Nick brings us a Three For Thursday for Roberta Flack, who passed this week at the age of 88. She grew up in Arlington, VA, and upon graduating high school at the age of 15, she received a full music scholarship to Howard University. She began singing professionally in 1968, was signed to Atlantic Records, and went on to have a whirlwind of a successful career in the 1970s. Her voice touched a generation and she will be missed.

Songs: 

Roberta Flack - “Compared to What”

Roberta Flack - “Killing Me Softly (With His Song)”

Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway - “I (Who Have Nothing)”

Heard it through the GREGvine that Christina Ricci really hates Live, but particularly “Lightning Crashes.” Also, Marshall Allen, current bandleader of Sun Ra, releases his debut album at age 100, breaking all sorts of records. Finally, the Red Hot Chili Peppers recorded music catalog is for sale, you can own it today for clean $350 million.

Song: Bob Dylan “One More Cup of Coffee (feat. Scarlet Rivera)”

Jay brings a listener inspired (thanks Mr. Lentz!) BienVenue for a long-gone Baltimore music spot: The Painters Mill Music Fair. It began as a tent in a parking lot in 1960, with the 2500 person venue constructed in 1967. A venue of that capacity hosted some pretty large acts in the years to come. Dave Brubeck, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Frank Zappa, Chick Corea, Bruce Springsteen, and more over the next fifty-five years. It was also where Greg Allman played his final show with the Allman Brothers. In 1991, the venue burned to the ground when a burglar attempted to access the safe with a butane torch.

Song: Frank Zappa - “What’s New in Baltimore? (Live at Painters Mill Star Theatre)”