zappa.

Career

Early years

Duke attended Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley before earning a bachelor's degree in trombone and composition with a minor in contrabass, from the San Francisco Conservatory in 1967. Duke was also a judge for the 2nd annual Independent Music Awards to support independent artists' careers.

"No Rhyme or No Reason" can be heard during the period of time designated as Quiet Storm

Duke's songs have been used by a wide variety of contemporary musicians in a wide array of genres. These include: "I Love You More", sampled by house music-act Daft Punk for their hit "Digital Love"; "Guilty", sampled by electronica music artist Mylo in his song "Guilty of Love" on ''Destroy Rock & Roll''.

"For Love", sampled by underground hip hop artist MF Doom on his track "I Hear Voices";

"Someday", sampled by hip hop artist/producer Kanye West for Common in "''Break My Heart''" on his "Finding Forever" album; "You and Me", sampled and used by soul/rhythm and blues influenced hip hop-producer 9th Wonder for his collaboration album with Kaze for the track "Spirit Of '94" on the album ''Spirit Of '94: Version 9.0''; and "Reach for It", sampled by Ice Cube in "True to the Game" on his ''Death Certificate'' album and Spice 1 in "In My Neighborhood" on his self-titled debut album.

Recently, Duke worked with Jill Scott on her third studio album, ''The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3''; guesting on the track, "Whenever You're Around". Since it was released it has peaked at No.56 on U.S. Hot R&B;/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks.

Discography

As Leader

!align=left 1966 1969 1970 1971 1971 1974 1974 1974 1975 1976 1976 1976 1977 1977 1978 1979 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1983 1984 1985 1986 1989 1990 1992 1993 1995 1997 1998 2000 2002 2005 2006 2008 2010

Title !!width=100|Year!!Label||
align=left	''George Duke Quartet Presented by the Jazz Workshop 1''	| align=left|MPS,SABA ||
align=left	''The Jean-Luc Ponty Experience with the George Duke Trio''	|	Pacific Jazz
align=left	''Save the Country 2''	| align=left|Pickwick ||
align=left	''Solus 3''	| align=left|MPS,SABA ||
align=left	''The Inner Source (2-LP)''	| align=left|MPS/BASF ||
align=left	''Faces in Reflection''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''Feel''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''The Aura Will Prevail''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''I Love the Blues, She Heard My Cry''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''Liberated Fantasies''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''The Billy Cobham – George Duke Band 'Live' on Tour in Europe''	| align=left|Atlantic ||
align=left	''The Dream 4''	|	MPS/BASF
align=left	''From Me to You''	| align=left|Epic/CBS ||
align=left	''Reach for It''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Don't Let Go''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Follow the Rainbow''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Master of the Game''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Brazilian Love Affair''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Clarke/Duke Project''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Dream On''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Clarke/Duke Project 2''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Guardian of the Light''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Rendezvous''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Thief in the Night''	| align=left|Elektra ||
align=left	''George Duke''	|	Elektra
align=left	''Night After Night''	|	Elektra
align=left	''Clarke/Duke Project 3''	|	Epic/CBS
align=left	''Snapshot''	| align=left|Warner Bros. ||
align=left	''Muir Woods Suite''	|	Warner Bros.
align=left	''Illusions''	|	Warner Bros.
align=left	''Is Love Enough''	|	Warner Bros.
align=left	''After Hours''	|	Warner Bros.
align=left	''Cool''	|	Warner Bros.
align=left	''Face the Music''	|	Bizarre Planet
align=left	''Duke''	|	Bizarre Planet
align=left	''In a Mellow Tone''	|	Bizarre Planet
align=left	''Dukey Treats''	| align=left|Heads Up ||
align=left	''Déjà Vu''	| align=left|Telarc Jazz||

''¹ Rereleased as "The Primal" by MPS in 1978.'' ''² Rereleased as "Pacific Jazz" by United Artists in 1978 albeit with a different tracklisting.'' ''³ Solus was recorded in April 1971 and intended to be released as a single album by SABA but when SABA folded and became MPS the powers that be decided to postpone its release. They finally put it out as a double album in 1976 together with George's MPS debut "The Inner Source". The latter was recorded in October 1971.'' ''⁴ Recorded in 1976 and released in 1978 (Europe-only). Released in the USA (in a slightly different version) as "The 1976 Solo Keyboard Album" by Epic/CBS in 1982.''

