Flack, Roberta (1937–)

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Flack, Roberta (1937–)

African-American jazz singer and pianist. Born Feb 10, 1937, in Black Mountain (Asheville), North Carolina; dau. of a church organist; Howard University, BA in music; m. Steve Novosel, 1965 (div. 1972).

Best known for the ballad, "Killing Me Softly with His Song" (1973), had 1st major hit with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (1972), which was included in the soundtrack of the film, Play Misty for Me; began career singing and playing jazz in a Washington nightclub; signed with Atlantic Records; sang hit duets with Donny Hathaway, "Where Is the Love?" (1972), "The Closer I Get To You" (1978), "You Are My Heaven" (1980) and "Come Ye Disconsolate," then toured with Peabo Bryson and had hit duet "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" (1983); other songs include "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1974) and (with Maxi Priest) "Set the Night to Music" (1991); also sang the theme song "Together through the Years" for the tv series "The Hogan Family"; albums include Will You Love Me Tomorrow, Uh Uh Ooh Ooh, You Make Me Feel Brand New, Bustin' Loose, Chapter Two, Quiet Fire, Blue Lights in the Basement, Live & More, Oasis, Roberta and Holiday.