Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack is an American soul singer who became world famous with the success of "Killing Me Softly With His Song" in 1972. Daughter of a jazzman and a church organist, she developed a passion for music at an early age and proved to be naturally gifted. She learned piano and singing and began her musical studies at the University of Washington at the age of 15. She graduated at 19 and became a music teacher, mainly in schools for underprivileged children. It was at this time that her musical career began. While performing in a trendy jazz club, she was spotted by pianist Les McCann who recommended her to the prestigious Atlantic Records label. Her first album "First Take" was released in 1969. It contains the title "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" which became a huge success in 1971, following its release in the film soundtrack of  A Shiver in the Night by Clint Eastwood. From then on, the singer went from strength to strenght and won many awards. In 1972, she had her biggest success with a cover of the song "Killing Me Softly With His Song" which was at the top of the charts for several weeks. The album "Killing me softly", from which this hit was taken, won three Grammy Awards. The 80's and 90's were just as productive and established Roberta Flack as one of the great figures of soul music.