By Maurice Smith
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 9/28/24 – Donny Hathaway–famed singer, songwriter, and partner of legendary songstress Roberta Flack on such hits as “Where is the Love” and “Back Together Again”–was slain at the height of his success in the prime of his life at age 33. He was showcased in a 988 Lifetime Charity Show at a star-studded ”Heart and Soul” concert and silent auction held at the Orpheum on the evening of Sunday, September 8th, 2024. The concert benefited Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.
“The true power of the 988 Lifeline lies in its ability to connect individuals with highly skilled and compassionate crisis counselors who have one goal: providing support to those in need,” said Shari Sinwelski, Vice President of Crisis Care for Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services. “We are grateful to Didi Hirsch’s dedicated crisis counselors, who meet people in their darkest moments, offering them a sense of connection and hope when they need it most.” This event was synergistically spearheaded by the nonprofit Get Together Foundation. ”We put on charity events (usually musical) that raise money for our own causes as well as for non-profit partners. Citing our rally cry, ‘We Can!’, we are effective, efficient, and immediate in our efforts,” said —-.
The majestic evening was directed by Emmy Award winning actor Richard Cummings, Jr. (Hollywood Shuffle and Emmy award-winning shows thirtysomething and Northern Exposure). The impressive lineup of talent included the following musicians from many fields and walks of life.
Freda Payne (timeless hit: “Band of Gold”)
Rob Morrow (Northern Exposure, Billions, Quiz Show)
Alisan Porter (winner of The Voice)
Andy Vargas (iconic Voice of Santana)
Terrell Edwards (East Bay Soul)
Carly Smithson (American Idol, We Are The Fallen)
Jaidyn Triplett (iCarly)
Joshua Triplett (The Neighborhood)
Monica Calhoun (The Jamie Foxx Show, Love and Basketball)
Lamont Van Hook (Phil Collins, Lyle Lovett)
Roberta Freeman (Guns n’ Roses, Pink Floyd)
Ciamara Morales (award-winning Filipino singing star)
Nia Padilla (award-winning Latin pop singer)
Leland Sklar (bass–Phil Collins, Lyle Lovett, Carole King, James Taylor, The Immediate Family)
Herman Matthews (drums–Kenny Loggins, Tower of Power, Richard Marx, Timothy B. Schmit)
Sean Holt (percussion/saxophone/
Kenneth Crouch (keyboards–Lenny Kravitz, Eric Clapton, Destiny’s Child, Lauryn Hill)
Co-Music Directors:
Steve Postell (MD/guitars–David Crosby, John Oates, The Immediate Family, Pure Prairie League)
Tariqh Akoni (MD/guitars–Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Jennifer Lopez, Josh Groban)