As Sideman

With Eddie Henderson

''Sunburst'' (Blue Note, 1975)

With Alphonse Mouzon

''The Man Incognito'' (Blue Note, 1975)

With Flora Purim

''That's What She Said'' (Milestone Records, 1978)

With Michael Jackson

''Off the Wall'' (Epic, 1979)

With Miles Davis

''Tutu'' (Warner Bros, 1986)

''Amandla'' (Warner Bros, 1989)

With Jean-Luc Ponty

''Individual Choice'' (Atlantic, 1983)

With Dianne Reeves

''Dianne Reeves'' (Blue Note, 1987)

''Never Too Far'' (EMI, 1989)

''Quiet After The Storm'' (Blue Note, 1995)

''Bridges'' (Blue Note, 1999)

''In the Moment – Live in Concert'' (Blue Note, 2000)

With Deniece Williams

''Let's Hear It For the Boy'' (Columbia, 1984)

''Love, Niecy Style'' (Shanachie, 2007)

With Joe Sample

''Sample This'' (Warner Bros, 1997)

References

External links

Official site

George Duke at NPR Music

George Duke interview at allaboutjazz.com "New album, more treats".

George Duke interview at allaboutjazz.com "Deja Vu".

Category:1946 births Category:Living people Category:American jazz pianists Category:American television composers Category:Boogie musicians Category:Grammy Award winners Category:The Mothers of Invention members Category:Epic Records artists Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Elektra Records artists Category:Heads Up International artists Category:MPS Records artists Category:Warner Bros. Records artists Category:People from the San Francisco Bay Area Category:San Francisco Conservatory of Music alumni Category:Smooth jazz pianists

da:George Duke de:George Duke es:George Duke fr:George Duke it:George Duke hu:George Duke ja:ジョージ・デューク no:George Duke pt:George Duke

Coordinates	34°58′17″N138°53′41″N
Name	Lalah Hathaway
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Eulaulah Donyll Hathaway
Birth date	December 16, 1968
Origin	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Instrument	Piano, Vocals
Genre	R&B;, soul, jazz
Occupation	Singer-songwriter, record producer, arranger, pianist
Years active	1986–present
Label	Virgin, GRP, Mesa Bluemoon, Stax, Concord Music Group
Associated acts	Marcus Miller, Rahsaan Patterson
Website	Lalah Hathaway.com }}

Eulaulah Donyll Hathaway (born on December 16, 1968) best known as Lalah Hathaway referred to as the First Daughter of Soul, is a contemporary R&B; and jazz singer. She is the daughter of soul singer Donny Hathaway and classically trained vocalist Eulaulah. In 1990, Lalah Hathaway released her self-titled album, Lalah Hathaway. The album's first single was "Heaven Knows" produced by Derek Bramble. The follow-up single was "Baby Don't Cry" produced by Angela Winbush.

In 1991, Hathaway released her extended play, ''Night & Day'' in Japan. ''A Moment'' was released in 1994, debuting at #34 on the Top R&B; albums chart. The lead single ''"Let Me Love You"'' charted on the Hot R&B; charts at #37. In 1999, Lalah Hathaway colloborated with Joe Sample and released her third album ''The Song Lives On''. After a five year hiatus, Hathaway returned with her fourth album ''Outrun the Sky''. The single ''"Forever, For Always, For Love"'' peaked #1 on the Hot Adult R&B; Airplay.

