Roberta Flack
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia. A musical prodigy, she started playing piano at a young age, influenced by church spirituals, and earned a scholarship to Howard University at 15, graduating with a music education degree in 1958. She briefly taught school before pursuing performance.
Flack worked as a nightclub pianist and singer in Washington, D.C., where jazz musician Les McCann discovered her at Mr. Henry's club in 1968, leading to a deal with Atlantic Records. Her 1969 debut album First Take gained traction years later, but her 1972 breakthrough came with First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which topped charts and won a Grammy.
In 1973, Flack released Killing Me Softly with His Song, another No. 1 hit and Grammy winner, cementing her in the Quiet Storm genre blending soul, jazz, folk, and pop. Other successes included "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1974, No. 1 hit), duets with Donny Hathaway like "The Closer I Get to You," and 15 albums total.
Flack received five Grammys, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, and an honorary doctorate from Howard. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, she passed away on February 24, 2025, at age 88 from cardiac arrest while en route to a hospital in Manhattan.
Quiet Fire
Backing Vocals – Arif Mardin, Jim Bailey, Joel Dorn, Ronald Bright, Sammy Turner
Bass – Chuck Rainey
Congas – Ralph McDonald
Drums – Bernard Purdie
Guitar – Hugh McCracken
Organ – Richard Tee
Percussion – Grady Tate
Written-By – Joel Dorn, Jesse Jackson, Roberta Flack 5:20
A2 Bridge Over Troubled Water
Arranged By [String & Voice] – Eumir Deodato
Backing Vocals – Cissy Houston, The Newark Boys Chorus
Cello – George Ricci, Kermit Moore, Seymour Barab, Ted Hoyle
Written-By – Paul Simon 7:13
A3 Sunday And Sister Jones
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Joe Farrell
Arranged By [Horns] – William Eaton
Bass – Chuck Rainey
Bassoon – Wally Kane
Drums – Bernard Purdie
Guitar – Hugh McCracken
Harmonica – Buddy Lucas
Percussion – Ralph McDonald
Soprano Saxophone, Flute – Romeo Penqué
Tenor Saxophone – Seldon Powell
Written-By – Eugene McDaniels 4:48
A4 See You Then
Arranged By [String & Flute] – Arif Mardin
Bass – Chuck Rainey
Drums – Bernard Purdie
Flute – Hubert Laws, Joe Farrell, Billy Slapin
Guitar – Hugh McCracken
Harp – Corky Hale
Percussion – Ralph McDonald
Written-By – Jim Webb 3:40
B1 Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow
Arranged By [Strings] – William Eaton
Bass – Ron Carter
Written-By – Carole King & Gerry Goffin 3:59
B2 To Love Somebody
Backing Vocals – Eugene McDaniels, Hilda Harris, Joshie Armstead, Les McCann, Tasha Thomas
Bass – Chuck Rainey
Drums – Bernard Purdie
Guitar – Hugh McCracken
Organ – Richard Tee
Written-By – Maurice, Robin & Barry Gibb 6:41
B3 Let Them Talk
Acoustic Bass – Terry Plumeri
Drums – Grady Tate
Electric Bass – Chuck Rainey
Tenor Saxophone – Joe Farrell
Vibraphone – David Carey
Written-By – Sonny Thompson 3:50
B4 Sweet Bitter Love
Arranged By [Strings] – William Eaton
Written-By – Van McCoy 6:06
Label: Atlantic – SD 1594
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1971
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Seventies Soul
Roberta Flack's Quiet Fire (1971) is a highly acclaimed soul album, praised for its "measured intensity," stunning vocal performances, gospel undertones, and seamless production, particularly highlighting her iconic cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water" and other gems like "See You Then" and "Sweet Bitter Love". While some contemporary critics found it overly gentle, retrospective reviews and fans laud it as a masterful showcase of Flack's talent, balancing deep emotion with sophisticated musicianship.
The album leans heavily into gospel influences, providing uplifting and reflective moments.
Flack uses her voice to convey deep feeling through "sighing, elongated phrases" rather than full-throttle belting, creating a unique power.
The varied tracks blend smoothly, creating a cohesive listening experience, notes AllMusic.
Standout Tracks
"Bridge Over Troubled Water": A fan-favorite, this extended cover is often cited as a definitive, goosebump-inducing rendition.
"See You Then": A beautiful Jimmy Webb ballad showcasing Flack's pure vocal talent.
"Sweet Bitter Love": Described as pushing the album to another level.
"Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow": A recognizable and soulful take on the Carole King classic.
AllMusic calls it "one of Flack's best," while fans call it "stunning" and "a must for any fan of good music".
Quiet Fire is considered a classic of 70s soul, a testament to Roberta Flack's artistry, and a must-listen for lovers of quality vocal performances and emotional depth.