(February 12, 2021) Over the two decade period from 1970-1990, Roberta Flack quietly opened doors for a new generation of female singers, making beautiful music but also making history. Her gentle amalgamation of Soul, Gospel and folk, combined with a message of both empowerment and love, created an intelligent, thoughtful pathway for modern singers such as India.Arie and Jill Scott. In the process, Flack became a legend
(February 12, 2021) Over the two decade period from 1970-1990, Roberta Flack quietly opened doors for a new generation of female singers, making beautiful music but also making history. Her gentle amalgamation of Soul, Gospel and folk, combined with a message of both empowerment and love, created an intelligent, thoughtful pathway for modern singers such as India.Arie and Jill Scott. In the process, Flack became a legend
Flack turned 84 this week, and part of her celebration is the release of a new single: a reimagined version of the classic Marvin Gaye socially conscious song, "What's Going On." It is unclear where or when this recorded, but Flack's new version completely reimagines the original; bongos and electric guitars in the background give a loose jam underpinning for Flack's vocals, which turn the original melody on its ear, making it unrecognizable. But the lyrics peer through as always, asking the question that still burns a half century after Marvin Gaye first asked it.
This new Flack version may be an acquired taste for some and may be an epiphany for others. We're just glad to have Roberta Flack back. Check out "What's Going On" below and tell us what you think.
Roberta Flack - "What's Going On"