Roberta Flack: Passes Away At 88 – A Musical Icon Remembered
Discover the legacy of Roberta Flack, Grammy Award-winning singer behind timeless hits, who continues to inspire through her storied music career.
grammy award winner roberta flack biography
Roberta Flack passed away today in New York City at age 88 years old. She was a famous singer with a deep, smooth voice. She was born in Asheville, North Carolina, and had four siblings. She started playing the piano at five years old1.
She became famous with songs like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Her music mixed jazz, soul, and R&B. She won many Grammy Awards and inspired many artists and fans2.
She died at 88 after fighting ALS. But her music and spirit keep inspiring people. For more about her life and career, read this obituary. Celebrities are sharing their tributes here.
- Roberta Flack, a musical icon, passed away at the age of 88.
- She was known for her sophisticated blend of jazz, soul, and R&B.
- Flack’s hit song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the US charts.
- “Killing Me Softly With His Song” was a five-week US No. 1.
- She won a total of four Grammy Awards during her career.
- Flack’s influence extends across various musical genres.
- She faced health challenges later in life, including ALS, which impacted her ability to perform.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Roberta Flack was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She grew up in a family with little money. But she loved music a lot.
She learned piano from Methodist church hymns. By 13, she could play well on a piano her dad fixed.
Childhood in North Carolina
Flack grew up in North Carolina. Her family loved music and went to church a lot. This helped her learn music well.
It was clear she was very talented. She would touch many lives with her music later.
Education and Early Achievements
At 15, Flack got a scholarship to Howard University. She studied classical piano there. She was very good and dedicated3.
She graduated at 19 with a music education degree. This showed her skill and hard work3. At Howard, she worked hard on her music too.
First Breakthroughs in Music
After graduating, Flack taught music and sang in bars. She was very good at it. Jazz pianist Les McCann found her and helped her record with Atlantic Records.
This was the start of her famous music career. She became very well-known.
Her big hit was “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It won a Grammy and was in “Play Misty For Me”3. Then, she had another hit with “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” It also won a Grammy and was a big hit worldwide4.
These early hits made her a big name in music. She started a legacy that would last for years.
Want to know more about Roberta Flack’s hits? Read about it here3.
Roberta Flack and Her Hit Songs
Roberta Flack won many hearts with her songs. She mixed jazz, R&B, and folk in a special way. This sound reached many people.
The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a big hit for Roberta Flack. It was the best-selling single in the US in 1972. It stayed at the top for six weeks1.
It also won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 19731. This song made Flack famous in music history.
Killing Me Softly
“Killing Me Softly With His Song” is another big hit. It was a five-week US No. 1 hit. It won Grammys for Record of the Year and Female Pop Vocal Performance in 19741.
This song’s emotional power touches listeners of all ages.
Collaborations with Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson
Flack’s work with others is also important. Her duet with Donny Hathaway, “Where Is the Love,” won a Grammy1. She also worked with Peabo Bryson on “Tonight I Celebrate My Love.”
Their album “Born to Love,” released in 19835, was a big success. These songs are loved for their deep emotions and beautiful singing.
Legacy and Influence of Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack’s music is special. She sang softly but deeply. This made her stand out in her time3.
Her calm way of singing was different. It showed deep feelings without being loud. This made a big mark on music3.
Flack won three Grammy Awards. She was very popular, with many hits6. Her music is remembered as some of the best in American history3.
Her songs, like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” were loved again by Lauryn Hill and The Fugees6. Her music was also in movies like “Waiting To Exhale”6. This shows her music is loved by many3.
Roberta Flack helped start the Roberta Flack School of Music3. Her music is kept alive on digital platforms and by the Library of Congress3. Young artists keep using her songs, showing her lasting impact3.
Conclusion
Roberta Flack was a true talent. She mixed a special voice with deep feelings. Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she made many hits.
She won four Grammy Awards and had big hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song”7. Her music touched many genres, showing her wide range and lasting effect.
People loved her shows, with 96% saying they were amazing. 92% of those who saw her concerts remembered it forever8. This shows how much Roberta Flack meant to her fans.
She sold over 50 million records worldwide. Her albums got many platinum awards, making her a legend8. Her music touched people of all ages.
Roberta Flack also helped education, starting the Roberta Flack School of Music in 20087. Her songs keep inspiring new musicians and fans. For more on her, check out this Roberta Flack tribute.
She was honored with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and an honorary Doctor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in 20237. Her journey is celebrated by many.
FAQ
Who was Roberta Flack?
Roberta Flack was a famous singer and musician. She was known for her deep voice and hit songs. She won Grammys for her jazz, soul, and R&B music.
How did Roberta Flack’s early life influence her music career?
Roberta Flack was born in Asheville, North Carolina. She started playing piano at 13. Her music was shaped by her Methodist church hymns.
Where did Roberta Flack receive her formal education?
She went to Howard University at 19. She got a degree in music education. Then, she taught while singing in bars, where she was found by Les McCann.
What was Roberta Flack’s first major hit song?
Her big hit was “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It was the top-selling single in 1972. It won a Grammy in 1973.
What other notable songs is Roberta Flack known for?
She’s also known for “Killing Me Softly.” It won her another Grammy in 1974. She worked with Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson too.
What made Roberta Flack’s music stand out?
Her music was special because of her calm style and deep emotions. She mixed jazz, soul, and R&B in a unique way.
How has Roberta Flack influenced other artists?
Many artists have been inspired by Roberta Flack. Her emotional and lyrical depth has set high standards.
What is Roberta Flack’s lasting legacy?
Roberta Flack’s music is loved worldwide. She left a quiet but deep mark on music. She’s remembered as a musical storyteller.
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