Births on February 10

Roberta Flack, American singer-songwriter and pianist

Roberta Cleopatra Flack, born on February 10, 1937, is a celebrated American singer whose sophisticated vocal style and profound interpretations have left an indelible mark on popular music. Before rising to international fame, Flack's early career showcased her diverse talents; she was trained in classical piano and initially worked as a school teacher, cultivating her musical artistry in Washington D.C. jazz clubs during the late 1960s. Her unique blend of jazz, soul, folk, and pop elements quickly distinguished her, setting the stage for a legendary career.

Iconic Chart-Topping Hits

Flack is renowned globally for a string of powerful No. 1 singles that have become timeless classics. These tracks exemplify her ability to infuse deep emotion and unparalleled vocal precision into every performance.

• "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (1972): Originally a folk song written by Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, Flack's hauntingly beautiful rendition gained immense popularity after being featured in Clint Eastwood's 1971 film "Play Misty for Me." It became a surprise chart-topper and a defining moment in her career, showcasing her profound interpretive skills.
• "Killing Me Softly with His Song" (1973): This iconic track, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel and inspired by Lori Lieberman's experience watching Don McLean perform, became synonymous with Flack. Her soulful, nuanced interpretation earned her global acclaim and remains one of her most recognizable and beloved songs.
• "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1974): Written by Eugene McDaniels, this smooth and romantic anthem further solidified Flack's status as a dominant force in contemporary music, showcasing her versatility and ability to connect with audiences on an intimate level.

Legendary Duets with Donny Hathaway

Beyond her solo successes, Roberta Flack's collaborations with fellow soul legend Donny Hathaway are considered some of the most profound and influential duets in music history. Their voices blended with an almost magical synergy, creating tracks filled with unparalleled emotional depth and musical sophistication.

• "Where Is the Love" (1972): This poignant and soulful duet was a massive crossover hit, earning Flack and Hathaway a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus. It masterfully captured the yearning for connection and understanding.
• "The Closer I Get to You" (1977): Another beloved collaboration, this romantic ballad showcased their exquisite vocal harmonies and enduring chemistry, becoming a tender ode to profound affection.

Their partnership was a cornerstone of 1970s R&B, tragically cut short by Hathaway's untimely death in 1979. Despite the brevity of their collaborations, their musical legacy continues to inspire artists and listeners alike.

Pioneering the Quiet Storm Genre

Roberta Flack's influence extends deeply into the subgenre of contemporary R&B known as "quiet storm." Characterized by its mellow tempos, sophisticated arrangements, soulful vocals, and romantic lyrical themes, quiet storm music is designed for intimate listening, often associated with late-night radio programming. Flack's elegant delivery, meticulous musicality, and ability to convey profound emotion through understated performances were foundational to the development and popularization of this distinctive sound. Her approach brought a level of classical training and jazz improvisation to soul music, creating a refined and enduring style that continues to resonate today.

A Grammy Award Trailblazer

Roberta Flack holds a truly remarkable and historic distinction in the annals of music awards. She was the very first artist in Grammy Award history to win the prestigious Record of the Year award in two consecutive years, an unparalleled achievement that underscored her immense talent and the profound impact of her music during that era.

• In 1973, she won for her mesmerizing rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
• In 1974, she repeated this extraordinary feat, taking home the award for "Killing Me Softly with His Song."

To date, only two other acts have managed to replicate this rare accomplishment: the Irish rock band U2 (winning in 2001 and 2002) and contemporary pop sensation Billie Eilish (winning in 2020 and 2021), further cementing Flack's unique and pioneering status in music history.

Masterful Interpretations of Songwriters

Flack's artistry is also defined by her exceptional ability to interpret and transform songs by various esteemed songwriters across genres. Her distinctive voice and arranging prowess allowed her to breathe new life into existing compositions, making them uniquely her own.

• Leonard Cohen: She notably covered Cohen's "Hey, That's No Way to Say Goodbye" on her critically acclaimed 1969 debut album, "First Take," demonstrating her early affinity for profound lyrical content and her ability to blend folk sensibilities with her soulful sound.
• Members of The Beatles: While she's known for covering a wide array of artists, her expansive repertoire often included nuanced interpretations that highlighted the timeless quality of popular compositions, including those by legendary writers such as Paul McCartney and John Lennon. Her selections always reflected her discerning taste and her ability to find the emotional core of a song, regardless of its original genre.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roberta Flack

When was Roberta Flack born?

Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, making her an enduring figure in music for decades.

What are Roberta Flack's most famous songs?

Her most celebrated No. 1 hits include "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly with His Song," and "Feel Like Makin' Love." She also had highly successful duets with Donny Hathaway such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You."

What unique Grammy record does Roberta Flack hold?

Roberta Flack was the first artist in Grammy history to win the prestigious Record of the Year Award in two consecutive years (1973 for "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and 1974 for "Killing Me Softly with His Song"). This feat has only been replicated by U2 and Billie Eilish.

How did Roberta Flack influence the "quiet storm" genre?

Her sophisticated vocal style, mellow arrangements, and romantic lyrical themes were foundational to the "quiet storm" subgenre of R&B, which emphasizes smooth, soulful, and intimate listening experiences, often ideal for late-night radio.

Who did Roberta Flack famously record duets with?

She is famously known for her iconic and successful duets with fellow American soul singer Donny Hathaway, creating some of the most memorable collaborations in music history.