Grammy-Winning Singer Roberta Flack Passes Away at 88

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• Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer, dies at 88
• Known for hits like 'Killing Me Softly' and 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face'
• Influential in the music industry during the 1970s and beyond

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Influence on Music and Social Movements

• Roberta Flack was a prominent figure in the social and civil rights movements of the 1970s, with friends like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis.
• She sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in major league baseball, showcasing her involvement in significant events.
• Her collaboration with Donny Hathaway, a former classmate, resulted in hit duets like "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," highlighting her musical partnerships.

Source

HuffPost

Musical Synergy with Donny Hathaway

• Roberta Flack described her creative connection with Donny Hathaway as unique and unmatched, emphasizing his musical versatility and their strong synergy.
• Despite not replicating her initial success, Flack found later hits in the 1980s and 1990s through duets with artists like Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest, showcasing her adaptability and continued relevance in the industry.
• Flack's enduring impact was recognized through her five Grammy wins, including three for "Killing Me Softly," and a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2020, highlighting her lasting influence on music and her ability to connect with fellow artists through a shared love for music.

Source

HuffPost

Impact of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" on Roberta Flack's Career

• The ballad "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" provided popular liftoff for Flack after being featured in Clint Eastwood's thriller "Play Misty for Me."
• Flack's version of the song became a No. 1 pop ubiquity, propelling her debut album "First Take" to the top of the charts for five weeks.
• The success of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" led to Flack winning the record of the year Grammy in January 1973, solidifying her position in the music industry.

Source

Variety

Roberta Flack's Musical Achievements

• Her rendition of "Killing Me Softly" reached No. 1 on the pop chart and No. 2 on the R&B charts in 1973, leading the album to peak at No. 3 and achieve double platinum status.
• Flack continued her success in the '70s with chart-topping singles like "Feel Like Making Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," showcasing her versatility across pop and R&B genres.
• Despite a shift in music trends towards funk, rap, and hip-hop in the late '70s, Flack maintained her presence with hits like "Making Love" and "Set the Night to Music" in the '80s and '90s.

Source

Variety

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