Roberta Flack Biography: The Voice That Captivated a Generation
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was a distinguished American singer and pianist, celebrated for her soulful voice and expressive performances. She was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, into a musically inclined family. Her father, Laron Flack, was a draftsman who played the piano and harmonica, while her mother, Irene Flack, served as a church pianist and organist.
From an early age, Roberta’s musical talents were nurtured within the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she often played hymns and spirituals on the piano. Influenced by contemporary gospel music from artists like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke, she developed a deep passion for music. By the age of nine, Roberta had already begun honing her piano skills and excelled at classical piano during her early teens.
Roberta’s exceptional talent earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University when she was just 15, making her one of the youngest students to enroll there. Initially majoring in piano, she later switched to voice and took on the role of assistant conductor of the university choir. Her direction of a production of Aida received a standing ovation from the Howard University faculty. After graduating from Howard University at 19, she began graduate studies in music but took a job teaching music and English in Farmville, North Carolina, following her father’s sudden death.
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Her professional music career began in the late 1960s when she started performing in Washington, D.C. clubs. Jazz musician Les McCann discovered her and helped her secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, was released in 1969 and included the hit single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which topped the Billboard charts and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Flack’s success continued with hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” which won her a second consecutive Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974, making her the first artist to achieve this. Other notable songs include “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Where Is the Love” (a duet with Donny Hathaway), and “The Closer I Get to You.”
Throughout her career, Roberta Flack was known for her ability to tell stories through her music, drawing on an eclectic mix of jazz, gospel, soul, folk, and classical influences. She influenced the subgenre of contemporary R&B known as quiet storm and interpreted songs by songwriters like Leonard Cohen and members of the Beatles.
In addition to her musical achievements, Flack was dedicated to philanthropy. She established the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, New York, to provide music education to underprivileged children.
Her personal life included a marriage to jazz bassist Steve Novosel from 1966 to 1972. Despite facing health challenges later in life, including a stroke in 2016, she continued to perform and inspire audiences with her music.
Roberta Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88 in New York City. Her legacy as a pioneering artist and compassionate human being continues to resonate with fans and musicians worldwide.
Roberta Flack Songs
Roberta Flack was celebrated for her soulful voice and emotive performances, delivering numerous hits throughout her career. Some of her most iconic songs include:
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”: Featured on her debut album First Take (1969), this song topped the Billboard charts and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
- “Killing Me Softly with His Song”: This hit earned her a second consecutive Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974.
- “Feel Like Makin’ Love”: Another chart-topping single that showcased her versatility.
- “Where Is the Love”: A duet with Donny Hathaway that became a classic.
- “The Closer I Get to You”: Another memorable duet with Donny Hathaway.
- “Tonight I Celebrate My Love”: A popular ballad with Peabo Bryson.
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Roberta Flack Daughter
Roberta Flack did not have children of her own. However, she was the aunt of well-known figure skater Rory Flack and the godmother of the late musician Bernard Wright, who tragically died in 2022.
Roberta Flack Husband
Roberta Flack was married to jazz bassist Steve Novosel from 1966 to 1972. Despite their divorce, she continued to focus on her music career and remained a significant figure in the industry.
Roberta Flack Career
Roberta Flack’s career began in the late 1960s when she started performing in Washington, D.C. clubs. She was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who helped her secure a recording contract with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, was released in 1969 and included the hit single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”.
Flack’s success continued with hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and her duets with Donny Hathaway. She was known for her ability to tell stories through her music, drawing on an eclectic mix of jazz, gospel, soul, folk, and classical influences. She influenced the subgenre of contemporary R&B known as quiet storm and interpreted songs by songwriters like Leonard Cohen and members of the Beatles.
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In addition to her musical achievements, Flack was dedicated to philanthropy. She established the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, New York, to provide music education to underprivileged children.
Roberta Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88 in New York City. Her legacy as a pioneering artist and compassionate human being continues to resonate with fans and musicians worldwide.
