Jini June breathes new life into ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’
Indian-American Pop/R&B artist pays tribute to Roberta Flack with soulful rendition of a timeless classic
By Arun Kumar
Rising Indian American pop/R&B sensation Jini June is set to captivate audiences with her latest release, a heartfelt cover of ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love,’ originally recorded by the legendary Roberta Flack. This tribute honors Flack’s enduring legacy, celebrating the song’s timeless elegance while infusing it with Jini June’s signature vocal artistry and a contemporary R&B flair.
The soulful remake was produced by Grammy-winning music producer, Quincy Patrick, who’s worked with artists like Usher, Alicia Keys and Babyface to name a few, according to a media release.
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Quincy and Jini wanted to pay homage to Flack’s smooth, emotive delivery while incorporating fresh, modern elements that make the song resonate with today’s listeners. With lush instrumentation and a rich, intimate vocal performance, Jini masterfully crafts an experience that is both familiar and refreshingly new.
“Roberta Flack has always been a source of inspiration for me,” says Jini June. “Her voice takes me back to a time when music was pure and vulnerable. I wanted to honor her artistry by reimagining this classic in a way that feels true to both her legacy and my own musical journey.”
Music has been a central part of Jini’s life from an early age. Growing up on the outskirts of Richmond, Virginia, from a musical family, she was deeply inspired by legends such as Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, and Lauryn Hill—artists whose powerful vocals shaped her own artistic journey.
Her love for singing pop & R&B music flourished in high school as a member of her school’s show choir. While on a pre-law track at New York University, she made the pivotal decision during her junior year to put her college career on hold and whole-heartedly pursue a music career.
At the time, she was being shopped as a fourth member of a multi-cultural girl group to record labels. When the group disbanded, Jini June began her solo career under Quincy’s label, QwiLite Records.
As a classically trained pianist, Jini’s ability to blend intricate melodies with rich, sultry vocals sets her apart in an industry thirsting for authenticity.
Jini is also well versed in the Carnatic style of Indian classical vocal, though she doesn’t lean much on her roots when it comes to her songwriting. “I use Indian flavors sparingly in my music as I don’t want to use my culture as a crutch. I have too much respect for my heritage to exploit it in western music for the sake of sounding ‘unique’.”
Regardless, whether she’s singing in English, Hindi or Kannada, Jini’s nuanced tone and vocal control are giveaways to her Indian roots.
The release of ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love’ marks the beginning of an exciting year for Jini June, who is gearing up to introduce more original music in 2025. The track is available now on all major streaming platforms.
