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Roberta Flack’s life story was detailed by the late singer in a 2023 children’s book that’s back in the spotlight, following the Grammy winner and soul legend’s passing Monday.
Titled “The Green Piano,” the autobiographical picture book chronicles the singer’s journey to becoming a world-renowned singer, tracing her love for music back to a green piano that her father found in a junkyard and repaired for her. Originally released two years ago, the book is back at number one on Amazon’s bestsellers charts as of this writing.
Released by Anne Schwartz Books, the 40-page picture book follows little Roberta, as she falls in love with playing the piano keys and learns to express herself through song. “When her daddy spies an old, beat-up upright piano in a junkyard, he knows he can make his daughter’s dream come true,” reads the publisher description. “He brings it home, cleans and tunes it, and paints it a grassy green. And soon the little girl has an instrument to practice on, and a new dream to reach for–one that will make her become a legend in the music industry.”
Of course, Flack’s early days and nights with that green piano helped her develop her musicality and her voice, which went on to grace number-one hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
“The Green Piano” was written by Flack and Tonya Bolden, with full-color illustrations from artist and painter Hayden Goodman. Get the book on sale now at Amazon. You can also listen to the audiobook version of Flack’s kids book here.
According to her spokesperson, Flack passed away surrounded by friends and family on Feb. 24. She was 88.
