Roberta Flack vs. Anita Baker

Roberta Flack: A classically trained musician whose songs like “Killing Me Softly” are masterclasses in restraint and melodic beauty. Her sound is sophisticated and “hushed.” Anita Baker: The architect of “Quiet Storm.” Her deep, contralto voice and jazzy phrasing on albums like Rapture redefined R&B for a more mature audience.