R&B pioneer Roberta Flack (88) passes away, leaving a legacy in soul music
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The music industry lost one of its most distinctive and soulful voices today.
Roberta Flack, the legendary singer whose tender melodies have serenaded generations, has passed away.
Roberta Flack's voice was a soothing balm, a gentle force that could stir the deepest emotions with just a few notes.
Roberta Flack's publicist confirmed the news of her passing, which left fans and music industry giants to mourn the loss of an irreplaceable talent.
Flack was 88 years old and succumbed after a valiant battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Born on 10 February 1937 in North Carolina, Flack's journey into music began early.
She grew up in Virginia, where she started classical piano lessons at nine years old.
By the age of 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC.
She honed her musical skills and became the assistant conductor of the university choir.
Tragedy struck with her father's passing in 1959, which prompted her return to North Carolina.
However, her passion for music drew her back to the scene.
A year after her homecoming, she embarked on a journey once again to be a music teacher in Washington, DC.
It was during this time that she began accompanying opera singers at the Tivoli Opera Restaurant in Georgetown, and she eventually started playing at various clubs in DC and a residency at Mr Henry's.
Flack's recording career began at the age of 32, which became a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Her breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood chose 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' as a part of his movie's soundtrack, Play Misty For Me.
'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' catapulted Roberta Flack to stardom.
She won her first Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973 with the said single.
The following year, her rendition of Lori Lieberman's 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' landed her another Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
These songs showcased Roberta Flack's unique blend of soul, jazz, and folk influences, which listeners worldwide loved.
Watch Roberta Flack's live performance of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' here:
Source: Rhino/YouTube
In 2020, the Recording Academy recognised her remarkable contributions to music with a Lifetime Achievement Award—a fitting tribute to an artist who had given so much to the world.
Roberta Flack's legacy was not just limited to the records she broke or the awards she won; it was in the way her music captured a moment, a feeling, and a memory.
More than a groundbreaking artist, Roberta Flack was also a proud educator who understood the power of music to inspire and teach.
Roberta Flack's music will continue to resonate, as it is a timeless reminder of her talent, grace, and the gentle power of song.
Let us come together to celebrate the life and artistry of a woman who, through her music, will forever be 'killing us softly'.
Roberta Flack, the legendary singer whose tender melodies have serenaded generations, has passed away.
Roberta Flack's voice was a soothing balm, a gentle force that could stir the deepest emotions with just a few notes.
Roberta Flack's publicist confirmed the news of her passing, which left fans and music industry giants to mourn the loss of an irreplaceable talent.
Flack was 88 years old and succumbed after a valiant battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Born on 10 February 1937 in North Carolina, Flack's journey into music began early.
Roberta Flack was a bonafide musician and educator. Image Credit: Britannica
She grew up in Virginia, where she started classical piano lessons at nine years old.
By the age of 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC.
She honed her musical skills and became the assistant conductor of the university choir.
Tragedy struck with her father's passing in 1959, which prompted her return to North Carolina.
However, her passion for music drew her back to the scene.
A year after her homecoming, she embarked on a journey once again to be a music teacher in Washington, DC.
It was during this time that she began accompanying opera singers at the Tivoli Opera Restaurant in Georgetown, and she eventually started playing at various clubs in DC and a residency at Mr Henry's.
Flack's recording career began at the age of 32, which became a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft.
Her breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood chose 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' as a part of his movie's soundtrack, Play Misty For Me.
'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' catapulted Roberta Flack to stardom.
She won her first Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973 with the said single.
The following year, her rendition of Lori Lieberman's 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' landed her another Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
These songs showcased Roberta Flack's unique blend of soul, jazz, and folk influences, which listeners worldwide loved.
Watch Roberta Flack's live performance of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' here:
Source: Rhino/YouTube
In 2020, the Recording Academy recognised her remarkable contributions to music with a Lifetime Achievement Award—a fitting tribute to an artist who had given so much to the world.
Roberta Flack's legacy was not just limited to the records she broke or the awards she won; it was in the way her music captured a moment, a feeling, and a memory.
More than a groundbreaking artist, Roberta Flack was also a proud educator who understood the power of music to inspire and teach.
Let us come together to celebrate the life and artistry of a woman who, through her music, will forever be 'killing us softly'.
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and thank you for the Great Music
