The Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack, beloved for her profound influence on music with hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song," passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of soul-stirring melodies and impactful activism.
USA Today reported that Roberta Flack died peacefully surrounded by her family on Monday, marking the end of an era shaped by her distinctive musical contributions.
Born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack grew up in Arlington, Virginia, where her prodigious talent at the piano earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old.
Her early exposure to music set the stage for a career that would defy the norms of her time and influence generations.
Flack's professional journey began in the vibrant atmosphere of a Washington nightclub, where her captivating performances caught the attention of music industry insiders. This led to a fruitful long-term relationship with Atlantic Records, releasing 13 albums from 1969 to 1994.
Her debut album, "First Take," released in 1969, was a slow-building success that eventually became a classic, foremost propelled by the hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1972. The album's success marked a significant moment in Flack's career, establishing her as a prominent figure in the soul and R&B genres.
Throughout the 1970s, Flack's artistry continued to rise with several chart-topping hits such as "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "Feel Like Makin' Love."
Her collaborations, especially with Donny Hathaway, were celebrated for their emotional depth and musical harmony, contributing to her reputation as a groundbreaking artist.
Her distinctive style did not only garner commercial success but also critical acclaim, culminating in four Grammy Awards, including the prestigious Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Flack's influence extended beyond her immediate musical outputs. Her songs inspired countless artists across various genres, evident in the 1996 hip-hop remake of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" by the Fugees, which introduced her work to new audiences and reaffirmed her impact on the music industry.
As stated by her manager Suzanne Koga, "If Roberta Flack was unlike singers who came before her, there were many who would emulate her in her wake.
Her influence has never stopped reverberating. She was a woman who sang in a measured voice, but her measurements moved times and events as much as they moved hearts."
Despite facing health challenges, including ALS which she publicly revealed in 2022 and which impaired her ability to sing and speak, Flack continued to engage with the music community and her fans.
Her last album, "Let it Be: Roberta," released in 2012, showcased her enduring passion for music, featuring covers of songs by The Beatles.
Her contributions to music and civil rights were highlighted in the 2022 documentary "Roberta," which explored her role as both an artist and an activist.
This film served not only as a tribute to her life but also as an educational resource on her impact on culture and society.
In remembrance of her monumental career, her influence remains a testament to her visionary approach to music and her ability to touch the hearts of many around the globe. Her voice, both literally and metaphorically, will continue to inspire and resonate with future generations.
