Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia.
She grew up in a musical household, with her mother being a church organist, which deeply influenced her musical upbringing. By the age of 9, she was already showing exceptional talent on the piano and was classically trained.
Early Years & Education
Flack’s prodigious skills earned her a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old—an incredibly rare achievement.
She initially pursued a career in classical piano but later transitioned to singing, influenced by jazz, R&B, and folk music. While at Howard, she studied under the composer Mark Fax and became involved in various musical performances.
Teaching & Performing
After graduating, Flack began working as a music teacher in Washington, D.C., while performing in local clubs and venues in the evenings.
She became a regular at Mr. Henry’s, a nightclub in D.C., where she captivated audiences with her unique blend of jazz, folk, soul, and classical influences.
First Big Break
Her performances at Mr. Henry’s caught the attention of Les McCann, a jazz musician, who was so impressed that he arranged for her to audition for Atlantic Records in 1968.
The label signed her almost immediately, and within 10 hours, she recorded her debut album, First Take (1969), which featured the classic "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."
The song didn’t become a hit right away but gained widespread attention when Clint Eastwood used it in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me, propelling it to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Roberta Flack: The Journey from Acclaimed Artist to Superstar (Late 1970s – Early 1980s)
After her breakthrough with First Take and the success of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (which won Record of the Year at the 1973 Grammys), Roberta Flack quickly became one of the most celebrated vocalists of the decade.
1972-1974: Chart-Topping Success with Donny Hathaway
Flack’s success continued when she collaborated with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway.
Their 1972 album, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, featured the massive hit “Where Is the Love”, which won them a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group in 1973.
In 1973, she released "Killing Me Softly with His Song", which became her biggest solo hit. It stayed at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, earning her Grammys for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1974.
This solidified her as a major star, with her unique blend of soul, jazz, and folk influencing a generation of artists.
She made history by winning Back-to-Back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year in 1973 and 1974—a feat only a handful of artists have ever accomplished.
The Making of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” & Its Worldwide Impact
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” became Roberta Flack’s signature song, one of the most beloved ballads of all time, and a track that transcended generations.
But its journey to global recognition is a fascinating story of inspiration, chance, and impeccable artistry.
The Song’s Origins:
From Lori Lieberman to Roberta Flack
The origins of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" trace back to Lori Lieberman, a singer-songwriter who first recorded the song in 1972.
Lieberman was inspired after attending a Don McLean concert, where she was deeply moved by his performance of “Empty Chairs.”
Afterward, she described her emotional reaction to songwriters Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, who then crafted “Killing Me Softly with His Song” based on her experience.
Lieberman recorded it first, but her version did not gain much attention commercially.
Roberta Flack’s Discovery & Reinvention
Roberta Flack first heard the song while on a flight in late 1972.
As the story goes, she was traveling on a plane when she heard Lieberman’s original version playing over the speakers.
She was immediately captivated by the lyrics and melody but felt the arrangement was too folk-oriented.
She knew she could transform it with her own soulful and dramatic interpretation.
Flack approached Atlantic Records and asked if she could record it, but first, she tested it live in front of an audience.
In September 1972, while opening for Quincy Jones at the Los Angeles Greek Theatre, she performed the song for the first time.
After the performance, Quincy Jones reportedly rushed backstage and told her:
“You got to record this song right away!”
With that endorsement, Flack went into the studio and worked on a new arrangement that would become one of the most iconic versions in music history.
Recording Process & Musical Arrangement
Flack’s version took the song to a whole new level of emotional depth and sophistication.
Unlike Lieberman’s gentler folk rendition, Flack slowed it down, infused it with soulful, jazz-like phrasing, and added rich orchestration.
The piano intro is one of the most recognizable in music history, setting the tone for an intimate yet grand emotional experience.
The background vocals and orchestral swell elevate the song, making it sound larger-than-life yet deeply personal.
Her vocals were at the heart of the transformation—controlled, delicate yet powerful, drawing listeners into the deep emotions of the lyrics.
She worked meticulously in the studio to perfect every note, crafting a haunting, immersive experience that would soon resonate worldwide.
Worldwide Recognition & Success
Released in January 1973, Flack’s version of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" became a massive global hit:
#1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks.
Won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year & Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (1974).
Topped charts internationally, including Canada, Australia, and several European countries.
Eventually became one of the best-selling singles of the decade.
The song resonated across cultures because of its universal themes of emotional connection and the power of music.
1975-1979: Continued Success and Tragedy
Flack’s 1974 album, Feel Like Makin’ Love, was another commercial success, with the title track hitting #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. By the mid-70s, she had firmly established herself as a global superstar.
She continued collaborating with Donny Hathaway, and they recorded several songs together in the late '70s. However, tragedy struck when Hathaway, who struggled with mental illness, died in 1979.
This was a devastating loss for Flack, both professionally and personally, as the duo had planned more collaborations.
Despite this, she pushed forward, releasing the 1978 album Blue Lights in the Basement, which included the hit "The Closer I Get to You", another duet with Hathaway.
