Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist renowned for her soulful performances, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her manager, Suzanne Koga, who disclosed that Flack died of cardiac arrest en route to a Manhattan hospital.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began at an early age. She exhibited prodigious talent, which led her to Howard University on a full music scholarship at just 15 years old. Her early immersion in classical piano laid a foundation for her versatile career, seamlessly blending soul, jazz, and R&B.
Flack’s rise to fame was marked by her unique ability to convey deep emotion through her music. Her breakthrough came with the 1971 release of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a rendition that earned her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. She made history by becoming the first solo artist to win the same award in consecutive years, following up with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” in 1973.
Throughout the 1970s, Flack’s collaborations with artists like Donny Hathaway produced timeless duets such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Her ability to infuse songs with intimacy resonated with audiences worldwide.
Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was a dedicated philanthropist and educator. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students. Her commitment to nurturing young talent reflected her belief in the transformative power of music.
In her later years, Flack faced significant health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 and a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, which led her to retire from performing. Despite these obstacles, her passion for music remained profound, and her legacy continued to inspire new generations of artists.
Flack’s dedication to artistic authenticity and soul has left an indelible mark on the world. Her voice and heartfelt performances will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
