Opinion: It is Lalah Hathaway's time

[Publisher’s note: George Littlejohn is one of the most respected voices in the independent soul music community, and is not affiliated with Lalah Hathaway]

Note to GRAMMY curators and late night TV bookers: As a 5x Grammy award winner, it is beyond time for Lalah Hathaway to be performing on that Grammy stage during the televised portion. She is also overdue to be performing regularly on late night television. Chloe X Hallie paid an excellent tribute to Donny Hathaway on the Grammy stage this year, and I look forward to hearing more of them, as they obviously have a bright future. But this, in my opinion, was a missed opportunity for Lalah to either perform with them or have her own segment (She was there).

Next year, 2020, will mark the 30th Anniversary of Lalah’s debut album. Hint: That would be awesome timing for a Grammy performance from her, and would be part of that “balance” that I often hear the Grammy curators want for their programming. 

She has the talent, has more than paid her dues, can sing anything, is diverse, has earned it, has a significant fan base (as evidenced by her consistent touring schedule) and is one of the greatest voices of our generation. 

Lalah Hathaway is also held in high esteem by her peers. She has worked on a wide range of recording projects in multiple genres with such luminaries as Gregory Porter, Kendrick Lamar, Robert Glasper, Pharell, Take 6, Charlie Wilson, Esperanza Spalding, Mary J Blige, Terrace Martin, Eric Roberson, Diane Reeves, Marcus Miller, Gordon Chambers,  Richard Smallwood, The Winans, George Duke and Al Jarreau, just to name a few.

So, while being a part of the tribute to her legendary father would have been the ideal Grammy showcase for this talented, respected artist, it is not too late. The Grammys have a chance to do right in 2020, and to help their show in the process. And you late night TV hosts should be listening too. You’ll hear the sound of a special artist.

By George Littlejohn