“Do you still love me tomorrow?” (1971)
By the time Flack released a cover of this Shirelles classic, in late 1971, Carol King (who wrote the song with Jerry Goffin) was a slowdown version of her own in her mega-selling LP, “Tapestry.” I had already done it. However, Flack's performance is still impressive, an unforgettable showcase for her voice and delicate and engrossed piano arrangements.
“Freedom Song” (1971)
In 1971, Flak performed at the Independence Day Festival in Ghana with Ike and Tina Turner, staple singers, Wilson Pickett and Santana. Her spiritual “OH Freedom” a cappella version is both a groaning prayer and a taste of joy, and a heart stopper. The soundtrack has long been obscure. It has never been released on US CDs and is not available on streaming services.
Roberta Flack and Donnie Hathaway, “Where is Love?” (1972)
Talented, troubled singer and songwriter Donnie Hathaway is one of Flack's most important collaborators, writing early tracks and organizing songs on his second album. In 1972, they collaborated on the joint LP “Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway,” which became the blueprint for the romantic souls of the '70s. “Where Is the Love” is a No. 1 R&B hit that remains in a constant radio rotation, a perfect duet, and the story of romance still feels like a bonbon.
“I will gently kill me with his song” (1973)
Another amazing song choice that Flack completely remakes into a huge, signature hit. While on the plane she encountered Lori Lieberman's Folky originals, reworking the chord structure, adding soaring entanglements, and turning the song into a soulful odyssey. She tried it at a concert with Quincy Jones. Quincy Jones said, “RO, don't sing Dagon's songs anymore until you record them.” The recording became her second No. 1 hit, and was further boosted when Fugees re-mapped the track in 1996.
“Makin' Feels Like Love” (1974)
Flack produced the sixth studio album herself under the name Rubina Flake, producing the third No. 1 hit, a clear and smooth touch on this sensual title track. The album was a relative flop when it was finally released in early 1975, delayed by several months of tense recording sessions.
Roberta Flack with Donnie Hathaway, “I'm coming to you” (1977)
Although not written as a duet, the song reunited Flack and Hathaway for another Gosey crossover hit. This was No. 1 R&B on the Hot 100 and came in second place. The following year it was released as “Roberta Flack featuring Donnie Hathaway.”