In 2007, Hathaway signed to Stax Records and in 2008 released her fifth album ''Self Portrait''. ''Self Portrait'' released on June 3, 2008 in the United States, debuted at #63 on the ''Billboard'''s Hot 200 and reached the top ten on the Top R&B; albums chart, making this album, Hathaway's most successful album to date. She received a Best Female R&B; Vocal Performance Grammy Award nomination for "That Was Then".

Early life and career beginnings

Lalah Hathaway was born in Chicago, Illinois, on December 16, 1968. Hathaway is the daughter of Donny Hathaway, an R&B; and soul singer, and Eulaulah Hathaway, an accomplished musician. Her sister Kenya is one of the three backup singers of the TV program American Idol. In 1979, Hathaway lost her father, Donny Hathaway at the age of ten. His body did not have any indication of struggle, and the glass from the window in Hathaway's room had been removed; investigators determined Hathaway had committed suicide.

The Chicago native first put pen to paper, "with the music," as a 10th grader. In 1989, Hathaway signed to Virgin Records and released her first song "Inside the Beat", which was released as a promo single. Later, as a student at Berklee College of Music, she recorded her self-titled debut in 1990.

Recording career

''Lalah Hathaway'' and ''A Moment'' (1990-1995)

In 1990, Lalah Hathaway released her self-titled debut album, ''Lalah Hathaway''. The album debuted at #191 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 200 and #18 on the Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums charts. The album's lead single ''Heaven Knows'' became a top ten single peaking at #3 on the Hot R&B; charts. The album's second single "Baby Don't Cry" only charted at #18 on the Hot R&B; charts. The follow-up single "I'm Coming Back" was less successful, possibly due to the lack of a music video. The album's final single "Something" debuted at #21 on the Hot R&B; charts. In 1991, Hathaway released an EP entitled ''Night & Day''. The EP was only released in Japan but the single "Night & Day" was released in America. "Night & Day"' debuted at #110 on the Hot R&B; charts. In 1992, Hathaway appeared on Grover Washington's album "Next Exit". The song, "Love Like This", which featured vocals from Lalah Hathaway, was chosen to be the lead single off the album. The single charted at #31 on the Hot R&B; charts.

In 1994, Hathaway followed up her success with her second album, ''A Moment'', which debuted at #34 on the Top R&B; albums chart and #23 on the Heatseekers chart. The release of her second album saw Hathaway embracing an even more progressive sound as producer Brian Alexander Morgan was enlisted for her upbeat lead single "Let Me Love You", which debuted at the #37 on the Hot R&B; charts. Later that year, the songs "Separate Ways" and "Family Affair" were released as singles, although neither charted. The album did not sell as well as her first release and eventually Hathaway left Virgin.

''The Song Lives On'' (1998-2000)

She continued working with many other established artists, including Take 6, Mary J. Blige, The Winans, and Marcus Miller, writing, producing and doing background vocals. In 1999, Hathaway joined GRP Records and collaborated with jazz legend Joe Sample on the album ''The Song Lives On''. ''The Song Lives On'', topped the jazz charts at #2. The album became Hathaway's second debut on the Billboard's Hot 200 and later charted on Top R&B; album chart. The single "When Your Life Was Low" charted only on the Hot R&B; charts at #118. The album's second single "Fever" failed to chart.

''The Song Lives On'' went on to become one of Hathaway and Joe Sample's most successful album to chart. In response to the album's success, Hathaway and Sample were honored with Billboard/BET On Jazz Award for "Mainstream Jazz Album".

''Outrun the Sky'' (2003-2006)

In 2003, Lalah Hathaway appeared alongside Sanctuary, Pyramid, Mesa, and Blue Moon Records. In 2004, Hathaway released a cover version of Luther Vandross's song "Forever, For Always, For Love". The song later appeared on the all-star tribute album "Forever, For Always, For Luther" and on Hathaway's fourth album Outrun the Sky. The song was released the lead single and peaked #1 on the Adult R&B; charts. ''Forever, For Always, For Love'' became Hathaway's first single to chart on the Billboard's Hot 100, charting at #112 and #37 on the Hot R&B; charts. Hathaway's first solo album in five years featured production from Rex Rideout, Mike City, and Chris Parks. The album's second single "Better and Better" peaked #121 on the Hot R&B; charts.

