Remembering Roberta Flack: A Soulful Legend Who Touched Millions
Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer, has passed away at the age of 88. Known for her soulful, heartfelt ballads like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face , Flack left an indelible mark on the music world. Her publicist confirmed that she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, after battling ALS—a condition that had already taken away her ability to sing in recent years.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack’s journey to stardom was nothing short of remarkable. A classically trained pianist, she earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Though she initially aspired to be a classical musician, the industry’s racial and gender barriers led her toward pop and soul. Encouraged by a voice coach, she began performing in Washington, D.C. clubs, where she was eventually discovered by jazz musician Les McCann. That moment changed everything, leading to a record deal with Atlantic Records and the start of an extraordinary career.
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Flack’s breakthrough came with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face , which skyrocketed to fame after Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me . The song became a No. 1 hit and won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. That same year, she and Donny Hathaway won another Grammy for their duet Where Is the Love . In 1974, she achieved back-to-back Grammy success with Killing Me Softly With His Song , cementing her place as a music icon.
Beyond her chart-topping hits, Flack was known for her fearless approach to social issues. Through songs like Tryin’ Times and Compared to What , she addressed racial injustice and economic disparities. She also broke barriers in a male-dominated industry, taking on production roles under the alias "Rubina Flake." Her influence extended across generations, inspiring artists like Lauryn Hill, the Fugees, Lizzo, and Lady Gaga.
Even as her health declined, Flack remained deeply connected to music and its power to heal and inspire. In 2020, she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, a testament to her lasting impact. Reflecting on her legacy, she once said, “Every single song I’ve recorded expressed something deep and personal to me.”
Today, the world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, but her music, message, and spirit will live on forever. Thank you, Roberta, for the melodies, the passion, and the legacy. Rest in melody.
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