This song became a major success, reaching #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and cementing her place as a crossover R&B and pop icon.
1980-1981: Superstardom and New Collaborations
By the early '80s, Flack continued to evolve, embracing contemporary sounds while staying true to her signature smooth, emotional delivery.
In 1980, she released Roberta Flack Featuring Donny Hathaway, which included the posthumous duet "You Are My Heaven."
In 1981, she scored another massive hit with "Making Love", the theme song for the movie of the same name.
The song became a classic ballad of the era, reinforcing her versatility as an artist.
Around this time, she also started working with new collaborators, including Peabo Bryson, with whom she would record some of her later hits in the 1980s.
Roberta Flack:
A Journey Through the 80s and Into the 90s
By 1981, Roberta Flack had already cemented herself as one of the most powerful voices in music. She had won back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year, an honor shared with only a few legends.
But the 1980s were a time of change—both in music and in Flack’s own career. The rise of synth-driven pop, hip-hop, and MTV culture was reshaping the industry, but Roberta Flack wasn’t about to fade into the background. She was about to evolve.
1981: "Making Love" and a Changing Landscape
In 1981, Flack recorded the stunning ballad "Making Love", the theme song for the romantic drama of the same name.
The song, lush with emotion and orchestral swells, was a perfect showcase of Flack’s ability to tell a story with her voice. Though it wasn't a massive pop hit, it became a timeless love song, especially in adult contemporary circles.
Around this time, R&B and soul were shifting—disco had faded, and the industry was leaning toward funkier, groove-based production. As artists like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston began dominating the charts, Flack had to find a way to balance her classic soul roots with the evolving sounds of the decade.
1982-1983:
A New Musical Partnership with Peabo Bryson
Though she had spent the 70s collaborating with Donny Hathaway, his tragic passing in 1979 left a void in her musical world. But in 1983, she found a new partner in Peabo Bryson, one of the most gifted R&B vocalists of the era.
Their duet album, Born to Love, featured the romantic hit "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love".
The song became a wedding staple, a defining love ballad of the 80s.
It reached the Top 5 on the R&B charts and helped introduce Flack’s music to a younger audience.
Their chemistry was undeniable, and while Flack wasn’t dominating the pop charts as she had in the 70s, she remained a beloved voice in the industry.
1984-1988: Quiet Strength and Musical Evolution
Flack spent much of the mid-80s touring internationally, performing for dedicated audiences who still cherished her timeless voice.
During these years, she:
Experimented with more electronic instrumentation, incorporating synths and drum machines into her recordings to stay relevant with the times.
Collaborated with jazz artists and soul legends, continuing to explore the depths of her vocal range.
Maintained a respected presence in R&B, even if her commercial success wasn’t as dominant as before.
While the mainstream spotlight shifted toward younger artists, Flack never compromised her artistry.
1988-1989: The Return to the Spotlight
In 1988, Flack returned with a fresh energy. Her album Oasis blended her signature soulful ballads with a more contemporary sound.
The title track "Oasis" became a hit on R&B radio, showing that Flack’s voice was as mesmerizing as ever.
The album demonstrated her ability to bridge the gap between classic and modern R&B.
Though she was no longer a chart-dominating force, her music continued to resonate with audiences seeking depth, warmth, and soul.
By the end of the 80s, Flack had achieved something few artists ever do—she remained relevant across three decades while staying true to herself.
The 90s: A Living Legend Finds New Audiences
As the 1990s arrived, the world of R&B was changing once again. New Jack Swing, hip-hop soul, and rap were dominating, but Flack's influence could be heard in the voices of artists like Anita Baker, Sade, and even Lauryn Hill, who would later pay tribute to her work.
In 1991, she released Set the Night to Music, an album that included the stunning duet "Set the Night to Music" with Maxi Priest.
The song was a Top 10 Billboard hit, proving Flack’s ability to adapt and thrive in yet another decade.
It introduced her music to a new generation of listeners, some of whom weren’t even born when she first won her Grammys.
Throughout the early 90s, she:
Continued touring, filling theaters and intimate venues where her voice could truly shine.
Released compilation albums, bringing renewed interest to her classic catalog.
Was recognized as a pioneer, with artists sampling and covering her work (most notably, The Fugees' 1996 version of “Killing Me Softly”, which became a global phenomenon).
By the time the mid-90s arrived, Roberta Flack was no longer just a star—she was a legend, a woman whose music had stood the test of time.
Legacy and Reflection
As she moved into the later years of her career, Flack became a figure of musical wisdom and grace, admired by generations of artists. She had experienced:
✔️ The explosive success of the 70s✔️ The elegant adaptation of the 80s✔️ The resurgence and recognition of the 90s
And through it all, her voice remained timeless—a reminder that true artistry never fades, it only deepens.
Roberta Flack: The 2000s to 2020 – Legacy, Influence, and Final Years
As Roberta Flack entered the 21st century, she was no longer just a celebrated artist—she was a living legend.
