Today, February 24th, 2025, we at Grateful Web join the world in mourning the loss of the incomparable Roberta Flack. Her gentle presence, rich artistry, and lifelong commitment to music will forever resonate with anyone who heard her sing or witnessed her share her gift with the world.
Roberta Flack’s journey began in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937. Even as a child, her remarkable ear for melody and her passion for the piano shone brightly. She went on to study classical piano at Howard University, a step that showcased her technical finesse and foreshadowed her future as one of the most distinctive voices in American music. Long before her famous ballads moved hearts around the globe, she was shaping a style that would blend soul, jazz, folk, and R&B in a way that felt both intimate and grand.
After being discovered by jazz musician Les McCann at a Washington, D.C., nightclub, Roberta signed with Atlantic Records and unveiled her debut album, First Take. That 1969 recording contained the emotionally stirring “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a piece that would catapult her to worldwide fame. From that moment on, her tender phrasing and nuanced delivery became trademarks of a career spanning over five decades. Every note conveyed warmth; every performance felt deeply personal.
Her accolades are almost too numerous to count. She made history as the first artist ever to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years—first with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and then with “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” These songs not only defined an era but also influenced generations of artists who looked to Roberta Flack as a guide on how to tell stories through song. Whether she was singing alone or engaging in creative synergy with talented collaborators like Donny Hathaway and Peabo Bryson, her voice remained a beacon of sincerity and grace.
Beyond her mesmerizing recordings, Roberta was also a devoted advocate for music education. She firmly believed in the transformative power of creativity and made it her mission to nurture younger generations. Through her educational initiatives, including the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, she offered opportunities for aspiring musicians to learn, grow, and discover the same joy she had found in her own early years.
We also remember Roberta Flack’s empathy and charity outside of the studio and stage. She championed numerous philanthropic causes, reflecting a belief in unity and the importance of uplifting communities through both the arts and humanitarian efforts. Countless artists, including those well beyond the genres of soul and R&B, have cited her as a guiding light. Her influence can be heard in the gentle vocal stylings of modern singer-songwriters, as well as in the soulful improvisations of jazz luminaries who acknowledge her innovative blend of genres.
In remembering Roberta Flack, we celebrate more than a catalog of extraordinary songs. We celebrate a lifetime of pushing musical boundaries while staying true to one’s own expressive spirit. She had a rare ability to make every listener feel as though she was singing directly to them, offering solace and affirmation. Her presence on stage—poised behind a piano, eyes closed in reflective concentration—will remain a cherished image for so many.
It’s hard to imagine a world without Roberta Flack’s gentle voice gracing our airwaves and concert halls. Yet, we know her legacy will shine brightly. For those who loved her music from its first bloom in the late 1960s all the way through her final days, and for those who only just discovered her unparalleled talent, she has left behind a collection of songs that will keep her spirit alive.
From our hearts to yours, we extend our deepest gratitude for her artistry and compassion. Her unforgettable performances will continue to inspire us all to listen more carefully, love more deeply, and nurture the creative spark that resides in each of us.
With love and gratitude, Grateful Web
