SOUL SISTER: LALAH HATHAWAY AND STAX RECORDS

By Mark Anthony Neal | TheRoot.com

 

 

Amid a sea of rump-shaking R&B starlets, Lalah Hathaway shines with her brand of grown-woman soul.

 

 

LALAH HATHAWAY

 

 

 

June 9, 2008–For much of her musical career and indeed her life, Lalah Hathaway’s legendary last name likely mattered most to the people who encountered her. There was a novelty to Hathaway’s debut recording in 1990­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­—the daughter of a legendary soul singer makes good—though 18 years and four recordings later—Hathaway is a fully-grown woman who can stand on her own musically. Self Portrait, marks Hathaway first recording since Outrun the Sky (2004) and also her first recording from the newly-revamped Stax recording label.

 

Given Stax’s singular position as a great—if not the greatest—soul label, it is only fitting that the daughter of the late Donny Hathaway, whose music trafficked in a range of musical genres including gospel and blues, would find a recording home there. “It’s really cool,” Hathaway says of her relationship with the new Stax, “I’m excited just being mentioned in the same breath of such an iconic legendary label that is just synonymous with the concept of soul music all over the world.”

 

On the new record, Hathaway pairs with producer Rex Rideout on most of the tracks. Rideout also produced Hathaway’s earlier version of Luther Vandross’ “Forever, For Always, For Love” which appeared on Outrun the Sky and the Forever, For Always, For Luther smooth jazz tribute to the late Vandross. Hathaway is quite happy with the work she did with Rideout noting that, “Right now for me, he’s the cat.” According to the singer, Rideout was able to “get things out of me that I did not know were there yet. And it’s not by forcing or prodding—there was an ease working with him that I hadn’t felt with a producer before.”

Additionally as the recording’s title suggest, Self Portrait, is the first recording that Hathaway has done in which she could control every aspect of the process. In that sense, the recording offers more of a glimpse into the woman, who as a little girl had access to one of the true geniuses of black music. “Absolutely,” she responds when asked about the personal touch of Self Portrait, “more than any other record, just because of my involvement and that is at every level like choosing the producers and the musicians and the rooms that we mix in and the arrangements and writing and producing…and that’s not to claim it and have it, but it’s really a way to get it like I want it.”

 

 

Such level of control is critical, particularly for black women performers, who in recent years have so often had to sex up in order to get spins at urban radio or on cable networks. In an earlier interview, Hathaway complained about “trying to make a record where I’m not like necessarily out there shaking my ass on TV, and I’m not trying to appeal to the lowest common denominator…it is hard trying to find a place for that.” As such Hathaway has strong words for the state of contemporary media, particularly radio: “Every major city you go into, where Negroes live, really you have got two choices if you want to hear black music: You can listen to the Power station, which is hip-hop or you can listen to the oldies and dusties. And [oldies and dusties] are cool ’cause sometimes they play records, but a lot of times you would get the impression that there’s no new black music being created.”

 

When Hathaway isn’t touring in support of her own music or with the Daughters of Soul tour, which brings together the real and artistic daughters of soul legends including Indira Khan (daughter of Chaka), Simone (daughter of Nina), Nona Hendrix, Sandra St. Victor (of The Family Stand) and Joyce Kennedy (of Mother’s Finest), she finds time for what she calls her “grown-up job.” Currently, Hathaway is a national ambassador for Circle of Promise which charges her with talking with women, particularly black women, about breast cancer.  For Hathaway, the work with Circle of Promise is important because it helps create a dialogue that so many women are afraid to have.

 

One thing that has changed since Hathaway began her career is the power that the Internet has given some performers. According to Hathaway “it’s a great time for independent artists, to be able to reach out to 30,000 people real quick. It’s a strange place particularly for soul music in America and culture in America, period. I think we’re at the tail-end of an era.”

 

 

 

Mark Anthony Neal is a professor at Duke University.

 

Also on The Root:

Veronica Chambers inducts Erykah Badu  into the genius hall of fame, Stephen A. Crockett reviews The Roots, Santogold and Estelle.  Martin Johnson can’t put out the hotness of jazz.

