Five-time GRAMMY winner talks music, hometown pride and riding CTA with her Walkman
Lalah Hathaway, the Chicago-born R&B superstar and five-time GRAMMY winner, discusses her musical journey, her new album, and a new book she’s written about her father, legendary soul icon Donny Hathaway, in a new episode of the CTA's podcast, released today.
In "Music is a Transporter," the latest episode of "Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA," Hathaway talks to host and CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen about the Chicago stories behind one of music’s most soulful and distinctive voices. For Hathaway, growing up in a city whose music, culture and everyday experiences—including riding the CTA—would help inspire her as an artist.
The episode is available at transitchicago.com/podcast and on all major podcast platforms.
“Every day, our riders board CTA vehicles with somewhere to go and, along the way, there’s room to reflect, dream and find inspiration,” said CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen. “Hearing Lalah connect those everyday experiences to her extraordinary musical journey is a powerful reminder of the role public transit can play in the creative life of our city. We’re thrilled to share her voice, her stories and her love for Chicago with our listeners.”
"I am so excited to partner with the CTA," said Hathaway. "It feels so full-circle to align with an organization that I’ve known and trusted almost all my life."
The episode is the latest chapter in the “Made in Chicago: CTA x Lalah Hathaway” partnership, which brought Hathaway’s voice to riders through recorded announcements across CTA’s 146 rail stations and gathered CTA employees and fans together for a celebration of music, public transit, and Chicago pride.
On Oct. 1, Hathaway joined fans and CTA employees for a celebration marking three uniquely Chicago occasions: CTA’s 79th anniversary; the birthday of Lalah’s father, Donny; and the release of her new album, “Made in Chicago,” which she chose to release on her father’s birthday in tribute to his extraordinary musical legacy.
In addition—on that same day and for one day only—-the 47th Green Line station was renamed the “47th/Lalah Hathaway” station in her honor. Hathaway’s lead single is titled “47th Street,” which is where her grandfather lived and which reminds her of wonderful childhood memories.
The celebration continued at the 95th/Dan Ryan Red Line station, where CTA celebrated its 79th anniversary with a special listening party where invited fans and CTA employees met Hathway and listened to the new album.
The podcast carries that celebration forward, inviting listeners to hear her talk about her career, her father, her connection to CTA, and much more.
Commemorative posters celebrating the partnership are available to download here.
About Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA
Hosted by CTA Acting President Nora Leerhsen, “Moving Experiences: Stories of the CTA” features conversations with transit employees, public transportation leaders and guests who share a love of transit. The podcast explores the people, experiences and connections that make public transportation an essential part of Chicago.
Past guests include three-time GRAMMY award winner Chance the Rapper, Emmy-winner and Chicago historian Sherman “Dilla” Thomas, and Chicago Sky co-owner and operating chairwoman Nadia Rawlinson.
Listen at transitchicago.com/podcast or on all major podcast platforms.
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