Grammy-nominated performing artist
Lalah Hathaway possesses a rare versatility, fusing pop, funk, jazz, blues, and R&B in her classically trained sound. But it’s perhaps not
surprising considering her pedigree—her father is the late soul legend
Donny Hathaway, whom she affectionately describes as “the greatest singer of all time.” Lalah Hathaway studied at the prestigious Berklee
College of Music in Boston, and recorded her sixth album,
Where It All Begins, last year. This Saturday, the “first daughter of soul” plays the Howard Theatre; we caught up with her to discuss bucket lists,
musical legacies, and her parents’ Washington roots.
How does it feel to be performing in Washington, specifically at the Howard Theatre?
I’ve been in Washington quite a bit this year. I’m
always excited to be here. I have quite a bit of family in the area. I’m
sort of an honorary Howard baby since both of my parents went
there, so I’m excited about performing again at Howard Theatre.
I was actually at its
reopening,
which was a big star-studded event. To do our own show there is
great.
You’ve been called the first daughter of soul, but
you’re also jazzy and funky, and you do a lot of fusion. Are labels
problematic
for you?
You know I actually made that [title] up, so it suits me fine.
You made it up?
Yeah, I started saying it and then people started saying it. It’s fine with me. I really don’t associate with labels in music.
I’m truly a musician at heart. Labels don’t faze me one way or another.
So would you say you’re comfortable existing in any genre?
Absolutely. What I really strive for is to be the most
well-rounded musician I can be. And that means I do and play all the
music I’ve been informed by my whole life. I really enjoy
sitting with other different types of artists, making different
kinds of music.
Any plans to try your hand at other arts forms?
I’m really into photography. I make a lot of things.
I’m one of those creative chicks who does all sorts of things: I
crochet,
I knit, I paint. I’m really interested in comedy, in acting, in
learning how to be a better pianist. Interested in the arts.
Rolling Stone
included your father on its list of the 100 Greatest
Singers of All
Time.
What’s it like being the daughter of a soul legend?
I actually say he’s the greatest singer of all time. I
am a child of the parents that I believe I chose, and I did very well.
It never dawned on me that there was anything special to it. I
recognize that I do what I do in the same way that my father
did. And I also recognize that for people that’s kind of
phenomenal.
Your father passed when you were very young. What’s it like coming of age, not only in the business but in life, with the
ghost of your father so present?
It’s interesting. For the past 20 or 30 years I’ve
been trying to explain to people what it’s like, and I really can’t put
my finger on it. What’s weird is when you’re associated with a
legend, they never really die. Every day someone talks to me
about my father. And that’s not hyperbole. Every single day
someone asks a question or something will be on radio or television
[about my father]. It’s kind of like he’s not gone; it’s a
beautiful and rare situation. It’s sometimes a weird and twisted
situation, but for the most part . . . I’m glad I have his
voice with me at all times.
You’ve been in the business for more than 20 years now. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about the business?
My mom has given me my favorite [advice]: Make sure you have a good attorney.
You came out with a new album,
Where It All Begins, last fall. How’s that been?
I’m still touring. As much as I can, I find myself working. My album is still out—not quite platinum yet, but I’m still working
toward that goal. I’m really proud of this album.
Do you have a bucket list?
I hate to call it a bucket list.
Okay, let’s call it before-80 list.
There are a lot of things I’d like to do just within
the music industry alone. There are people I want to work with, records
I want to realize, songs I want to sing. Places I’ve never been
and played music. I want to go to Australia, South Africa—so
many places around the world where people like soul music that
I’d like to go. There are some cars I’d like to buy. A lot
of people I’d like to help.
Tell me a bit more about that.
Well, we live in a crazy world, and I [pay attention
to] kids. On one level there’s a lot I can’t do, but on a very real
level
there’s a lot I can do. What I can do is make sure kids have
music. I really do advocate for music education. Music and love
are pretty much the same thing, and they tend to save a lot of
lives. I advocate for children to experience music, because
it continues to be such an experience for me.
Lalah Hathaway performs at the Howard Theatre this Saturday, May 26. Tickets ($55 to $60) are available on the Howard Theatre’s
website.