Also in 2004, Hathaway was featured on Donald Lawrence's debut solo album ''I Speak Life'' as a lead vocalist on "Don't Forget to Remember". In 2005, Hathaway was seen on the international ''Daughters of Soul'' tour along with Sandra St. Victor, Nona Hendryx, Indira Khan, Simone, and Joyce Kennedy. Continuing her forays into the gospel realm, she could be found on Israel and New Breed's 2006 Christmas album ''A Timeless Christmas'', which also featured Marcus Miller.

Stax and ''Self Portrait'' (2007-2009)

The recently re-launched Stax Records label had announced signing Hathaway. Hathaway stated, "The foundation of soul music is rooted in Stax Records. Working with Maurice White on the Interpretations project was more than special to me. There is no higher compliment than to be signed to a label whose music is timeless. I'm proud to carry the torch that will continue to bring quality soul music to a new audience."

Her first release from Stax was the single "Love's Holiday," from the Earth, Wind, & Fire tribute album ''Interpretations''. In April 2008, Hathaway released her lead single Let Go, which debut at #51 on the Hot R&B; charts and #16 on the Hot Adult R&B; charts. In June 2008, Hathaway's debut for Stax Records, ''Self Portrait'' was released. Collaborating again with producer Rex Rideout on much of the album and working with such artists as Rahsaan Patterson and Sandra St. Victor, ''Self Portrait'' became her most successful album to date, debuting at #6 Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums chart and #63 on the Billboard's Hot 200. The album sold over 9,400 copies in the first week.

After the release of Self Portrait, Hathaway went on tour, which began in July 2008. The ''Self Portrait Tour'' was singer Lalah Hathaway's second solo concert tour, intended to showcase songs from her debut solo album, ''Self Portrait''. The concert tour contained ten tour dates in American and collection of songs from her previous albums, ''Lalah Hathaway'' and ''Outrun the Sky'', and few songs from her present album, ''Self Portrait''. The tour only reached America. In late 2008, "That Was Then" was released as the album's second single. The single debut at #105 on the Hot R&B; charts and #32 on the Hot Adult R&B; Airplay.

In November 2008, Hathaway joined Will Downing and Gerald Albright for the ''Soulful Christmas Tour''. The tour, which kicked off on November 28 at the Detroit Opera House, appeared in the places of Washington, D.C., Memphis, Dallas, Houston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Atlanta. In January 2009, Hathaway appeared on BETJ in an interview and performed before an audience. Lalah Hathaway continued to support the album and she is currently schedule to perform at the ''Capital Jazz Festival'' in Columbia, MD, ''Essence Music Festival'' in New Orleans, LA, and ''Circle of Promise'', which took place in July 2009. In December, 2009 she won the Song of the Year award in the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Award for her duet with DC singer Eric Roberson, "Dealing."

''Where It All Begins'' (2011)

On August 14, 2011, Lalah Hathaway took to her Twitter account to release a free download of "If You Want To," the debut single from her sixth studio album ''Where It All Begins'' releasing October 18, 2011.

Musical style and image

Music and voice

Hathaway, an alto and contralto, has always been identified as the eldest daughter of her father Donny Hathaway. Hathaway's longest singing note held for 17 seconds in the performance of "Forever, For Always, For Love". In many reviews, Lalah is often compared to her father and reviewed to be continuing his vocal style. Lalah has often been criticized for not covering any of her father's songs, although she has appeared on others' recorded covers, such as Take 6's rendition of "Someday We'll All Be Free". Singer Natalie Cole actually stated that Lalah should herself cover at least one song, however, Hathaway replied with statement that she feels she doesn't need to. Hathaway also mentioned during the recording process of her fifth studio album, that she doesn't want to fit into the music industry's current music. Lalah stated, "I don't necessarily want to fit into what’s happening now, but I want to stand with it, doing my own thing. I would really love it if people need the record. I put a lot of myself into this album, so I hope people can hear me and understand who I am."

