Roberta Flack, the beloved singer and pianist known for her soulful mix of jazz and folk, passed away on Monday in Manhattan. She was 88 years old. Her manager, Suzanne Koga, shared that she suffered cardiac arrest while on the way to the hospital.
In 2022, Roberta revealed she had been diagnosed with ALS, a condition that affected her ability to perform. Despite her challenges, her legacy as an iconic artist remains strong.
Roberta’s rise to fame began after years of teaching in Washington, D.C. and performing at nightclubs. Her breakthrough came in 1972 when her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in a Clint Eastwood film. The song, which had been released earlier, quickly soared to number one on the Billboard charts after the movie’s release.
Flack didn’t stop there; she went on to claim the top spot again with hit songs like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973 and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” in 1974. Her powerful voice and emotional delivery won her major recognition, including Grammy Awards for Record of the Year in both years. In 1973, she and Donny Hathaway won for “Where Is the Love,” and in 1974, she took home the Grammy for “Killing Me Softly.”
Roberta Flack’s music and impact on the industry continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike. Her unique sound and heartfelt performances have left an unforgettable mark on the world of music.
Check out this related article: “Remembering Roberta Flack: The Iconic 1970s Voice Behind ‘Killing Me Softly’ Passes Away at 88”
Source linkFlack, Roberta,Deaths (Obituaries),Pop and Rock Music
