Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack grew up in a household deeply rooted in music. Her mother played piano for their Baptist church, instilling in young Roberta a love for melody and harmony. Demonstrating exceptional musical ability at an early age, Flack began formal piano lessons at just nine years old. Her prodigious talent led to a full music scholarship at Howard University when she was only 15, making her one of the youngest students ever admitted to the prestigious institution. Initially focused on classical piano, she later expanded her expertise to include music education, earning a bachelor’s degree before transitioning into teaching in Washington D.C. public schools.
Rise to Fame
While teaching, Flack performed at local venues in Washington, D.C., including Mr. Henry’s on Capitol Hill. It was here that jazz pianist Les McCann discovered her in 1968 and arranged an audition with Atlantic Records. This pivotal moment led to the release of her debut album, First Take (1969), which initially garnered modest attention. However, her career took a meteoric leap in 1972 when Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film Play Misty for Me. The song soared to the top of the Billboard charts, remaining at #1 for six weeks and earning Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Her success continued with “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1973), which became another chart-topping sensation, solidifying her as the first artist to win consecutive Grammy Awards for Record of the Year. Her soft yet deeply emotive voice, coupled with her masterful piano playing, resonated with audiences worldwide, earning her a lasting place in music history.
Musical Collaborations and Impact
A defining aspect of Flack’s career was her collaborations, particularly with soul singer Donny Hathaway. Having met at Howard University, the two shared a profound musical connection, producing timeless duets like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Their 1972 album, Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway, showcased their unmatched vocal chemistry. Tragically, Hathaway’s untimely death in 1979 marked the end of their collaboration, a loss that deeply affected Flack both personally and professionally.
Despite this, she continued producing music and later collaborated with Peabo Bryson, delivering hits such as “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.” Her influence extended beyond R&B and soul, touching jazz, folk, and pop genres. Flack’s unique ability to blend these styles with her warm contralto voice and classically trained piano skills distinguished her from her peers.
Signature Style and Lasting Influence
Flack’s approach to music was marked by elegance and restraint, choosing to convey deep emotion through subtle phrasing rather than vocal acrobatics. Unlike many of her contemporaries, she emphasized storytelling and intimacy in her performances. This signature style influenced generations of artists, including Lauryn Hill, Alicia Keys, and John Legend, who admired her ability to craft deeply personal yet universally relatable songs.
Her impact on music extended to education as well. She established the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, offering free music education to underprivileged students. Her commitment to nurturing young talent reflected her belief in the power of music as a transformative force.
Personal Life and Financial Legacy
Throughout her illustrious career, Flack amassed a net worth of approximately $20 million. This wealth stemmed from her extensive catalog of hits, royalties, and live performances. She invested in real estate, purchasing an apartment in New York City’s iconic Dakota building in the 1970s. Living among notable residents such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Flack found inspiration in the historic surroundings. In 2015, she listed her nine-room apartment for $10 million, eventually selling it for $5.8 million in 2018 following health complications.
Though deeply private about her personal life, Flack was known to have a deep appreciation for her family and close friends. Her relationships, especially with fellow musicians, played a significant role in shaping her artistry and legacy.
Later Years and Health Struggles
Despite reaching the peak of her career in the 1970s, Flack continued to perform and record music well into the 21st century. She collaborated with artists like Luther Vandross and even worked with poet Maya Angelou, continuously pushing the boundaries of her artistry.
However, in 2018, Flack suffered a stroke that significantly affected her ability to perform. In 2022, she was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurological disease that gradually took away her ability to sing and play piano. Despite these challenges, she remained an active figure in the music world, overseeing reissues of her classic records and participating in a documentary about her life.
Legacy and Passing
Roberta Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her death marked the end of an era, but her influence continues to resonate through the countless artists she inspired and the timeless recordings that remain beloved by fans across generations.
Her contribution to music, both as a performer and as an educator, solidifies her place as one of the most significant voices in American music history. With four Grammy Awards to her name, a career spanning over five decades, and a legacy of heartfelt, soul-stirring performances, Roberta Flack’s music will continue to captivate and inspire for years to come.