The music world mourns the loss of the legendary singer and pianist Roberta Flack, who passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. Flack, known for her intimate vocal style and significant impact on both soul and pop music, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her family. In 2022, she publicly disclosed her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which had prevented her from continuing to sing.
Flack's rise to fame began in the 1970s when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his film Play Misty for Me. This haunting ballad not only topped the charts in 1972 but also earned her the first Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The subsequent year, she won the same award with "Killing Me Softly With His Song," making her the first artist to achieve this feat in successive years.
A Prodigious Talent from Carolina
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Virginia, Flack was a child prodigy in piano who earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15. Her musical career flourished in Washington, D.C. clubs, where she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who recommended her to Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, was released in 1969, but it was the success of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" that truly launched her career.
Chart-Topping Success and Collaborations
Throughout the 1970s, Flack solidified her reputation with hits like "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Her delicate and thoughtful performances set her apart in the soul and R&B genres, earning her critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.
Over the course of her illustrious career, Flack won five Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Her enduring influence is also evident in collaborations with artists such as Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest, and the popular 1990s cover of "Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees.
Legacy and Influence Beyond Music
In addition to her musical contributions, Flack was an advocate for arts education, establishing the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York to nurture young talent. Her passing marks the end of an era for soul music, yet her legacy will continue to resonate through her timeless recordings and the profound influence she had on generations of artists.
Roberta Flack's Musical Legacy and Influence
What was Roberta Flack's most famous song?
Roberta Flack is best known for her song "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
How did Roberta Flack's career begin?
Roberta Flack's career began in the clubs of Washington, D.C., where she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, eventually leading to a recording contract with Atlantic Records.
What impact did Roberta Flack have on music?
Roberta Flack's impact on music is profound, with her unique vocal style influencing both soul and pop genres. Her work continues to inspire artists, and her songs remain deeply cherished by fans across the globe.