The Timeless Soul of Roberta Flack: A Journey Through Her Most Iconic Songs
Roberta Flack is a name synonymous with soul, elegance, and emotional depth. Her voice, a gentle yet powerful instrument, has captivated listeners for decades, turning even the most ordinary songs into extraordinary experiences. Flack’s ability to reinterpret and reimagine compositions, blending them with her unique style, has left an indelible mark on music history. From her heart-wrenching ballads to her uplifting duets, her discography is a testament to her artistry and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. Below, we explore six of her most iconic songs, each a window into her genius and the enduring power of her music.
“Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” (1971): A Haunting Reimagining
One of Flack’s earliest standout performances came with her 1971 cover of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” a song originally made famous by The Shirelles in 1960. By the time Flack released her version, Carole King, who co-wrote the song with Gerry Goffin, had already popularized it with her own version on the bestselling album Tapestry. Yet, Flack’s rendition stands out as a masterpiece in its own right. Her interpretation is slower, more introspective, and deeply haunting, showcasing not only her vocal prowess but also her skill as a pianist. The delicate piano arrangement complements her voice perfectly, creating a sense of vulnerability and longing that lingers long after the song ends. Flack’s ability to breathe new life into a familiar tune is a hallmark of her artistry, and this song remains a timeless classic in her catalog.
“Freedom Song” (1971): A Spiritual Anthem of Liberation
In 1971, Flack performed at an Independence Day festival in Ghana, sharing the stage with legendary acts like Ike and Tina Turner, the Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, and Santana. It was during this performance that she delivered a breathtaking a cappella rendition of the spiritual “Oh Freedom,” a song that has long been a symbol of the struggle for liberation and justice. Flack’s version is nothing short of mesmerizing, blending the isNaN and prayful desperation of the original with a sense of hope and transcendence. The performance was captured on the soundtrack for the festival, but unfortunately, the recording has since fallen into obscurity, never being released on CD or made available on streaming platforms. Despite its inaccessibility, “Freedom Song” remains a testament to Flack’s ability to channel the raw emotion and historical weight of a song, turning it into something both deeply personal and universally resonant.
“Where Is the Love” (1972): A Duet of Romantic Soul
One of the most iconic collaborations in Flack’s career came with the gifted but troubled singer-songwriter Donny Hathaway. The two artists shared a deep musical chemistry, and their joint efforts resulted in some of the most memorable duets of the 1970s. Their 1972 collaboration, “Where Is the Love,” is a perfect example of their synergy. The song, which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and remains a staple of classic soul, is a poignant tale of lost love, with Flack and Hathaway trading verses in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Their voices intertwine like a dance, each one elevating the other to create a sound that is greater than the sum of its parts. The song’s enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless appeal of their partnership and the emotional depth of their music.
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” (1973): A Soulful Transformation
Few songs in Flack’s catalog showcase her interpretive genius as powerfully as her 1973 version of “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” The song, originally written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel for Lori Lieberman, was transformed by Flack into a soulful epic that remains one of her signature hits. Flack first encountered Lieberman’s version on a plane, and she immediately saw the potential to reimagine it. She reworked the chord structure, adding a soaring interlude that elevated the song to new heights. After debuting the song in a concert with Quincy Jones, who urged her to record it immediately, Flack went on to create a masterpiece that would become her second No. 1 hit. The song’s success was further cemented when The Fugees remade it in 1996, introducing it to a new generation of listeners. Flack’s version, however, remains the definitive interpretation, a testament to her ability to turn a simple melody into a profound emotional journey.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1974): A Sensuous Self-Produced Masterpiece
In 1974, Flack took the reins as a producer for her sixth studio album, Feel Like Makin’ Love, working under the pseudonym Rubina Flake. The title track, a lush and sensuous ballad, showcased her ability to craft music that was both deeply personal and universally relatable. Flack’s production is smooth and intimate, creating a soundscape that complements her voice perfectly. The song became her third No. 1 hit, cementing her status as one of the leading voices of soul music. Despite its success, the album was not without its challenges. The recording sessions were fraught with delays, and the album’s release was pushed back by several months. When it finally debuted in early 1975, it was met with lukewarm reception, but time has proven its value as a testament to Flack’s artistry and her willingness to take creative risks.
“The Closer I Get to You” (1977): A Bittersweet Reunion with Donny Hathaway
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway reunited in 1977 for “The Closer I Get to You,” a song that was not originally written as a duet but became a defining collaboration in their partnership. The song, which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Hot 100, is a gauzy, romantic ballad that captures the essence of their musical chemistry. Flack and Hathaway’s voices blend seamlessly, creating a sound that is both intimate and expansive. The song’s success was a bittersweet moment for the duo, as Hathaway’s struggles with mental health were becoming increasingly apparent. He passed away in 1979, but not before the two had begun working on another duets album. That album, released posthumously as Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway, stands as a poignant reminder of their collaboration and the lasting impact of their music.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s music is more than just a collection of songs; it is a journey through the human experience, a exploration of love, loss, hope, and freedom. From the haunting beauty of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow” to the sensuous intimacy of “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” her songs have transcended time and genre, speaking to listeners in ways that few artists can. Her ability to reinterpret and reimagine, to take a song and make it her own, is a testament to her genius as an artist. And while her career has been marked by both triumphs and challenges, her music remains a source of comfort, inspiration, and joy for generations of listeners. Roberta Flack’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and the enduring power of the human voice.
