"The Closer I Get to You '' is a romantic ballad performed by African American jazz, soul, R&B, and folk singer - songwriter Roberta Flack and African American soul musician Donny Hathaway. The song was written by James Mtume and Reggie Lucas, two former members of Miles Davis 's band, who were members of Flack 's band at the time. Produced by Atlantic Records, the song was released on Flack 's 1977 album Blue Lights in the Basement, and as a single in 1978. It became a major crossover hit, becoming Flack 's biggest commercial hit after her success with her 1973 solo single, "Killing Me Softly with His Song ''. Originally set as a solo - single, Flack 's manager, David Franklin, suggested a duet with Hathaway, which resulted in the finished work.
who sings the closer i get to you
Roberta Flack Donny Hathaway