Although she has created a space for herself, it's not surprising that Hathaway remains connected to her late father and his classic sound. Lalah Hathaway stated "I am his daughter and that’s the truth of who I am, every day. When I was 15, and then, 20, I didn’t get why people were asking me how I felt about him and his music. But when I turned 25, I began to understand. Like my father, I want to leave a legacy of music that makes people really feel something, whether it be happiness, sadness, grief or heartache. I also want them to appreciate my humor which I know can be difficult to interpret in a song."

Songwriting and producing

Between album projects, Hathaway, who has recorded collaborations with Marcus Miller, Meshell Ndegéocello, and Mary J. Blige, keeps her creativity nourished by taking to the global stage and contributing her voice to Daughters of Soul Tour, a musical mélange founded by comrade Sandra St. Victor, and featuring Nona Hendryx, Joyce Kennedy as well as Indira and Simone, daughters of Chaka Khan and Nina Simone.

While it might seem that "On Your Own" from Self Portrait, which re-teams her with Rex Rideout and Rahsaan Patterson, is inspired by a past heartbreak, in fact, the idea for the song came to her in a dream. While Lalah Hathaway is often known for singing down tempo songs, during the period of 2004 and 2008, Hathaway has done mid-tempo songs such as "Let Go", "Let Me Love You", and "Better and Better". Keeping in step with the theme of her family, Hathaway often journeys back to her childhood with "Little Girl", which she co-produced with Rex Rideout, Rahsaan Patterson, and Sandra St. Victor.

Stage

On stage, Hathaway performs the songs longer than the album version with new arrangements. In concert, the stage mainly consists of Lalah Hathaway, the back-up singers, and the band. Often at audience's request, the vocals would be turned higher than band. Hathaway's band would often consist of a keyboardist, guitarist, bassist, and drummer. Most songs would last over approximately five minutes. Dawn! E. Robinson of VocalMusician.com attended a Hathaway in concert and reviewed stating, "The sound in the house was strange – the band was really too loud all evening. Even when the sound guy turned LALAH’s vocals up (at the audience's request) the band got louder. I got the impression that the sound onstage was good though, because none of the singers appeared to be over-singing." Hathaway appeared with her band on Prince's Welcome to America opening concert at the Izod Center, December 15, 2010.

Other Ventures

Philanthropy

Lalah Hathaway is one of the National Ambassadors for the ''Circle of Promise''. Launched in October 2007, the campaign was created by Susan G. Komen for the Cure to educate, empower and mobilize the African-American community in the fight against breast cancer.

"The rate of Black women and girls diagnosed with breast cancer is rising at an alarming rate," said Hathaway. "We are fighting a common enemy. Knowledge and having a take-charge mindset and attitude are critical weapons in the fight against this deadly disease. I became active because I want to be an ambassador of change. If I tell seven of my friends and they tell seven of their friends and so on, the circle will continue to expand and we'll create a chorus of voices within the African-American community to eradicate breast cancer. I truly believe that this is a goal we can achieve together." ''The Circle of Promise'' is nationally represented by several phenomenal African American women. Hathaway has raised money on her tours and record sales to help find a cure for women with breast cancer. She has also influenced women to get tested and tell family members to be aware of the cancer.

