Roberta Flack, internationally hailed as one of the greatest songstresses of our time, was born on this date February 10, 1939 in North Carolina.
She remains unparalleled in her ability to tell a story through her music. Her songs bring insight into our lives, loves, culture and politics, while effortlessly traversing a broad musical landscape from pop to soul to folk to jazz.
Ms. Flack is the only solo artist to win the GRAMMY Award Record of the Year for two (2) consecutive years: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face won the 1973 GRAMMY and Killing Me Softly with His Song won the 1974 GRAMMY.
Some of her best-known songs are: “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Where Is the Love (a duet with former Howard University classmate Donny Hathaway),” “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “The Closer I Get to You,” “Tonight I Celebrate My Love,” and “Set the Night to Music.”
Roberta Flack has inspired countless artists with her musical brilliance and honesty.
Who does the best version of this Jimmy Webb classic? I used to think it was between Clarence Carter and Nina Simone, but after hearing Roberta Flack’s rendition, I’m not so sure anymore.
Though it may mean I'll never kiss your sweet lips again