The world has lost a true musical treasure with the passing of Roberta Flack. Her voice—warm, soulful, and filled with emotional depth—created some of the most moving songs in American music history.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Roberta Flack's journey to musical greatness began early. A piano prodigy who received a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, she would later transform the landscape of soul, R&B, and pop music with her extraordinary talent.
What made Roberta special wasn't just her technical ability, but the way she could convey profound emotion through every note she sang. When Roberta performed Killing Me Softly With His Song, she didn't just sing—she told a story that resonated in the deepest parts of our hearts. Her interpretations of love, loss, and human connection in songs like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Feel Like Makin' Love helped define the soundtrack of generations.
Her incredible run of hits in the 1970s—including her soul-stirring duets with Donny Hathaway on classics like Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You—established her as one of music's most distinctive and influential voices. She won multiple Grammy Awards, including the unprecedented achievement of winning Record of the Year in consecutive years (1973 and 1974) for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly With His Song.
Beyond her commercial success, Roberta Flack's music represented something more profound. Her work often bridged musical traditions and brought together listeners from diverse backgrounds. In an industry sometimes defined by rigid categories, she moved fluidly between soul, folk, jazz, and pop, creating a sound that was uniquely her own. Whether in the delicate beauty of Jesse or the heartfelt emotion of Tonight, I Celebrate My Love (with Peabo Bryson), her artistry transcended boundaries.
As we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a life of artistic integrity and musical excellence. The beauty of Roberta Flack's legacy is that it will continue to live through her recordings, which will undoubtedly move and inspire people for generations to come.
Her voice may have been silenced, but the melodies and emotions she shared with the world will echo forever. Thank you, Roberta, for the gift of your music and for showing us the power of soulful expression. Every time we hear Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow or Bridge Over Troubled Water, we'll remember your extraordinary gift. Your voice touched millions, and your spirit will continue to inspire countless more.
Rest in peace, Roberta Flack (1937-2025). Your music will forever be the soundtrack to our most tender moments.