Discography

Albums

{|class="wikitable" !rowspan="2"|Year !rowspan="2"|Album !colspan="5"|Peak positions |- !width="40"|U.S. !width="40"|U.S. R&B; !width="40"|U.S. Jazz !width="40"|Heatseekers !width="40"|Comprehensive Albums |- |1990 |''Lalah Hathaway''

1st studio album

Released: October 20, 1990

|align="center"|191 |align="center"|18 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |1994 |''A Moment''

2nd studio album

Released: May 31, 1994

|align="center"|- |align="center"|34 |align="center"|- |align="center"|23 |align="center"|- |- |1999 |''The Song Lives On''

3rd studio album

Released: April 20, 1999

|align="center"|196 |align="center"|53 |align="center"|2 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |2004 |''Outrun the Sky''

4th studio album

Released: September 24, 2004

|align="center"|- |align="center"|34 |align="center"|- |align="center"|18 |align="center"|- |- |2008 |''Self Portrait''

5th studio album

Released: June 3, 2008

|align="center"|63 |align="center"|6 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|67 |- |2008 |''Where It All Begins''

6th studio album

Releasing: October 18, 2011

|align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |}

Singles

{|class="wikitable" style="font-size: 9pt; text-align: " |- bgcolor="#CCCCCC" align="center" ! rowspan="2"| Year ! width="190" rowspan="2"| Title ! colspan="5"|Chart positions ! width="190" rowspan="2"| Album |- |- bgcolor="#DDDDDD" ! width="60"| U.S. ! width="60"| U.S. R&B; ! width="60"| US R&B; Adult Airplay ! width="60"| US Dance ! width="60"| UK |- |align="center" rowspan="1"|1987 |align="left"|"Inside The Beat" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="2"|1990 |align="left"|"Heaven Knows" |align="center"|- |align="center"|3 |align="center"|- |align="center"|35 |align="center"|66 |align= rowspan="4"|''Lalah Hathaway'' |- |align="left"|"Baby Don't Cry" |align="center"|- |align="center"|18 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|54 |- |align="center" rowspan="4"|1991 |align="left"|"I'm Coming Back" |align="center"|- |align="center"|54 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="left"|"Something" |align="center"|- |align="center"|21 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="left"|"Night & Day" |align="center"|- |align="center"|110 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|''Night & Day EP'' |- |align="left"|"Family Affair" (BEF feat. Lalah Hathaway) |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|37 |align= rowspan="1"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="1"|1992 |align="left"|"Love Like This"(Grover Washington feat. Lalah Hathaway) |align="center"|- |align="center"|31 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|''Love Like This'' |- |align="center" rowspan="3"|1994 |align="left"|"Let Me Love You" |align="center"|- |align="center"|37 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="2"|''A Moment'' |- |align="left"|"Separate Ways" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="left"|"Anyone Can Be A Hero" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|''Blankman (Soundtrack)'' |- |align="center" rowspan="2"|1999 |align="left"|"When Your Life Was Low" |align="center"|- |align="center"|118 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="2"|''The Song Lives On'' |- |align="left"|"Fever" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="2"|2004 |align="left"|"Forever, For Always, For Love" |align="center"|112 |align="center"|37 |align="center"|1 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="4"|''Outrun The Sky'' |- |align="left"|"Better and Better" |align="center"|- |align="center"|121 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="2"|2005 |align="left"|"If U Ever" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="left"|"Boston" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="1"|2007 |align="left"|"Love's Holiday" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|''Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind, Fire'' |- |align="center" rowspan="2"|2008 |align="left"|"Let Go" |align="center"|- |align="center"|51 |align="center"|16 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="2"|''Self Portrait'' |- |align="left"|"That Was Then" |align="center"|- |align="center"|105 |align="center"|32 |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |- |align="center" rowspan="1"|2011 |align="left"|"If You Want To" |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align="center"|- |align= rowspan="1"|''Where It All Begins'' |- |}

