Raised in Arlington, Virginia, Roberta Flack was initially inspired to sing by
the gospel music she heard at her local African-American Baptist Church. A
gifted classical pianist, she won a scholarship to Howard University in
Washington DC, where she developed her vocal style and became a teacher. She
also started playing in clubs, accompanying opera singers and singing blues and
jazz in the interval, building a reputation at the 1520 Club. Eventually she was
discovered by Atlantic Records, quickly recording her debut album First Take in
a few hours. However, Flack didn't become ...