ICON RADIO REMEMBERS: ROBERTA FLACK

 

Roberta Flack was more than a singer—she was an interpreter of emotion, a pioneer in music, and an artist whose songs touched hearts across generations. With a voice that carried both grace and power, she could make listeners feel every note, every word, and every pause in a way that few artists could.

Her timeless hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song were were moments of deep connection between artist and audience. With her smooth, soulful delivery and jazz-infused style, Flack redefined what it meant to tell a story through music.

 

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. From a young age, her world revolved around music. Raised in a household filled with gospel, blues, and classical influences, Flack showed an early gift for the piano.

Her extraordinary talent earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, making her one of the youngest students ever admitted. Initially, she pursued classical piano, envisioning a future as a concert pianist. However, her exposure to jazz, soul, and contemporary music reshaped her artistic ambitions.

After graduating, Flack took a position as a music and English teacher in Washington, D.C., while performing at local jazz clubs in the evenings. Her performances quickly garnered attention, blending classical technique with deep, expressive soul. It was in one of these clubs that her career would take a life-changing turn.

 

A Career Breakthrough and Rise to Stardom

While performing at a Washington, D.C. nightclub, Flack was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann. Impressed by her voice and musical interpretation, he arranged for her to audition at Atlantic Records. The audition led to a record deal and, in 1969, the release of her debut album, First Take.

The album showcased Flack’s unique ability to fuse jazz, soul, and folk influences into something entirely her own. While critically acclaimed, First Take initially received modest commercial attention—until one of its tracks found its way onto the silver screen.

In 1972, Clint Eastwood featured The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his film Play Misty for Me. The hauntingly beautiful ballad, originally written by folk singer Ewan MacColl, became a sensation. Its slow, intimate delivery, combined with Flack’s delicate yet commanding vocals, captivated audiences. The song quickly rose to number one on the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for six weeks, and went on to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973. Flack had arrived as one of the defining voices of her generation, and her career was only beginning to soar.

 

Making History with “Killing Me Softly with His Song”

If one Grammy-winning song was not enough to cement her status, Flack’s next major hit would make history. In 1973, she released Killing Me Softly with His Song, a track inspired by a live performance of singer-songwriter Don McLean. The song’s emotive lyrics and Flack’s smooth yet powerful delivery made it an instant classic.

The track became a chart-topping success, earning Flack her second consecutive Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974. She remains the only artist to have ever won this award in back-to-back years. The song’s influence extended well beyond its original release, with multiple covers over the decades, most notably by The Fugees in 1996.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Flack continued to shape the sound of contemporary music, producing some of the era’s most beloved songs.

 

A Legacy of Timeless Music

Following her back-to-back Grammy wins, Flack continued to release hit after hit, solidifying her reputation as one of the most sophisticated and emotionally resonant vocalists of her time.

Her 1974 single Feel Like Makin’ Love topped the charts, further demonstrating her ability to balance vulnerability with sensuality. Her duets with Donny Hathaway, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, remain some of the most enduring love songs of all time.

Flack’s ability to transcend genres allowed her to remain relevant for decades. While she was often categorized as an R&B artist, her music effortlessly blended jazz, folk, and pop elements, making her appeal universal. Her smooth vocal delivery, combined with her classical training, created a signature sound that was both soothing and deeply evocative.

 

Beyond the Music: A Champion for Change

Flack’s contributions to music extended beyond her recordings. She was deeply engaged in social and civil rights movements, using her platform to advocate for change. She was a vocal supporter of racial equality and women’s rights, often working with organizations that championed marginalized communities.

Her influence also extended into education. Throughout her career, she was committed to mentoring young musicians, ensuring that future generations had the opportunity to explore their own artistic voices. Her dedication to both music and activism set her apart as more than just a performer—she was a cultural force who believed in the power of music to inspire and uplift.

 

The Lasting Impact of Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack’s legacy is one of elegance, authenticity, and innovation. She was an artist who did not just sing songs; she lived them. She had the rare ability to make a lyric feel deeply personal, drawing listeners into her world with every performance.

Her influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who followed, from contemporary R&B singers to jazz vocalists and pop icons. Her recordings remain timeless, still played and cherished decades after their release.

Flack’s career was marked not only by commercial success but by an unwavering commitment to artistic excellence. Her music was never rushed or forced; she approached each song with patience, care, and a deep respect for the craft.

Icon Radio remembers Roberta Flack—the legend, the storyteller, the voice that will live forever.