Roberta Flack, the legendary soul and R&B singer renowned for her emotive voice and timeless hits, passed away on February 24, 2023, at the age of 88. Born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack's early life was steeped in music, as she was born to musical parents who nurtured her budding talent. Her journey from a young piano prodigy to an iconic musician left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Flack began playing the piano at the tender age of 9, demonstrating a prodigious talent that set her on a path to musical greatness. By the age of 15, she had achieved the remarkable feat of being accepted into Howard University on a full scholarship to study music. This made her one of the youngest students in the school's history. Initially aspiring to become an opera singer, Flack’s musical journey took a transformative turn, guiding her towards the soulful sounds that would define her career.
In 1966, Roberta Flack married jazz musician Steve Novosel, further embedding herself in the musical world. Her breakthrough came in 1971 when she scored a US No. 1 hit with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." This song, along with other hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "Feel Like Makin' Love," solidified her place as a music legend.
Her collaboration with Donny Hathaway yielded two US Top 5 hits: "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," both of which showcased her ability to blend emotion with artistry. Flack's exceptional talent earned her consecutive Grammy awards for Record of the Year in 1973 and 1974—making her the first artist to achieve this feat.
“What I consider myself is a soulful singer, in that I try to sing with all the feeling that I have in my body and my mind. A person with true soul is one who can take anybody’s song and transcend all the flaws, the technique and just make you listen.” – Roberta Flack
In addition to her celebrated singles, Flack continued to innovate and adapt throughout her career. In 2012, she released "Let It Be Roberta," an album featuring covers of Beatles songs, demonstrating her versatility and reverence for musical classics. Despite suffering a stroke several years before her death in 2018, Flack's legacy endured through her extensive catalog and influence on future generations.
Her passing was met with heartfelt tributes from fans and peers alike. Her spokesperson expressed the collective grief of many:
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2023” – Roberta Flack's spokesperson
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” – Roberta Flack's spokesperson
Flack's contribution extended beyond music; she was a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired countless artists. Her ability to convey deep emotion through song continues to inspire listeners worldwide.
“one who can take anybody’s song and transcend all the flaws, the technique and just make you listen” – Roberta Flack