Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist, passed away at her home on Monday, as announced by her publicist Elaine Schock. Flack was 88 years old. She had previously revealed in 2022 her diagnosis of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had prevented her from continuing to sing.
Flack’s rise to fame came in her early 30s after director Clint Eastwood featured her soulful rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The track became a major hit, reaching the top of the Billboard pop chart in 1972 and earning her a Grammy for record of the year. Eastwood preferred the original slow tempo of the song for his film, sharing that its popularity soared after the movie’s release.
In 1973, Flack achieved another milestone with the song “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” winning the Grammy for best record for the second year in a row. This made her the first artist to secure consecutive Grammys in that category.
Growing up as a classically trained pianist, Flack impressed many with her exceptional talent, receiving a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15. She was discovered in the late 1960s by Les McCann, a jazz musician who described her voice as one that could evoke every emotion. Although her performances could channel the vibrant energy of Aretha Franklin, Flack preferred a more thoughtful and contemplative delivery in her music.
The 1970s marked a period of significant success for Flack, with hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and duets with her friend Donny Hathaway, such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Her collaboration with Hathaway ended tragically when he died in 1979 during the production of their duet album.
While Flack’s peak years were in the 1970s, she continued to enjoy success in later decades. Her duet with Peabo Bryson, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” and with Maxi Priest, “Set the Night to Music,” were notable hits in the 1980s and 1990s respectively. The Fugees’ Grammy-winning cover of “Killing Me Softly” in the mid-90s brought renewed attention to Flack’s original work.
Throughout her career, Flack won five Grammy Awards and received nominations eight more times. In 2020, she was honored with a lifetime achievement Grammy. Artists such as John Legend and Ariana Grande have acknowledged her influence and contributions to music.
Flack expressed her connection to other artists in 2020, noting music as a shared language through which they communicate and understand life’s challenges. Such connections extended beyond music; for instance, Beyoncé recognized Flack among a group of esteemed icons in her Grammy-nominated track, “Queens Remix” of “Break My Soul.”
Flack was briefly married to Stephen Novosel, navigating family tensions due to their interracial relationship. She had a son, Bernard Wright, a singer and keyboardist. For years, Flack resided in the Dakota apartment building in Manhattan, sharing the floor with John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Ono penned liner notes for Flack’s album of Beatles covers.
Flack also devoted efforts to the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York, aimed at educating young students in music.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was the daughter of musicians. Raised in Arlington, Virginia, she graduated from Howard University and taught music at junior high schools in the Washington D.C. area, performing in clubs during her free time.
Flack’s early performances at Mr. Henry’s in Washington drew attention from celebrities like Burt Bacharach and Johnny Mathis. The club owner, Henry Yaffe, created a private studio for her performances. Flack’s debut album, “First Take,” released in 1969, showcased a blend of gospel, soul, flamenco, and jazz.
Roberta Flack’s legacy in music and her contributions to social movements continue to be remembered and celebrated.