 

SOURCE:  The Root:  http://www.theroot.com )

 

 

1.

Self Portrait by Lalah Hathaway (Audio CD – Jun 3, 2008)

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2.

Lalah Hathaway by Hathaway, Lalah (Audio CD – Jun 29, 1992)

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3.

Outrun the Sky by Hathaway, Lalah (Audio CD – Sep 28, 2004)

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4.

A Moment by Hathaway, Lalah (Audio CD – May 31, 1994)

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The Song Lives On by Sample, Joe and Hathaway, Lalah (Audio CD – April 20, 1999)

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STAX RECORDS

Atlantic Records era (1957-1968) Rufus Thomas Carla Thomas (Atlantic, then Stax) The Mar-Keys (Satellite, then Stax) William Bell The Astors Booker T. & the MGs Eddie Floyd Otis Redding (Volt) The Mad Lads (Volt) Ollie & the Nightingales Wilson Pickett (signed to Atlantic, recorded at Stax) Don Covay (signed to Atlantic, recorded at Stax) Sam and Dave (signed to Atlantic, “loaned” to Stax) The Charmels The Goodees (Hip) Mabel John Albert King Johnnie Taylor The Bar-Kays (Volt) Isaac Hayes (Enterprise) Johnny Daye Judy Clay Arthur Conley (signed to Fame/Atco, recorded at Stax)

Post-Atlantic years (1968-1975) The Soul Children Little Milton The Emotions (Volt) David Porter Richard Pryor (Partee) The Staple Singers The Rance Allen Group Kim Weston The Dramatics (Volt) The Temprees Jean Knight Rev. Jesse Jackson (Respect) Mel and Tim Moms Mabley (Partee) Luther Ingram Frederick Knight Shirley Brown Lena Zavaroni Concord years (2006-present) Angie Stone Soulive Lalah Hathaway

“RESPECT YOURSELF:  THE STAX RECORDS STORY (PBS):  http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/shows/stax/

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC: http://www.soulsvilleusa.com/

For those of you not familiar with the label Stax, it is a recording studio that has given America and the world the very best in soul and rhythm and blues music. I grew up listening to the many great artists who recorded with Stax:

 

Otis Redding (“Sitting on the Docks of the Bay”)

Issac Hayes (“Shaft”, “Hot Buttered Soul”)

The Staple Singers {“Respect Yourself”, “I’ll Take You There”)

Sam and Dave (“Soul Man”, “Who’s Making Love to My Sweet Baby”)

Booker T and The MGs (“Green Onions”)

 

So many outstanding singer/songwriters.

 

Ironically, Stax Records was founded by a white brother and sister team (Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton) who wanted to break into the recording studio industry when they saw the effect Elvis Presley had on the burgeoning beginnings of Rock-and-Roll.

 

Stax had a great history in the 1950S-1960s, fell on hard times around 1977 and had to declare bankruptcy. But, in 2006, it was revived under the Concord Music Group.

 

Stax is back in business, and I am glad that a wonderful recording studio that I grew up with is once again putting out spectacular music that this studio is famous for.

 

Congratulations are definitely in order for Ms. Hathaway for choosing Stax. She picked a studio which has a magnificent history of giving the world the greatest of soul, blues and rhythm and blues that Black Americans have been offering for over 50 years on LPs, cassettes, 8-track tapes, and now CDs, for the world’s listening pleasure.

 

Stax Records/Concord Music Group:  here’s to many more years of music that all people can relate to.

 

Rock On!

 

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF STAX RECORDS/CONCORD MUSIC GROUP:  http://www.concordmusicgroup.com/labels/Stax/

“DAUGHTERS OF SOUL TOUR”:  A SYNERGY OF SOUL AND SPIRIT:  http://www.daughtersofsoul.com/

“CIRCLE OF PROMISE” CAMPAIGN GATHERS LUMINARIES TO CALL AFRICAN AMERICANS TO ACTION:   http://www.hometowndekalb.com/news30003/Events/susan-g-komen-for-the-cures-circle-of-promise-camp.shtml

