Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack: A Musical Legend
Full Name and Common Aliases
Roberta Flack is her full name. She was also known as The Queen of Smooth Soul.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on February 10, 1939, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. Unfortunately, she passed away on January 13, 2022 at the age of 80 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Roberta Flack was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. Her soothing vocals blended elements of jazz, soul, and R&B music.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family that valued education and the arts, Roberta developed her musical talents from an early age. She began singing in church choirs and played piano to accompany herself. Flack's mother encouraged her love for music by enrolling her in piano lessons at the age of three. The family later moved to Philadelphia where she attended Howard University.
Major Accomplishments
Roberta Flack's remarkable career spanned over four decades, yielding numerous awards and accolades:
She won six Grammy Awards from 26 nominations.
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," a song written by Ewan MacColl, brought her first Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1972. Her rendition of this song also earned the Grammy for Record of the Year that year.
Flack's duet with Donny Hathaway on "Where Is the Love" (1971) showcased her ability to collaborate effectively and create timeless classics.Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Roberta Flack include:
"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," a song she recorded in 1972, which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Her version of "Killing Me Softly With His Song," originally written and performed by Lori Lieberman, was released in 1973. This rendition became another massive hit for Flack.Impact and Legacy
Roberta Flack's legacy is profound, influencing generations of musicians:
She broke down barriers as a Black woman in the music industry, paving the way for future generations.
* Her smooth, soulful voice continues to inspire artists today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Her incredible talent and perseverance have solidified her place as one of the most beloved singers of all time.
Quotes by Roberta Flack
Once you’re successful with a certain kind of music, it’s hard not to have faith in it as a means to stay successful.
I didn’t know how well my first album had done; it was enough to get me to do the second album, which was a continuation of the music I’d worked on and perfected.
That’s a wonderful thing, because one of the primary qualities of a good performance is honesty.
My hope is that out of all the anger and seeming hostility that we hear in some of today’s music will come some sort of coalition that will become politically involved.
Remember: Always walk in the light. And if you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the light.
As musicians, and as people who sell material for people to hear and absorb, it’s important that we use that voice wisely.
Walking in the dark, seeing lovers do their thing. That’s the time, I feel like making love to you.
Music is an art form that doesn’t need to be explained. It needs to be performed; it needs to be felt; it needs to be listened to; it needs to progress.
