Remembering and Appreciating Roberta Flack #MusicMonday

Source: Wikipedia

Last week we lost yet another musical legend … Roberta Flack. While I wouldn’t say I was a mega-fan per se, her music was definitely in my playlist throughout my life for sure and her impact has been profound in the music scene, and for the gay community which I personally am profoundly appreciative.

There is of course her biggest hit, “Killing Me Softly,” which I always turn up the volume when that song comes on.

I’m mean, talk about killing me softly with that voice!

Roberta’s first album came out in 1969, titled “First Take” which she recorded in just ten hours! It made the “Rolling Stone” list of the 500 Greatest Albums of all time, and includes her first #1 hit …

Again, that voice!!!

This first album from Roberta also includes a song that few people understand was a breakthrough in support of the gay community. It’s called “Ballad of the Sad Young Men” and it’s about all the gay men who had to secretly (and dangerously) go out to gay bars to find other gay men for love. It’s heart wrenching in its understanding, especially when you think about the year that it came out, 1969 … the year of Stonewall. To think that she included this on her very first album is just amazing!

Roberta would go on to offer more support for the gay community by singing the theme song to the first big Hollywood movie that showcased a gay relationship … “Making Love” in 1982.

While the movie wasn’t a commercial success, it opened the pathway for future film makers to explore the topic and Roberta did have success with the song bringing awareness to the film and its content. As entertainment began to feature more role models, then that in turn frees people up to become more free to come out. We can all appreciate that.

So thank you Roberta for all you’ve done to help the gay community through your decades-long career. Your impact will live on for many decades more. We need it!

What’s your experience? JIM