Roberta Flack
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and passed away on February 24, 2025, in Manhattan, New York. She was an acclaimed American rhythm and blues (R&B) singer renowned for her number-one hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1972) and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1973), as well as her duets with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love” (1972) and “The Closer I Get to You” (1977). Her music was a blend of jazz, gospel, soul, folk, and classical influences, and she was celebrated for her storytelling ability through her songs.
Raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack's early musical education was influenced by her father, Laron Flack, a draftsman who played the piano and harmonica, and her mother, Irene Flack, a church pianist and organist. She began studying piano at age nine and was inspired by the hymns of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. At 15, she received a full scholarship to Howard University, where she studied music education and developed a deep appreciation for classical composers such as Bach, Schumann, and Chopin.
Flack's professional music career began in the 1960s when she performed at the Tivoli Opera House club in Washington, D.C. Her breakthrough came with her debut album, "First Take," featuring the hit single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Her success continued with numerous hits and Grammy Awards, including Best Pop Vocal Performance and Album of the Year for "Killing Me Softly" in 1973. Over her career, she released more than 20 albums and was inducted into Hollywood’s Rockwalk Hall of Fame in 1990.
Flack's legacy in music history is marked by her unique style and cultural impact, influencing countless artists and captivating audiences worldwide. Her contributions to music were further recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the BET Music Awards in 2010.
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