Soul, jazz, pop, and R&B are all blended together in Roberta Flack‘s music to create timeless melodies that inspire generations to come. Flack made a name for herself in the music business thanks to her smooth voice and emotionally charged delivery, which struck a deep chord with listeners everywhere.
Roberta Flack’s Iconic Songs: Quick Overview
| Song Title | Year Released | Awards Won | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face | 1972 | Grammy Record of the Year (1973) | Featured in Play Misty for Me |
| Killing Me Softly with His Song | 1973 | Grammy Record of the Year (1974), Best Female Pop Vocal Performance | Instant classic, inspired by Lori Lieberman’s version |
| Feel Like Makin’ Love | 1974 | Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 | Sultry, romantic ballad |
| Where Is the Love (with Donny Hathaway) | 1972 | Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group | Iconic duet with Donny Hathaway |
| The Closer I Get to You (with Donny Hathaway) | 1978 | NA | Smooth, romantic duet |
Famous Songs That Stopped an Era
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
Flack’s rendition of the song, which was originally written by folk singer Ewan MacColl, slowed the tempo to a hauntingly lovely tempo. Her rendition of the song, which was included in the 1971 movie Play Misty for Me, resonated with viewers and shot to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Her place in music history was cemented in 1973 when she won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for this masterpiece.
“Killing Me Softly with His Song”
Flack’s ability to express both strength and vulnerability in a single sentence is exemplified in this ballad. Flack’s 1973 rendition, which was influenced by Lori Lieberman’s original performance, immediately became a classic. It demonstrated her extraordinary artistry and won both Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love”
This seductive song, which peaked at the top of the charts when it was released in 1974, became a staple of the romantic playlists of the time. Its personal lyrics and mellow beat demonstrated Flack’s extraordinary talent for bringing passion to each note while preserving an air of refinement.
Memorable Collaborations
Despite her success as a solo artist, Flack and Donny Hathaway’s duets are still among the most beloved in music history. Their unmatched chemistry was captured in songs like Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, which perfectly matched their voices. These songs demonstrated the strength of musical collaboration and dominated the airwaves.
Roberta Flack’s Influence and Legacy
The impact of Roberta Flack goes well beyond her own music. From hip-hop to modern pop, musicians from a variety of genres have sampled, covered, and praised her music. Her songs continue to evoke strong emotions decades after they were first released, touching on the universal themes of love, grief, and resiliency.
Flack’s discography is comforting, familiar, and remarkably relevant, making it feel like you’re reuniting with an old friend. In addition to her records, her legacy endures because of the innumerable artists she has influenced and the lives she has touched.
Commonly Asked Questions
- What is the most well-known song by Roberta Flack?
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, her most well-known song, peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and took home the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.
- Were the songs written by Roberta Flack herself?
Flack helped write songs in addition to her well-known emotional interpretations. However, other composers wrote a number of her well-known songs, such as Killing Me Softly.
- What is the timeless quality of Roberta Flack’s music?
Flack’s distinctive fusion of pop, jazz, and soul, along with her smooth vocals and passionate delivery, guarantee that her music will always be popular with listeners of all ages.
- Have other artists been influenced by Roberta Flack?
Of course. Numerous musicians, such as Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, have sampled and covered Flack’s music, demonstrating her ongoing influence on the music business.
- Which collaborations by Roberta Flack stand out?
Her songs with Donny Hathaway, especially Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, are still beloved by fans and are a great example of her ability to harmonize with other musicians.
