Roberta Flack, Virtuoso Singer-Pianist, Dies at 88
Roberta Flack, the magnetic singer and pianist known for her soulful blend of jazz, folk, and pop, passed away at 88 in Manhattan due to cardiac arrest. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Flack had been unable to perform in her final years. Her rise to fame came in 1972 when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film Play Misty for Me, catapulting the song to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and marking the start of her international stardom.
Throughout the 1970s, Flack became a chart-topping icon, earning multiple Grammy Awards for hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Her voice, known for its tender yet powerful delivery, spanned genres effortlessly—from soulful ballads to funk-infused tracks—while maintaining a distinctive, brooding intensity that set her apart. Critics often marveled at her ability to blend emotion and clarity without resorting to sentimentality or overstatement.
Born in Black Mountain, N.C., in 1937, Flack showed musical prowess early, playing piano for church choirs and excelling in classical music. At 15, she entered Howard University on a full scholarship, becoming the first undergraduate to perform a classical vocal recital. Though her dreams of a classical career were dampened by racial barriers, she pivoted to teaching music while performing in Washington, D.C. nightclubs, where her eclectic repertoire and emotive performances drew growing acclaim.
Her breakthrough came after Les McCann discovered her at a D.C. club and arranged an audition with Atlantic Records. Flack’s debut album, First Take (1969), showcased her broad range but didn’t reach commercial success until Eastwood spotlighted “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” From there, Flack’s career soared, leading to further hits and collaborations, notably with Donny Hathaway on the chart-topping duet “Where Is the Love.”
Flack’s music often reflected her social consciousness. Songs like “Compared to What” offered sharp social commentary, while her duets with Hathaway, such as “Be Real Black for Me,” emphasized Black pride and solidarity. She was also a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, performing pieces like “Ballad of the Sad Young Men” and contributing to the soundtrack of Making Love, a 1982 film about same-sex love.
In 1973, Flack solidified her place in music history with “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” which became her signature track and a cultural touchstone. Her success continued with Feel Like Makin’ Love (1974), a self-produced hit that helped define the quiet storm genre. Flack’s production work under the pseudonym Rubina Flake displayed her versatility beyond vocals and piano.
Despite her fame, Flack remained grounded. She often spoke fondly of her teaching days and the D.C. club scene that shaped her artistry. Her affinity for classical music, combined with soul, jazz, and folk influences, allowed her to transcend genres while staying true to her unique sound. Her collaborations with artists like Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson further showcased her mentorship and commitment to nurturing new talent.
Beyond music, Flack dedicated herself to philanthropy, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music and supporting animal rights causes. She also maintained a lifelong interest in spirituality and the occult, crediting her grandmother’s influence for her curiosity about healing and mysticism.
Throughout her career, Flack earned numerous accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Her ability to connect deeply with audiences through understated yet emotionally potent performances cemented her legacy as one of the most influential artists of her time.
Even in her later years, Flack reflected on her journey with humility and warmth. When asked about her old haunt, Mr. Henry’s in Washington, D.C., she recalled fond memories and simply remarked, “I was there recently. I love the crab cakes,” embodying the grace and authenticity that defined her life and career.
