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The legendary singer and pianist Roberta Flack, known for her intimate vocal style and impact on soul and pop music, passed away this Monday at the age of 88 in her home, surrounded by her family.
The artist had revealed in 2022 that she was suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which prevented her from continuing to sing.
Flack rose to fame in the 1970s when Clint Eastwood included her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in the film Play Misty for Me. The ballad not only topped the charts in 1972 but also earned her her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
The following year, she repeated the award with "Killing Me Softly With His Song", becoming the first artist to win the award in consecutive years.
Roberta Flack was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Virginia. She was a child prodigy pianist who received a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15.
Her musical career took off in the clubs of Washington D.C., where she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who recommended her to Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, was released in 1969, but it wasn't until the success of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" that her career really took off.
During the 1970s, Flack solidified her fame with hits like "Feel Like Makin' Love" and her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You."
Her style, characterized by delicate and thoughtful interpretations, set her apart within soul and R&B, earning her the respect of both critics and the audience.
Throughout her career, she won five Grammy awards, including a lifetime achievement award in 2020. Her legacy also includes collaborations with artists such as Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest, and a lasting influence that was reflected in the popular version of "Killing Me Softly" recorded by the Fugees in the 1990s.
Beyond music, Flack excelled as an educator and advocate for arts education, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York for children and young people.
His death marks the end of an era for soul music, but his legacy will endure through his recordings and the influence he had on generations of artists.
Frequently Asked Questions about Roberta Flack and Her Musical Legacy
Who was Roberta Flack and what was her contribution to music?
Roberta Flack was a legendary singer and pianist known for her intimate vocal style and her impact on soul and pop music. She rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song". Throughout her career, she was noted for her delicate performances that left a lasting mark on soul and R&B.
What important awards did Roberta Flack receive in her career?
Roberta Flack won five Grammy Awards throughout her career, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2020. She was the first artist to win the Record of the Year award in consecutive years, thanks to her performances of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song."
How did Roberta Flack influence other artists and generations?
Roberta Flack's legacy includes a lasting influence on generations of artists. Her style and successes have inspired numerous musicians, reflected in the popularity of cover versions of her songs, such as the one by the Fugees of "Killing Me Softly" in the 90s. Additionally, her focus on artistic education was manifested in the founding of the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York.
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