Flack is widely considered to be one of soul and R&B’s greatest-ever artists.

Born in 1937 in North Carolina, at 15 she was admitted to Howard University on a full music scholarship. 

At age 19, Flack took up teaching while also performing in nightclubs, weaving elements of classical, blues, folk, Motown and pop.

Soul jazz pianist and singer Les McCann introduced her to Atlantic Records. “Her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known. I laughed, cried, and screamed for more.”

In 1971 she appeared on the soundtrack of Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me.

Her cover of Ewan MacColl’s The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face became her first major US hit; it spent six weeks at No 1 in 1972. She earned a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. 

Killing Me Softly With His Song earned her the same award in 1974. She was the first artist to win in two consecutive years. In 1974 she also reached the US No 1 with Feel Like Makin’ Love.

Flack’s collaboration with the soul legend Donny Hathaway resulted in two US Top 5 hits – Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You.

Her biggest UK hit was with the Peabo Bryson ballad Tonight, I Celebrate My Love. Bryson has called her “iconic and divinely gifted artist and friend … She was my greatest inspiration”.

In 2012, Flack released Beatles’ songs in the album: Let It Be Roberta.

[Photo: Screenshot/Roberta Flack X (@robertaflack)]


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