Roberta Flack: A Timeless Voice
Roberta Flack was born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937 and was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist whose soulful interpretations of classic ballads left an indelible mark on the music industry. With chart-topping hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Killing Me Softly with His Song, and Feel Like Makin’ Love, Flack’s emotive voice and unique fusion of soul, jazz, and folk captivated audiences worldwide.
Early Life and Musical Foundations
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Flack was raised in a musically inclined family. Her mother, a church organist, introduced her to gospel music early on, and by the time she was a child, she was already displaying remarkable talent on the piano. Her family moved to Arlington, Virginia, where she was exposed to a broad range of musical influences, from classical to blues and jazz.
A prodigious student, Flack received a full music scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15, making her one of the youngest students to enroll there. She initially aspired to be a classical pianist, studying under prominent professors while also absorbing the diverse musical styles around her. However, as she grew artistically, she became increasingly drawn to jazz, soul, and folk music.
Transition to Professional Music
After graduating from Howard, Flack briefly worked as a music teacher in Washington, D.C., but her passion for performance led her to play in clubs and lounges around the city. It was during one of these performances at Mr. Henry’s, a Capitol Hill nightclub, that jazz musician Les McCann discovered her in 1968. Recognizing her talent, McCann arranged for an audition with Atlantic Records, leading to her first recording contract.
Rise to Stardom
Roberta Flack’s debut album, First Take, was released in 1969. Though it initially received little attention, the album’s fortunes changed when Clint Eastwood selected her rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song’s haunting beauty resonated deeply with audiences, propelling it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six consecutive weeks in 1972. The track earned Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
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Following this success, Flack continued to dominate the charts. In 1973, she released Killing Me Softly with His Song, another number-one hit that won her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974. She became the first artist in history to win the award in back-to-back years, solidifying her status as one of the leading voices in contemporary music.
Collaborations and Continued Success
Roberta Flack developed a highly successful musical partnership with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway. Their 1972 duet Where Is the Love became a top-five hit and earned them a Grammy Award. Their chemistry extended to other successful collaborations, including The Closer I Get to You, which became another major hit.
Tragedy struck in 1979 when Hathaway passed away, a loss that deeply affected Flack. Despite the personal and professional setback, she continued to create music that resonated with fans. Her 1974 single Feel Like Makin’ Love showcased her ability to blend sensuality with sophisticated musical arrangements, earning her yet another number-one hit.
Later Career and Legacy
In the 1980s, Roberta Flack remained a strong presence in the music industry. She collaborated with Peabo Bryson on the romantic ballad Tonight, I Celebrate My Love (1983), which became a wedding favorite. She also recorded Making Love (1982), the theme song for the film of the same name, further cementing her reputation as a master of love songs.
Her ability to adapt to changing musical landscapes was evident in the 1990s, when she recorded Set the Night to Music, a duet with Maxi Priest. The song became a top-ten hit and introduced her to a new generation of listeners.
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Beyond her music, Flack was a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for music education. She established the Roberta Flack Foundation to support underprivileged children in the arts and worked closely with organizations helping musicians in need. Her influence extended far beyond her own discography, inspiring artists such as Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and Norah Jones. The Fugees’ 1996 version of Killing Me Softly with His Song reintroduced her work to a new audience, further proving the timelessness of her artistry.
Later Years and Health Challenges
Roberta Flack continued performing into the 2000s and 2010s, though at a slower pace. In 2012, she released Let It Be Roberta: Roberta Flack Sings The Beatles, an album that reimagined classic songs with her signature style.
In 2018, she suffered a stroke, which led to her gradually stepping away from public performances. By 2022, she had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), which affected her ability to sing. Despite these health challenges, she remained an advocate for music education and mentorship, continuing to inspire younger generations.
Passing and Enduring Legacy
Roberta Flack died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her death marked the end of a remarkable era in music, but her legacy lives on through her timeless recordings, influence on future musicians, and philanthropic efforts.
With a career spanning over five decades, Roberta Flack proved that music, when performed with sincerity and soul, has the power to transcend generations. Her ability to blend genres and deliver songs with deep emotional resonance ensured that she would forever be remembered as one of the greatest voices in American music history.
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