• Why Do Jazz Pianists LOVE Roberta Flack?

  • Mar 31 2025
  • Length: 1 hr and 5 mins
  • Podcast

Why Do Jazz Pianists LOVE Roberta Flack?

  • Summary

  • Tune in as we pay tribute to the incomparable Roberta Flack, who we sadly lost last month. From her 1969 debut album First Take (featuring Open Studio artist Ron Carter on bass) to her iconic collaborations with Donny Hathaway – we dissect why what Flack didn’t play was just as important as what she did. We’ll explore how this classical piano prodigy, who entered Howard at 15 and didn’t write her own songs, became the Quiet Storm Queen that influenced every soul, R&B, and jazz singer since. You’ll hear why her understated yet commanding vocals and that classic 70s kick drum made “Killing Me Softly” a hit, grooving duets like “You’ve Got A Friend,” and deep cuts that redefined ballads. Join us to uncover the genius of Roberta Flack.


    🟠 Open Studio Members

    OG YHI episode on Donny and Roberta
    https://youtu.be/78mMufAqZSc

    ABOUT OPEN STUDIO
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    All about YHI
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