Roberta Flack's debut album, titled First Take in true underachiever fashion, introduced a singer who'd assimilated the powerful interpretive talents of Nina Simone and Sarah Vaughan, the earthy power of Aretha Franklin, and the crystal purity and emotional resonance of folksingers like Judy Collins. Indeed, the album often sounded more like vocal jazz or folk than soul, beginning with the credits: a core quartet of Flack on piano, John Pizzarelli on guitar, Ron Carter on bass, and Ray Lucas on drums, as fine a lineup as any pop singer could hope to recruit. With only one … read more
Roberta Flack's debut album, titled First Take in true underachiever fashion, introduced a singer who'd assimilated the powerful interpreti… read more
Roberta Flack's debut album, titled First Take in true underachiever fashion, introduced a singer who'd assimilated the powerful interpretive talents of Nina Simone and Sarah V… read more
Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist. She performed ballads that incorporated elements of R&B, jazz, folk, and pop, and her work has been associated with the development of the quiet storm radio format. Flack achieved commercial success with singles including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly with His Song", and "Feel Like Makin' Love". She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years. Flack collaborated with Donny H… read more
Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist. She performed ballads that incorporated elements of R&B, jazz, folk, and pop, and her… read more
Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist. She performed ballads that incorporated elements of R&B, jazz, folk, and pop, and her work has been associated with the development… read more