The soul singer was ambitiously diverse in her musicianship, and enthralled at every turn – whether doing desolate folk cover versions or lighter, sophisticated popIn the liner notes to 2023’s Lost Takes – which excavated the tapes that had served as Roberta Flack’s audition for Atlantic Records over half a century earlier – the poet Harmony Holiday wrote that Flack possessed “the voice of the idyllic afterlife you’d want to arrive in after the end of a dysfunctional world”.Indeed, Flack sang like she was equally conversant with the ecstasy of faith and the agony of life. The dignified richness of her vocal was tempered by the subtly volcanic power she displayed on her reading of To Sir With Love off Lost Takes – a not-so-quiet fire that always resided within her. Continue reading...
Roberta Flack, a soul and R&B icon, was known for her powerful yet emotive voice. Her debut album featured her hit cover of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Albums like "Quiet Fire" (1971) and "Killing Me Softly" (1973) showcased her versatility, blending gospel roots with secular themes. Collaborations with Donny Hathaway in 1972 highlighted a lighter side of her music. Later, she explored genres like Christmas and Beatles covers. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, she lost her ability to sing. Flack emphasized her unique voice, stating she didn't conform to specific genres. Her legacy is marked by her artistic integrity and enduring impact on music.
