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The Tragic Genius And Enduring Soul: 7 Secrets Behind Donny Hathaway's 'This Christmas' That Make It A Holiday Classic

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Every holiday season, a particular song rises above the rest, a powerful, soulful anthem that perfectly captures the warmth and joy of the Christmas spirit: Donny Hathaway's "This Christmas." Released over five decades ago, this timeless track remains an indispensable part of the holiday soundtrack, especially within Black American households, and its enduring popularity is currently experiencing a massive resurgence, with fans and even his daughter, Lalah Hathaway, campaigning to push the 1970 classic to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts this December 2025. This article dives deep into the tragic genius of Donny Hathaway and the seven fascinating secrets behind the creation and lasting legacy of his most beloved solo hit. The song's story is as complex and soulful as the man who sang it, a man whose career was tragically cut short but whose musical legacy continues to grow with each passing year. From its humble beginnings as an attempt to create a new, modern holiday standard to its current status as a cultural phenomenon, "This Christmas" is a masterpiece of soul music and a testament to Hathaway's unparalleled talent.

The Life and Tragic Genius of Donny Hathaway

Donny Edward Hathaway (born Donny Edward Pitts) was an American soul music singer, composer, keyboardist, and arranger, widely regarded as one of the most significant figures in soul music history.

  • Born: October 1, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
  • Early Life: Raised in St. Louis by his grandmother, Martha Pitts, a gospel singer.
  • Education: Attended Howard University on a fine arts scholarship, where he started his first musical group, the Ric Powell Trio.
  • Career Highlights: Known for his work with Roberta Flack, including the Grammy-winning duet "Where Is the Love." He was a prolific arranger, producer, and session musician for artists like Aretha Franklin and Curtis Mayfield.
  • Signature Songs: "The Ghetto," "A Song for You," "Where Is the Love" (with Roberta Flack), and the iconic "This Christmas."
  • Personal Life: Married Eulaulah Hathaway, with whom he had two daughters, Kenya Hathaway and five-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway.
  • Mental Health Struggle: Hathaway struggled with severe depression and paranoid schizophrenia throughout his career, which often led to hospitalizations and professional setbacks.
  • Died: January 13, 1979, at the age of 33, in Manhattan, New York. His death was ruled a suicide after he fell from the 15th-story window of his room at the Essex House hotel.

7 Undeniable Reasons 'This Christmas' Remains a Soulful Masterpiece

The success of "This Christmas" is not an accident; it is the result of intentional artistry, cultural significance, and a unique sound that set it apart from all other holiday songs of its time. Here are the seven secrets behind its enduring power.

1. It Was an Intentional Anthem for Black America

Donny Hathaway was reportedly obsessed with the idea of creating the next great holiday standard, specifically one that would resonate deeply within the Black community. At the time, while classics like "White Christmas" and "The Christmas Song" were beloved, Hathaway and his co-writer, Nadine McKinnor, sought to craft a song that reflected the warmth, soul, and joy of Black households. The song succeeded in this mission, becoming the first truly modern Christmas song to sound authentically soulful and Black.

2. The Song Was Co-Written by a High School Student

One of the most surprising facts about the song's creation is the identity of the co-writer: Nadine McKinnor. McKinnor was a high school student in Chicago and an interior decorator who worked for Hathaway at the time. She penned the original lyrics, which were inspired by her own childhood memories and the classic structure of Nat King Cole's "The Christmas Song." Hathaway then composed the music and added his own lyrical touches, solidifying their collaborative effort.

3. The Original Release Was a Flop

Despite its legendary status today, "This Christmas" was not an immediate hit. It was released in 1970 on Atco Records but was initially a commercial failure. The song failed to chart and was quickly pulled from circulation. Its enduring popularity was built slowly over the years, primarily through radio play and inclusion on various Christmas compilations, demonstrating a true grassroots rise to fame.

4. The Production Was Handled by a Legend

The lush, warm, and sophisticated sound of "This Christmas" is largely credited to legendary producer Arif Mardin. Mardin, a Turkish-American music producer and arranger, was known for his work with artists like The Bee Gees, Chaka Khan, and Aretha Franklin. His arrangement on "This Christmas" perfectly blends the orchestral holiday feel with the raw, deep groove of soul music, creating a sonic texture that is both festive and deeply emotional.

5. Lalah Hathaway's Duet is a Modern Miracle

In a powerful testament to his enduring legacy, Donny's daughter, five-time Grammy Award winner Lalah Hathaway, released a stunning, modern "duet" with her late father. Using modern technology and her own incredible vocal talent, Lalah recorded her voice alongside her father's original track, creating a moving and seamless collaboration that brought new life and attention to the song decades after his death. This unique version highlights the generational power of the Hathaway musical dynasty.

6. The Unstoppable Push to Get It to No. 1

In recent years, a dedicated movement has emerged to finally push "This Christmas" to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts, a feat the song has never achieved. Driven by fans, music critics, and even Lalah Hathaway, the campaign urges people to stream, purchase, and playlist the original 1970 version to secure its rightful place at the top. This collective effort speaks volumes about the song's cultural importance, proving that a classic R&B track from the past can compete with modern pop holiday hits like Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You."

7. Its Influence is Seen in Countless Covers

The true measure of a song's greatness is its influence, and "This Christmas" has been covered by an astonishing array of artists across multiple genres, confirming its status as a holiday standard. From R&B and soul powerhouses like Chris Brown, The Temptations, and Usher, to pop stars like Christina Aguilera and the jazz interpretations by musicians featured on the Rhino Records' anthology Never My Love, the song's structure and melody are universally praised. Each new cover, such as the recent reinterpretation by powerhouse vocalist David Michael Wyatt, only further cements Donny Hathaway's enduring musical spirit and the timeless quality of his composition.

The Undying Legacy of Donny Hathaway's Christmas Masterpiece

"This Christmas" is more than just a holiday song; it is a piece of cultural history and a powerful symbol of Donny Hathaway's genius. Despite his short life and struggles with mental illness, his music, particularly this soulful Christmas carol, continues to connect with new generations. His legacy, which also includes his essential collaborations with Roberta Flack and his solo R&B work, remains an essential pillar of soul music. The enduring warmth and sincere emotion captured in his 1970 recording ensure that for every Christmas to come, Donny Hathaway's voice will be the sound of soul, love, and holiday cheer.

this christmas donny hathaway
this christmas donny hathaway

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