The Passing of a Legend: Roberta Flack (1937–2023)
Roberta Flack, the Grammy Award-winning singer known for her soulful voice and timeless hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," has passed away at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her representatives, who stated that she died peacefully surrounded by her family. Flack’s manager, Suzanne Koga, and her team expressed their heartbreak over her loss, celebrating her as a trailblazer who broke boundaries and inspired generations. In November 2022, it was announced that Flack had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive disease that had made it impossible for her to sing or speak with ease. Despite her health struggles, Flack’s legacy as a singer, educator, and cultural icon remains indelible.
A Life of Music: Early Beginnings and Rise to Fame
Born on February 10, 1937, in North Carolina, Roberta Flack was destined for greatness. The daughter of a church organist, she began playing classical piano at a young age and earned a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., at just 15. Her talents as a pianist and singer quickly garnered attention, and she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann while performing at a local nightclub called Mr. Henry’s. McCann was awestruck by her voice, describing it as having the power to evoke every emotion imaginable. His admiration led to her signing with Atlantic Records, where she recorded her debut album, First Take, in 1969. The album included her breakout hit, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," a song written by Ewan MacColl. After the track gained popularity following its use in Clint Eastwood’s film Play Misty for Me, it reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and went on to win two Grammys in 1973.
A Legacy of Hits and Collaborations
Roberta Flack’s success continued to soar in the 1970s with hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "Feel Like Makin’ Love," both of which topped the Billboard charts. Her partnership with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway resulted in some of her most memorable recordings. The pair’s harmonious vocals and deep emotional connection created magic in songs like "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Tragically, their collaboration was cut short when Hathaway died in 1979. Flack later reflected on his sensitivity and genius, noting that his creativity was both a gift and a burden. Despite the loss, Flack continued to thrive, finding new success in the 1980s with duets like "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson. Her ability to adapt and evolve kept her relevant, even as the music landscape changed.
A Timeless Voice Across Generations
In the 1990s, Roberta Flack’s music reached a new audience when the Fugees covered "Killing Me Softly with His Song," with Lauryn Hill’s powerful vocals reintroducing the classic to a younger generation. This resurgence solidified Flack’s place as a cross-generational icon. She also continued to perform and record, releasing a Christmas album in 1997 and earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. Her performances took her around the world, including a memorable tour in South Africa where she sang for Nelson Mandela. Flack’s voice remained a testament to her enduring talent and emotional depth, even as she approached her later years.
Giving Back and Overcoming Challenges
In addition to her music, Roberta Flack was a dedicated educator. In the late 2000s, she founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students. Her commitment to nurturing young talent reflected her belief in the transformative power of music. However, Flack also faced significant health challenges in her later years, including a stroke in 2016 and a hospitalization in 2018. Despite these setbacks, she continued to perform, singing as recently as 2018 at a charity event. Her resilience and passion for music never wavered, even as her body grew weaker.
A Lasting Legacy: Remembering Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the music industry and fans worldwide. Musicians like Carole King and Jennifer Hudson have praised her as one of the greatest soul singers of all time, celebrating her timeless voice and the emotional depth of her performances. Flack’s ability to connect with listeners through her music left an indelible mark on the world. As she once shared, performing her classics required more than just musical skill—it demanded a deep emotional connection to the lyrics and their meaning. Her legacy lives on through her music, inspiring future generations to find their own voice and follow their passion. Roberta Flack may be gone, but her songs will continue to touch hearts for years to come.
