Legendary vocalist Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music that continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Born with an extraordinary voice, Flack’s music spanned genres including pop-soul, jazz, and classical.
Flack’s career began as a schoolteacher, but she soon discovered her passion for singing and Black church music. She became one of the top voices of the 1970s, scoring multiple No. 1 hits with songs like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” and “Where Is the Love.” Her unique ability to reinvent and reinterpret classic songs earned her two Grammy Awards for Record of the Year.
Flack’s collaborations with other artists, including Donny Hathaway, Peabo Bryson, and Quincy Jones, resulted in some of her most iconic tracks. One of her most famous covers is “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” which was originally a folk ballad by Lori Lieberman. Flack transformed it into a soulful odyssey that became one of the biggest hits of 1973.
Throughout her career, Flack continued to push boundaries and experiment with different genres. She produced her own album, “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” under the pseudonym Rubina Flake, and worked on several other projects before eventually releasing “Roberta” in 1994, an album of jazz and soul standards that showcased her unique interpretations.
Flack’s music remains a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the greatest vocalists of all time. Her passing at the age of 88 leaves a void in the music industry, but her timeless songs will continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans alike.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/24/arts/music/roberta-flack-songs.html