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The world lost a giant today (Februry 22nd), as news broke that legendary artist Roberta Flack peacefully passed away at the age of 88. Continue reading to learn more about the musical icon and to take a trip down memory lane with some of her unforgettable hits!
Roberta Flack was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina and was raised in Arlington, Virginia. Flack grew up in a large musical family and displayed her talent very early. At just nine years old, she took a liking to playing the piano and eventually began excelling at it. Her skills earned her a music scholarship from Howard University, which she entered at just 15. While there, Flack ended up changing her major from piano to voice. This led to her becoming the an assistant conductor of the university choir. Upon graduating (at 19 years old), Flack began her graduate studies in music. The sudden death of her father forced her to move back home and start teaching music and English.
Once she returned to Washington, D.C., Flack’s career began to take shape. She made a name for herself as she performed multiple nights a week around the city, providing her own piano accompaniment. She also accompanied opera singers at the piano too. Flack really became a household name in the area when her voice teacher, Frederick “Wilkie” Wilkerson, mentioned that he saw a brighter future for her in pop music than in the classics. She adjusted her sound accordingly and everything started to go up from there. She officially began singing professionally in 1968, after being hired to be a regular performer at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant on Capitol Hill. Flack was eventually discovered performing in a D.C. nightclub and went on to get signed to Atlantic Records.
First Take, Flack’s debut album, was released in 1969. Although it took a few years, the album’s standout track ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ became a hit.It was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film Play Misty for Me, and won Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, she continued to solidify herself as one of the leading voices of her era, whether it be through solo releases or collaborations with fellow Howard University student Donny Hathaway.
In total, Flack released 17 albums throughout her historic career. She has been lauded for her sophisticated arrangements, smooth vocal delivery and blending of various genres. In her later years, she became more involved with philanthropic work, specifically in education and music. Her immense contributions to music were highlighted when she was awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 (to go along with the four she already had). Roberta Flack is undoubtedly one of the most influential musicians of her time and is a huge loss to the music world. To honor her legacy and Black History Month, check out a playlist of Roberta Flack essentials below. Rest easy to a legend!