Her voice had already shaped R&B, jazz, and pop, and her songs had been covered, sampled, and reimagined by new generations. But rather than simply rest on past achievements, she continued to evolve, inspire, and create well into her later years.
2000s: A Quiet yet Powerful Presence in Music
In the early 2000s, Flack embraced her role as a mentor, interpreter, and curator of timeless music.
2003: She released "Holiday," a Christmas album that showcased her soulful interpretations of holiday classics.
2006: She returned with "Jazzy Christmas," further cementing her love for jazz and gospel-infused holiday tunes.
During this time, contemporary R&B artists and hip-hop musicians continued to draw from her legacy:
The Fugees’ 1996 version of “Killing Me Softly” had already brought her music back into the mainstream, introducing her to a younger, hip-hop audience.
Alicia Keys openly cited Flack as one of her biggest influences, channeling her soulful piano-based storytelling into albums like Songs in A Minor (2001).
John Legend, Maxwell, and Erykah Badu—all torchbearers of neo-soul—acknowledged her impact on their own styles of emotional, organic R&B.
Rather than chase trends, Flack embraced her role as an inspiration to artists who were redefining soul music for a new era.
2010s: A Resurgence & New Horizons
The 2010s saw Flack continuing to engage with music, despite health challenges that would later slow her down.
2012: “Let It Be Roberta” - Her Tribute to the Beatles
In a bold and unexpected move, Flack released Let It Be Roberta, a reinterpretation of Beatles classics through her own soulful lens.
Her version of “We Can Work It Out” and “Hey Jude” proved her ability to make any song uniquely her own.
The album received critical praise, showcasing her ability to transform iconic material into deeply personal, emotive experiences.
As she continued to perform and tour, her influence became even more evident:
Artists like Anderson .Paak, Lauryn Hill, and H.E.R. carried forward her soulful yet introspective approach to music.
Jill Scott and India.Arie embodied her signature mix of jazz, R&B, and storytelling.
Her timeless hits remained fixtures in pop culture, featured in movies, commercials, and TV series.
2018: Kennedy Center Honors
In 2018, Flack received one of the highest honors in American music—a tribute at the Kennedy Center Honors for her lifetime of contributions to music and culture.
She was recognized for her ability to blend classical, jazz, R&B, and pop in a way that was uniquely hers.
The tribute solidified her as one of the greatest interpreters of song in history.
However, during this time, her health began to decline, leading to fewer public appearances.
2020s: Her Final Years and Legacy
In 2020, as the world faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Flack largely stepped away from the public eye.
In 2022, she revealed that she had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurological disease.
The disease ultimately took away her ability to sing, an unimaginable fate for someone whose voice had moved generations.
Despite this, Flack remained graceful and reflective, releasing statements about her gratitude for the music, fans, and artists who carried her legacy forward.
February 2023: “Roberta” Documentary on PBS
In early 2023, a PBS documentary titled Roberta chronicled her life, career, and impact.
The film detailed her rise from a classically trained pianist to an R&B legend.
It included interviews with those she inspired and worked with, reaffirming her influence across multiple generations.
Influence & Legacy: How Roberta Shaped Music
Even as she moved into her final years, Roberta Flack’s impact remained immeasurable.
✔ She was a pioneer of quiet, introspective soul.Her style was unlike anything else in the 70s—a whisper instead of a scream, a moment of reflection instead of showy theatrics. This approach influenced later artists like Adele, Norah Jones, and Sade.
✔ She blurred genres.From classical piano to gospel, folk, and jazz, Flack refused to be boxed into a single genre—something that modern artists like Frank Ocean and Janelle Monáe have also embraced.
✔ She redefined duets.Her work with Donny Hathaway set the standard for soul duets, paving the way for legendary collaborations between Beyoncé & Jay-Z, Brandy & Monica, and Daniel Caesar & H.E.R.
✔ She showed that true artistry doesn’t chase trends—it creates timelessness.Even though her biggest hits were in the 70s, her music has been reintroduced to every generation since—whether through samples, covers, or its continued use in pop culture.
Her Passing & The Final Goodbye
In early 2025, Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 85. The music world mourned the loss of one of its greatest voices, but her legacy was already immortal.
Tributes poured in from artists across genres—from R&B legends to jazz musicians and even hip-hop producers who had sampled her work.
Music historians and critics reflected on her impact, calling her one of the most important vocalists of the 20th century.
Fans around the world revisited her music, keeping her voice alive long after she was gone.
As the final chords of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly", and "Where Is the Love" continue to echo through time, one thing is certain:
Roberta Flack’s music will never fade—it will only grow deeper, richer, and more meaningful with every passing generation.
Roberta Flack, the legendary singer known for hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack's illustrious career spanned several decades, during which she garnered multiple Grammy Awards and left an indelible mark on the music industry. In 2022, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which led her to retire from performing.
Her soulful interpretations and emotive performances influenced a wide range of artists across genres, from contemporary R&B singers to hip-hop musicians who sampled her work. Flack's legacy as a pioneering artist and her contributions to music continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.
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