Roberta Flack, the celebrated American singer, songwriter, and pianist, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Renowned for her soulful voice and emotive performances, Flack’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was the daughter of Laron and Irene Flack. Her father worked as a draftsman, while her mother served as a church organist. Immersed in a musically rich environment, Flack’s early exposure to gospel music, notably the performances of Mahalia Jackson, ignited her passion for music. By the age of nine, she had begun piano lessons. She showcased a prodigious talent that would define her future career.
At just 15, Flack earned a full music scholarship to Howard University, making her one of the youngest students to attend the institution. Initially aspiring to be a classical pianist, she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. She then briefly taught music in Washington, D.C. However, her path soon shifted towards performance. This led her to the vibrant nightclub scene of the city.
Rise to Stardom
Flack’s journey to fame began in the late 1960s when she performed regularly at Mr. Henry’s, a Capitol Hill club in Washington, D.C. It was here that jazz musician Les McCann discovered her. This led to a recording contract with Atlantic Records in 1968. Her debut album, “First Take,” released in 1969, featured the track “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” This song catapulted her to stardom after Clint Eastwood selected it for his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The track became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. It earned Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Following this success, Flack continued to captivate audiences with her soulful renditions. In 1973, she released “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” which also soared to the top of the charts. It secured her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974. This achievement made her the first artist to win the award in two consecutive years. It was a testament to her exceptional talent and appeal.
Collaborations and Continued Success
Throughout the 1970s, Flack’s collaborations with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway produced several memorable duets, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Their harmonious blend became emblematic of the era’s soul music. Tragically, Hathaway’s untimely death in 1979 ended their partnership. Despite this, their musical legacy endures.
In the 1980s, Flack partnered with Peabo Bryson, resulting in hits like “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” Her versatility allowed her to navigate various musical genres, from jazz and soul to pop and folk. This ensured her relevance across decades.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2018, while appearing onstage at the Apollo Theater during a benefit for the Jazz Foundation of America, Flack became ill and was rushed to the Harlem Hospital Center. Her manager later announced that she had suffered a stroke a few years prior and was still not feeling well. She was “doing fine” and was being kept overnight for medical observation.
In late 2022, it was announced by a spokesperson that Flack had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. She had retired from performing due to the disease, making it “impossible to sing.”
Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was a dedicated philanthropist. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, which provided free music education to underprivileged students. Her commitment to nurturing young talent reflected her belief in the transformative power of music.
Roberta Flack’s death marks the end of an era. However, her soulful melodies and groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire artists and listeners worldwide. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music has solidified her place among the legends of American music.
For the Rockland Daily News, I cover the arts, music, theater, nightlife, pop culture, TV, film, food and food trends, and interesting people in New York. I write two weekly columns, one about bands and one about weekend events, and I sometimes write features about (but not limited to) local history and social issues, placing both in broader contexts. My beat is generally statewide, though I tend to focus more on the Rockland County and East Coast areas.