Album Appearances

! Year	! Song	! Album
1986	"Flying Easy" (Pete Escovedo feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Flying South''
1992	"Love Like This" (Grover Washington Jr. feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Next Exit''
1993	"It's Not Heaven If You're Not There" (The Winans feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''All Out''
1993	"Round Midnight" (Marcus Miller feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''The Sun Don't Lie''
1994	"I Surrender" (Gerald Albright feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Smooth''
1996	"One More Chance" (Art Porter feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Lay Your Hands On Me''
1996	"Summer Breeze" (Wayman Tisdale feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''In The Zone''
1998	"My Only" (Wayman Tisdale feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Decisions''
1998	"24/7" (Bread and Butter feat. Lalah Hathaway & Roy Hargrove)	''The Adventures of Bread and Butter, Vol. 1''
1998	"Summertime" (Marcus Miller feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Live & More''
1999	"All I Ask of You" (Ricky Peterson feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Souvenir''
1999	"When I'm with You" (David Sanborn feat. Lalah Hathaway & Eric Benet)	''Inside''
1999	"I Want You" (John Tropea feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''A Simple Way to Say.. I Love You''
2000	"A Simple Song" (Alex Bugnon feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''As Promised''
2002	"Earth" (Me'shell NdegeOcello feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Cookie: The Anthropological''
2002	"Someday We'll All Be Free" (Take 6 feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Beautiful World''
2003	"You've Got a Friend" (Ken Hirai feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Ken's Bar''
2003	"I Loves You Porgy," "Burning Down the House," "When Your Life Was Low," "People Make the World Go Round," "Killing Me Softly" (Marcus Miller feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''The Ozell Tapes: The Official Bootleg''
2004	"Don't Forget to Remember" (Donald Lawrence feat. Lalah Hathaway & Ramsey Lewis)	''I Speak Life''
2005	"La Villette" (Marcus Miller feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Silver Rain''
2005	"(When Did You Leave) Heaven"(Me'Shell NdegeOcello feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''The Spirit Music Jamia: Dance Of The Infidel''
2006	"Silent Nocturne"/"Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"(Israel & New Breed feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''A Timeless Christmas''
2007	"Heaven" (Mike City feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''We Are Family 2007: Artists & Friends for Hurricane Relief''
2007	"Thought You Should Know"(Carl Thomas feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''So Much Better''
2008	"Ooh" (Marcus Miller feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Marcus''
2009	"Dealing" (Eric Roberson feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Music Fan First''
2010	"You Had To Know" (Kirk Whalum feat. Lalah Hathaway)	''Everything Is Everything: The Music of Donny Hathaway''

Soundtrack appearances

! Year	! Song	! Album
1994	"Anyone Can Be a Hero"	''Blankman'' soundtrack
1996	"God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" (Lalah Hathaway, Marcus Miller, Joshua Redman)	''World Christmas'' (Special Olympics)
1998	"On My Own" (Lalah Hathaway feat. Warren Wiebe)	''Burt Bacharach... Applause "The Look Of Love"''
1999	"Looking Back on Your Love"	''ELT Songs from L.A.'' (VA)
2000	"All This Time" (Lalah Hathaway feat. Marcus Miller)	''Ladies Man'' Soundtrack
2003	"My Love (Holy Night)"	''Cover Morning Musume: Hello Project in International''
2007	"Love's Holiday"	''Interpretations: Celebrating the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire''
2010	"Sun"

Music Videos

Heaven Knows

Baby Don't Cry

Something

Family Affair

Love Like This (Grover Washington feat. Lalah Hathaway)

Let Me Love You

Let Go

Dealing (Eric Roberson feat. Lalah Hathaway)

Awards

Billboard/BET On Jazz Awards

* 1999 - Mainstream Jazz Album "The Song Lives On" - Won

References

External links

Lalah Hathaway official website

Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:American rhythm and blues singers Category:Neo soul singers Category:African American singers Category:American contraltos Category:American jazz singers Category:Women in jazz Category:American soul singers Category:People from Chicago, Illinois Category:Musicians from Illinois

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