Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist known for her smooth, heartfelt voice in the genres of soul, jazz, and R&B. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack showed remarkable musical talent from an early age, particularly in playing the piano. At just 15 years old, she earned a full scholarship to study music at Howard University, making her one of the youngest students ever admitted to the institution.
After graduating, Flack worked as a music and English teacher while performing in Washington, D.C. nightclubs. Her performances caught the attention of jazz pianist Les McCann, who helped her secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take (1969), initially went unnoticed until Clint Eastwood featured the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song became a massive hit and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Flack continued her success with Killing Me Softly with His Song, which won another Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway produced timeless hits like Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. Her soft, emotive vocal style influenced the "quiet storm" subgenre of R&B and remains a significant part of her legacy.
Beyond her music career, Flack was passionate about education. In 2007, she established the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, offering free music education to underprivileged students. Her dedication to music and philanthropy left a lasting impact on both the entertainment industry and the communities she supported.
In 2022, Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a condition that affected her ability to sing. Despite this challenge, her influence in the world of music remained profound. Her timeless voice and emotionally rich performances continued to inspire artists and fans worldwide.
On February 24, 2025, Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88. Her contributions to music and culture are immortalized through her iconic songs, groundbreaking achievements, and the many artists she influenced. She will forever be remembered as a legend in soul and R&B.