Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Music” and “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face” made her a defining voice of the Nineteen Seventies, handed away on Monday on the age of 88. Flack, recognized for her intimate vocal fashion and masterful piano enjoying, died peacefully at residence surrounded by her household, in accordance with her publicist Elaine Schock.
Flack’s profession skyrocketed after Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face” in his 1971 movie Play Misty for Me, the place the tune turned the soundtrack to one in every of cinema’s most memorable love scenes. The hauntingly stunning ballad, paired with Flack’s soprano voice, went on to high the Billboard pop charts in 1972 and received the Grammy Award for Report of the 12 months. Only a yr later, she achieved the identical honor with “Killing Me Softly,” turning into the primary artist to win consecutive Grammys for Greatest Report.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was a classically educated pianist who confirmed her musical skills early on. By the age of 15, she had earned a full scholarship to Howard College in Washington, D.C., the place she was launched to jazz and gospel music. Found within the late Sixties by jazz musician Les McCann, Flack’s rise to fame got here comparatively late, however she quickly turned a family identify with a collection of soulful and tender hits that captivated listeners worldwide.
Along with her musical success, Flack was an influential determine in social justice actions. Her friendships with civil rights activists just like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis mirrored her deep dedication to equality. Flack additionally sang on the funeral of Jackie Robinson, the primary African American to play Main League Baseball, and was concerned in initiatives corresponding to Free to Be… You and Me, a feminist youngsters’s album created by Marlo Thomas.
Flack’s highly effective collaborations included two duets along with her shut pal and fellow Howard College alumnus Donny Hathaway, “The place Is the Love” and “The Nearer I Get to You.” Their partnership was tragically lower brief in 1979 when Hathaway died after a psychological well being disaster.
Regardless of her peak success within the Nineteen Seventies, Flack continued to be a outstanding determine within the music world, recording new materials and performing effectively into the Nineties. Her work was rediscovered by a brand new era when The Fugees recorded a Grammy-winning cowl of “Killing Me Softly,” which led to a memorable efficiency with the group on stage.
Flack’s contributions to music earned her 5 Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement award in 2020, additional cementing her legacy as some of the influential and versatile artists of her time. Lately, artists like Beyoncé and John Legend have paid tribute to her, underscoring the lasting influence of her artistry.
Along with her musical accomplishments, Flack was recognized for her philanthropy, notably with the Roberta Flack College of Music, which gives music schooling to younger youngsters. Her dedication to educating was obvious throughout her early years as a music educator in Washington, D.C., the place she shared her ardour for music with college students in inner-city colleges.
Flack is survived by her household, and her legacy will dwell on via her timeless music and enduring affect on generations of artists.
