Roberta Flack, timeless R&B singer-songwriter behind ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song,’ dies at 88.Roberta Flack was one of the most influential and distinctive voices in the history of American music. With her silky, emotive voice and ability to blend jazz, soul, R&B, and folk, she created timeless classics that resonated across generations. Best known for hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Killing Me Softly with His Song, and Feel Like Makin’ Love, Flack's career has spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia. From an early age, she showed exceptional musical talent. She began playing piano at age nine, displaying such remarkable skill that she was awarded a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, making her one of the youngest students to ever attend the prestigious institution.
At Howard, Flack initially studied classical piano but later shifted her focus to voice after discovering her passion for singing. Upon graduation, she pursued a career as a music teacher while performing at local clubs and restaurants in Washington, D.C. It was during these small gigs that she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who helped her secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records.
Breakthrough and Early Success
In 1969, Flack released her debut album, First Take, a collection of soulful ballads infused with jazz and folk influences. The album initially received modest attention, but in 1972, it skyrocketed to fame when Clint Eastwood used the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his film Play Misty for Me. The hauntingly beautiful ballad became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and earning Flack her first Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Her second album, Chapter Two (1970), further showcased her ability to interpret songs with emotional depth and sensitivity. She then collaborated with Donny Hathaway, releasing the album Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway (1972), which featured hits like Where Is the Love and You've Got a Friend. Their chemistry was undeniable, and the duo became one of the most celebrated musical partnerships of the era.
Superstardom: "Killing Me Softly" and More Hits
In 1973, Flack reached new heights of fame with Killing Me Softly with His Song, a track inspired by singer Lori Lieberman’s experience watching Don McLean perform. Flack's version of the song, with its lush orchestration and emotionally powerful delivery, became an instant classic, topping the charts and winning her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year.
The following year, she released Feel Like Makin’ Love, which became her third number-one hit on the Billboard charts. The song’s smooth, sensual melody solidified her reputation as a master of romantic ballads, blending elements of jazz, R&B, and soft rock.
Later Career and Continued Impact
Despite the tragic death of Donny Hathaway in 1979, Flack continued to record and perform throughout the 1980s and beyond. She collaborated with artists like Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest, achieving chart success with songs such as Tonight, I Celebrate My Love and Set the Night to Music.
Her influence extended beyond commercial hits; Flack became a mentor and advocate for young artists, particularly in the jazz and R&B genres. She also worked on philanthropic efforts, including music education initiatives.
Legacy and Influence
Roberta Flack’s impact on music is immeasurable. Her ability to convey deep emotion with minimal vocal embellishment set her apart from many of her contemporaries. Unlike the powerhouse vocalists of her time, Flack used restraint and nuance to tell stories through song, making her performances even more powerful.
Artists such as Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and India.Arie have cited her as an inspiration, and her songs have been covered and sampled countless times. The Fugees' 1996 rendition of Killing Me Softly introduced her music to a new generation, proving her timeless appeal.
In 2020, Flack received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her legacy as one of the most important voices in popular music. Though she has faced health challenges in recent years, her music continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Roberta Flack’s career is a testament to the power of subtlety, emotion, and musical intelligence. Whether through haunting ballads, soul-stirring duets, or jazz-inflected R&B, she created a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal. Her contributions to music have not only earned her critical and commercial success but also a place in the hearts of fans across the globe. Even today, her songs remain as moving and relevant as ever, ensuring that her legacy will endure for generations to come.
Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model
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