Roberta Flack, the legendary singer known for her emotive voice and timeless hits, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. With a net worth of $20 million at the time of her death, Flack left behind an indelible mark on the music industry. Her career, spanning over five decades, saw her win multiple Grammy Awards and shape the quiet storm subgenre. From her humble beginnings in North Carolina to her rise as a global icon, Flack’s journey was one of resilience, talent, and musical brilliance.
What Were Roberta Flack’s Most Iconic Songs?
Roberta Flack’s catalog of music includes some of the most beloved and enduring songs of the 20th century. She first gained widespread recognition with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, a song that became a massive hit after being featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks and earned Flack her first Grammy for Record of the Year.
Her next major hit, Killing Me Softly with His Song, became another chart-topping success, winning her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. This achievement made her the first artist to ever win the award in back-to-back years.
Other notable songs include Feel Like Makin’ Love, which also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and her duets with Donny Hathaway, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. These collaborations cemented her reputation as a masterful vocalist with an unparalleled ability to convey emotion through music.
How Did Roberta Flack Rise to Fame?
Flack’s rise to stardom was marked by both talent and perseverance. Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she showed an early aptitude for music. Raised in a musical household where her mother played the piano for their church, Flack began formal piano lessons at the age of nine. Her extraordinary abilities earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15, making her one of the youngest students ever admitted.
Initially, she pursued classical piano but later expanded into teaching music. While working as a schoolteacher in Washington, D.C., she performed at local clubs, including Mr. Henry’s, a Capitol Hill venue where she developed her signature style. It was here that jazz pianist Les McCann discovered her and arranged an audition with Atlantic Records in 1968. Her debut album, First Take, was released the following year, though it did not gain immediate traction until Eastwood’s film featured her song, propelling her to stardom.
What Defined Roberta Flack’s Musical Style and Influence?
Unlike many of her contemporaries, Flack’s approach to music was marked by subtlety and restraint. She fused elements of soul, folk, jazz, and classical music to create a distinctive sound. Her warm contralto voice and refined piano skills made her songs feel intimate, as if she were having a personal conversation with each listener.
Her ability to transform songs written by others into deeply personal interpretations set her apart. Rather than rely on vocal acrobatics, Flack focused on emotional authenticity, making her music resonate across generations. Her style influenced countless artists, particularly within the quiet storm subgenre, which emphasized smooth, slow-tempo R&B with jazz and soul elements.
What Was Roberta Flack’s Relationship with Donny Hathaway?
One of the most significant collaborations of Flack’s career was with fellow musician Donny Hathaway. The two met while studying at Howard University and later recorded multiple hits together. Their 1972 album, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, featured the Grammy-winning single Where Is the Love, which became a defining song of the era.
The chemistry between Flack and Hathaway was undeniable, and they continued working together until Hathaway’s tragic death in 1979. His passing was a profound personal and professional loss for Flack, but their collaborations remain some of the most cherished duets in R&B history.
Was Roberta Flack Married or Did She Have Children?
Flack was married once in her lifetime to jazz bassist Steve Novosel. Their marriage lasted from 1966 to 1972, but she did not remarry. She did not have any children of her own but played an influential role as the aunt of figure skater Rory Flack and the godmother of the late musician Bernard Wright.
How Did Roberta Flack Spend Her Later Years?
Although her peak commercial success occurred in the 1970s, Flack remained active in music for decades. She collaborated with various artists, including Luther Vandross, and continued recording and performing until health issues forced her to step back.
In 2018, she suffered a stroke, which significantly impacted her ability to perform. Then, in 2022, she was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), leading to her retirement from music. Despite these challenges, she remained a significant presence in the industry, overseeing the reissues of her recordings and participating in a documentary about her life.
Beyond music, Flack was passionate about education. She established the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged children. This initiative reflected her lifelong belief in the transformative power of music.
Where Did Roberta Flack Live?
For over four decades, Flack resided in the historic Dakota building in New York City. She purchased her apartment in the 1970s at the height of her career, joining an exclusive community of residents that included John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Her nine-room apartment, with its views of Central Park, served as an inspiration for much of her work. She listed the property for $10 million in 2015 but ultimately sold it for $5.8 million in 2018 after her stroke.
What Was the Cause of Roberta Flack’s Death?
At the time of her passing on February 24, 2025, no official cause of death was given. However, given her ALS diagnosis in 2022 and the stroke she suffered years prior, it is likely that her health struggles contributed to her passing. A statement from her spokesperson emphasized that she died peacefully, surrounded by family.
What Is Roberta Flack’s Lasting Legacy?
Roberta Flack’s impact on music is undeniable. She broke records, won multiple Grammys, and influenced countless artists. Her artistry, defined by emotional depth and musical sophistication, continues to inspire new generations. Even in her final years, she remained a towering figure in American music, ensuring that her voice, both literal and figurative, would never fade.
As fans and fellow musicians remember her contributions, Flack’s music remains a testament to her genius, her passion, and her ability to connect deeply with listeners. Her legacy will endure through the timeless beauty of her songs and the lives she touched along the way.