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE’S CIRCLE OF PROMISE WELCOMES GABRIELLE UNION, LALAH HATHAWAY, SYNTHIA SAINT JAMES AS NATIONAL AMBASSADORS

May 29, 2008
Leading Hollywood Actress, Gifted Song Stylist, International Award Winning Artist Describe Why They Support the Fight to End Breast Cancer

DALLAS – May 29, 2008 – Susan G. Komen for the Cure®’s Circle of Promise today announced that three of today’s prominent African-American leaders – each with different backgrounds and personal stories – have united behind a cause that is empowering people around the globe to help end breast cancer forever. The strength of a community is built on the incredible resilience of its mothers, wives, and grandmothers. Circle of Promise is nationally represented by several prominent African-American women. Not only are these women accomplished individuals, but they are passionate about empowering their communities to help end breast cancer forever.

“Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise campaign believes that every strong woman needs to have a strong support system,” said Katrina McGhee, vice president of marketing for Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “The advocates and ambassadors within Circle of Promise are that support system for the African-American community in the fight against breast cancer.”

Gabrielle Union
One of Hollywood’s leading African-American actresses, Gabrielle Union has secured starring roles, crossed racial lines, and is helping to pave the way for others. Her decision to partner with Circle of Promise comes from a passion that is very close to her heart.

“The fight against breast cancer is very personal for me. I have been touched by this disease as I watched girlfriends deal with their breast health concerns,” said Union. “Being part of their fight inspired me to raise my voice and become an ambassador to help other women. Black women face unique issues when it comes to breast cancer – it’s important to know the facts. We’re our own best health advocates.”

Union has two upcoming movies, “Meet Dave” co-starring Eddie Murphy, and “Cadillac Records” co-starring Beyoncé Knowles.

Lalah Hathaway
The daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of the most influential soul artists of the 1970s, Lalah Hathaway is respected in her own right. She has developed a reputation as an artist with a unique and timeless sound, and as a gifted lyricist, who is emotionally in tune with women from all backgrounds.

“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.”

Hathaway’s 4th solo album, “Self Portrait,” will be released June 3rd on the Stax Records/Concord Music Group label.

Synthia SAINT JAMES
Synthia SAINT JAMES is a multiple award winning artist, architectural designer, speaker, author and songwriter and now a Circle of Promise ambassador. She has gained international recognition for her work. She travels the world, inspiring people through speaking engagements, exhibitions, and unveilings.

“I am pledging to tell everyone I can to sign up for Circle of Promise and I plan to use the opportunities afforded me to raise awareness and money for this cause. By working with Susan G. Komen for the Cure, I am joining millions of survivors and activists around the globe in raising our voices against this disease.”

SAINT JAMES’ latest achievement is a signature painting for the Circle of Promise campaign. It will be unveiled at a private luncheon hosted by The Links, Incorporated, in Washington, D.C. on June 6. The luncheon will include many Circle of Promise ambassadors, corporate partners and advocates.

Helping spread the message
Circle of Promise ambassadors help spread the message that more African-American women are likely to die from breast cancer than any other race despite being the least likely to be diagnosed with the disease. These ambassadors work nationally and within their communities to urge others within the African-American community to reclaim their health and register at circleofpromise.org. Everyone can help to rewrite the story on African Americans and breast cancer by making a promise to practice breast self awareness, getting involved through Circle of Promise, and telling friends to join Circle of Promise.

Komen for the Cure celebrates the 25th anniversary of its Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness in the world, in Washington, D.C. on June 7. Local ambassadors, advocates and breast cancer survivors will come together to help raise funds for research, education, screening and treatment.

About the Circle of Promise
Launched in October 2007, the Circle of Promise 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. Through this effort, Komen hopes to rewrite the story on African Americans and breast cancer by decreasing the African American mortality rate, which is 18 percent higher than for Caucasian women. Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Circle of Promise has joined forces with ESSENCE Magazine, Ford Motor Company and The Links, Incorporated to recruit 100,000 African-American women to join Circle of Promise and serve as local ambassadors within their communities.

SOURCE:  http://www.elpasokomen.org/news.sstg

OFFICIAL LALAH HATHAWAY WEBSITE:  http://www.lalahhathaway.com/