Movies

Roberta Flack was so much more than ‘just a singer’

BBG News

Looking to stir up a lively discussion at your upcoming Gen X social gathering? Consider bringing up a contentious topic like this: Mention in passing, making sure everyone can hear, that while Beyonce is undeniably talented, she might not be as exceptional an artist as Billie Eilish, given the speculation about her songwriting. If you prefer Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, or Dua Lipa over Billie, feel free to swap them in. Just keep an eye out for Kanye West, who might be near the bar, before voicing your opinion. Brace yourself for a spirited reaction!

The debate about Beyoncé’s role as a songwriter has been going on for some time now. She shares credit with numerous other writers on many of her songs, but I must clarify that I cannot definitively say who actually writes the songs. In my opinion, it is unfair for anyone without direct access to her recording sessions to form an informed opinion about this matter.

As a music enthusiast, I find myself questioning the accuracy of credit assignments when it comes to producing a contemporary pop track. Even the folks in the studio may be unsure about who deserves recognition for what.

When is a vocalist more than “just a singer”?

So I want to go back a little further and discuss whether it even matters.

Significantly, the allocation of publishing rights plays a pivotal role. The songwriters named as contributors receive royalty payments. This situation creates a substantial monetary motivation for claiming songwriting credits. Should the track become successful, a significant amount of wealth is on the line.

But does it matter in terms of an artist’s reputation? And if it does, should it?

Reflecting on recent events, Roberta Flack‘s passing has sparked my thoughts. The life story of this exceptional singer has been making headlines lately, and it’s a captivating narrative that showcases determination, talent, and luck. Sharing her story is crucial because, at the height of her career, Flack didn’t receive as much recognition as she deserved. I believe a significant part of this was due to the evolving nature of pop singers’ roles in the 1960s.

Prior to the emergence of rock & roll, it was uncommon for singers like Ella Fitzgerald and Barbra Streisand to compose their own songs. Instead, most of their popular recordings were written by others. However, this didn’t diminish their status as exceptional vocalists in the 20th century; they are still widely recognized as great artists despite not being prolific songwriters.

In simpler terms, it’s not about who was male or female; Frank Sinatra did write some songs, but most of his famous tunes were actually composed by professional songwriters. As far as I know, Dean Martin didn’t ever write songs for a living.

These singers might not be the primary writers of their famous tunes, but their influence on them is undeniable. By wielding their tool – their voice – skillfully, they breathed life into the lyrics and essentially made each song come alive. It wasn’t just about how they sung; it was also the unique emotions and interpretation they infused into every note.

In the 1940s-1960s, these four singers, along with numerous others, possessed an extensive understanding of tempo and orchestration that transcended the limitations of their vocals. They were acutely aware of what suited their unique voices and had a distinct vision for how they desired their final pieces to resonate.

Singers stand apart from other musicians within a group, as they serve as their own musical instruments. Unlike instrumentalists who can mask behind their tools, singers expose their unique tones, pitches, emotions, and heart directly. This vulnerability makes them the band’s most exposed yet captivating element. To achieve success, Karen Carpenter had to leave her drum kit and step onto the stage, shedding her anonymity as a drummer for The Carpenters. This is why singers usually take center stage – their unfiltered expressiveness sets them apart from others in the band.

Generally speaking, it’s typically the vocalist who is most well-known among a band’s members. However, there are instances where this isn’t the case, such as with Alan Parsons and his rotating cast of singers for his songs – we don’t always know every singer he employed.

Transformation took place in the 1960s, with Bob Dylan often being pointed as the catalyst. He was the highly acclaimed “poet” during the dawn of rock music. By the close of that decade, it became essential for an artist to compose their own songs. If you didn’t, as John Lodge put it in 1973, you were simply a vocalist in a rock band.

Music labels were constantly searching for the next musical prodigy like Bob Dylan, or other renowned artists such as James Taylor, Randy Newman, John Prine, Jackson Browne, and Bill Withers. Furthermore, owning a pen in addition to a voice and a guitar was essential to gain credibility in the industry.

Women were included in this as well. Joni Mitchell was particularly renowned, but Joan Baez and Janis Ian weren’t far behind. The same could be said for Maria Muldaur, Melanie Safka, and Bonnie Raitt. While the general public might have enjoyed the 5th Dimension, the discerning audience recognized that Laura Nyro was penning their catchy tunes. Nyro even captured their attention – though perhaps not quite as effectively as Marilyn McCoo did.

Women like Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Janis Ian, Maria Muldaur, Melanie Safka, Bonnie Raitt, Laura Nyro, and Marilyn McCoo were all popular singers in that era. While some people might have only known the 5th Dimension, the ones who appreciated good music recognized that Laura Nyro wrote their favorite songs.

Back in the groovy ’70s, I was part of the audience who adored the melodious voices of some incredible vocalists. Among them were Roberta Flack and Linda Ronstadt, two ladies whose tunes were etched into our hearts. However, unlike many other talented singers of that era, these two didn’t compose their own songs – they were simply the voice behind the lyrics. But oh, what a powerful and soulful voice they had! Their legacy was significantly impacted by this shift in the music industry, more so than others who were songwriters as well. For me, their voices were the ultimate soundtrack of that era.

Compare Karla Bonoff’s recording of “Someone to Lay Down Beside Me” with Ronstadt’s version, and you’ll agree that Ronstadt’s rendition demonstrates nothing short of exceptional artistry. Ronstadt breathed fresh life into the Everly Brothers’ “When Will I Be Loved” and turned Dee Dee Warwick and Betty Everett’s “You’re No Good” into entirely new compositions.

In a similar vein, Roberta Flack demonstrates this concept as well. When you listen to Peggy Seeger singing Ewan MacColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” you can grasp how an artist can breathe life into a song they didn’t compose. Flack’s meticulous and powerful delivery is both divine and gritty, showcasing the essence of high artistry. She did this with numerous songs, yet, like Ronstadt, she was often categorized as “only a singer.” Remarkably, her background as a classically trained pianist was seldom mentioned in discussions about her career.

I want to make it clear that I’m not undermining the importance of songwriting – crafting a remarkable song is almost a divine act of creation. However, I find it frustrating when people underestimate the value of exceptional vocalists, like Beyoncé, in the same way. It’s important to recognize that even if Beyoncé never wrote a single note or lyric, her impact on music history would still be significant.

Just as Roberta Flack’s and Linda Ronstadt’s ought to be.

Read More

2025-03-02 19:00

Previous post Georgia Harrison Finds Love Again: How Jack Stacey is Helping Her Heal After Trauma
Next post Kyle Walker’s Club Antics Spark Controversy, Wife Annie Kilner Praised for Handling It