Remembering Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack, the celebrated American singer and pianist renowned for her soulful interpretations and chart-topping hits, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Elaine Schock, who stated that Flack died at her New York home, “surrounded by family”.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia. From a young age, Flack exhibited prodigious musical talent, beginning piano lessons at nine. Her exceptional abilities earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15, making her one of the youngest students to enroll there. Initially focusing on piano, she later shifted to voice and became an assistant conductor for the university choir.
After graduating, Flack briefly taught music and English before transitioning to a full-time music career. Performing in Washington, D.C. clubs, her unique blend of jazz, soul, and folk caught the attention of Atlantic Records, leading to a recording contract. Her debut album, "First Take" (1969), featured "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which Clint Eastwood selected for his film "Play Misty for Me." The song became a massive hit, earning Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Flack's soulful and soothing voice produced several chart-topping singles throughout the 1970s. Notably, she became the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1973 and "Killing Me Softly with His Song" in 1974. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," showcased her versatility and deep emotional resonance. In 1999, a star with Flack's name was placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In 2022, Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which led to her retirement from performing. Despite her illness, she remained active in music education and philanthropy. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students. Her contributions to music were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
With influence that extended beyond music; Flack was a trailblazer who opened doors for future generations of artists. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her performances left an indelible mark on the music industry. As we remember Roberta Flack, we celebrate a life dedicated to artistic excellence and the transformative power of music.
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