Roberta Flack: Legendary R&B Singer and Piano Virtuoso Leaves Lasting Legacy

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Roberta Flack, the legendary R&B singer and piano virtuoso, has died at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and artistry. Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack began her musical journey as a classical pianist, gaining a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15. Her classical training led her into teaching, but at night, she would accompany opera singers on piano, singing pop standards during the breaks.

Flack's recording career started after she was discovered singing in a jazz club by musician Les McCann, who later wrote that "her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I've ever known". Her debut album, First Take, was released in 1969 and featured a mix of soulful tunes, Leonard Cohen covers, and a powerful salute to gay men who lived their lives in secret. The album's success was fueled by her cover of Ewan MacColl's folk standard The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which was used in Clint Eastwood's 1971 film Play Misty For Me and won Flack her first Grammy.

Throughout her career, Flack collaborated with numerous artists, including Donny Hathaway, Miles Davis, and Peabo Bryson. Her duet with Maxi Priest, Set the Night to Music, was released in 1991 and marked her return to the charts. Flack also recorded an album of Beatles covers, Let It Be Roberta, in 2012. Some of her notable works include:

• Killing Me Softly With His Song
• Feel Like Makin' Love
• The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
• Set the Night to Music
• Let It Be Roberta

Her music was a testament to her boundless talent and her ability to transcend genres, from soul and R&B to jazz and classical.

Flack's impact on the music industry was recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys in 2020. Her music continues to inspire new generations of artists and fans, and her legacy will be remembered for years to come. Despite being diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2022, which left her unable to sing, Flack's spirit and artistry remain an enduring part of music history.

As news of her passing spread, fans and fellow musicians took to social media to pay tribute to Flack's incredible talent and enduring legacy. Her music will continue to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans around the world, and her memory will live on as a true legend of the music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, Roberta Flack leaves behind a legacy that is sure to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

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