BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Patti Austin and James Ingram. Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson.
It remains to be seen if Ruben Studdard and Lalah Hathaway will join that list, claiming a place among the great duet partners of R&B. They're worthy contenders, though, if Thursday's concert in Birmingham is any indication.
Studdard, 35, and Hathaway, 45, have formed a mutual admiration society this year, traveling the country on their "Meant to Be" tour. Fans of either singer must know that friendship and respect are givens.
But would their voices mesh on stage? Would their personalities match? Would the music partnership seem balanced and equal?
Simply put, the answers are yes, yes and heck, yeah.
Studdard & Hathaway -- or if you prefer, Hathaway & Studdard -- are doing just fine as solo artists. A 95-minute concert at the Alys Stephens Center proved, however, that they'd be classy and charismatic as full-scale duet partners.
Their chemistry was compelling during this 8:15 p.m. show, although Studdard and Hathaway didn't share the spotlight throughout the entire evening. They sang together, separately and together again, backed by a six-member band.
The setlist's structure provided ample opportunities for each artist to shine, emphasizing R&B hits with vintage appeal.
Studdard delved into his new covers album, "Unconditional Love," and pulled a few other classics from the vault. He referenced his 2003 "American Idol" win with a lovely rendition of "Superstar," and gave a heartfelt spin to his mother's favorite tune, "How Can you Mend a Broken Heart."
Studdard's voice sounded precise, strong and silky-smooth -- the Velvet Teddy Bear label seems ever so apt -- and the mature style suits him nicely, emphasizing traditional romantic appeal.
Hathway traveled down her own memory lane, offering a tender medley that included Earth, Wind & Fire's "Love's Holiday" and Anita Baker's "Angel."
She engaged in some inspired scat singing -- rather like an extended conversation between Ella Fitzgerald and Bobby McFerrin -- and tossed in a few signature songs, such as "Forever, For Always, For Love." Hathaway has many gifts as a performer -- an easy grace, a nimble versatility, a memorable alto/contralto -- and all of these were on display.
One disappointment: The sound mix needed a tweak during the first part of the show, amping up the volume on the lead vocals. Studdard and Hathaway could be heard at the microphone, but not with the ringing clarity they deserved.
This glitch didn't spoil the concert, of course, but it did dampen the impact of killer songs such as "Where Is the Love," "Baby, Come to Me," "Summertime," "Love, Love, Love," "Never Too Much" and "If This World Were Mine."
Expectations were running fairly high here; Studdard, after all, is a Birmingham resident and this show marked his first local appearance with Hathaway, the Grammy-winning daughter of soul legend Donny Hathaway.
Fans made their enthusiasm known from the second the two singers walked on stage, greeting Studdard and his tourmate with a standing ovation. The crowd was outspoken, as well, punctuating the show with shouts of "Sing it!"
"I been telling my mama I was going to be famous since I was 4 years old," Studdard said. "I am living testimony that dreams do happen."
Hathaway, who's from Chicago, worked her own brand of homegirl appeal, telling witty anecdotes, pointing to relatives in the audience and generally charming her listeners.
Time zipped past -- the mark of an absorbing concert -- and the primary set seemed quite short. Studdard and Hathaway capped the night with a Michael Jackson medley; it kicked off with "Rock With You," built momentum from there and left many ticketholders smiling.