Roberta Flack, Grammy winner and legendary singer, has passed away at the age of 88. Known for her soulful and intimate style, she left an unforgettable mark on the music industry. Her family confirmed that she died peacefully at home on Monday. In 2022, Flack revealed she had ALS, which had taken away her ability to sing.
Roberta Flack, Grammy Winner, and Her Rise to Fame
Flack was relatively unknown before her 30s. But everything changed when Clint Eastwood used her song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The ballad, with its soft piano and gentle vocals, became a massive hit. In 1972, it topped the Billboard charts and won a Grammy for Record of the Year.
She repeated this success in 1973 with Killing Me Softly With His Song. This made her the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year. The song became an anthem, later covered by the Fugees in the 1990s, earning another Grammy.
A Trailblazer in Music and Activism
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack grew up in Arlington, Virginia. A classically trained pianist, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. She later taught music in Washington, D.C., before being discovered by jazz musician Les McCann.
Her music wasn’t just about love—it was about social change. Flack was deeply involved in the civil rights movement and counted activists like Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis as friends. She also performed at Jackie Robinson’s funeral, honoring the first Black player in Major League Baseball.
The Golden Years: Chart-Topping Hits and Collaborations
The 1970s were Flack’s most successful years. Her hits included Feel Like Makin’ Love and duets with longtime friend Donny Hathaway, such as Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. Her partnership with Hathaway ended tragically when he died in 1979 after struggling with mental health issues.
Despite the loss, Flack continued to make music. She found success in the 1980s with Tonight, I Celebrate My Love alongside Peabo Bryson and in the 1990s with Set the Night to Music featuring Maxi Priest.
Legacy of Roberta Flack, Grammy Winner
Roberta Flack, Grammy winner five times over, was nominated for eight more Grammys and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Her influence stretched across generations, with stars like John Legend and Ariana Grande praising her artistry.
In 2022, Beyoncé honored Flack in Break My Soul (Queens Remix), naming her among the greatest female artists.
She also dedicated time to music education. The Roberta Flack School of Music, based in New York, helped children between 6 and 14 develop their talents.
Remembering Roberta Flack
Flack’s impact on music and culture is undeniable. She blended soul, jazz, and gospel into a sound uniquely her own. Her ability to evoke deep emotions through her voice made her one of the most beloved artists of all time.
Her legacy lives on through her timeless music, inspiring both new and old generations. Roberta Flack, Grammy winner and trailblazer, may be gone, but her voice will never fade.
