Birthday: February 10, 1939 (Aquarius)
Born In: Black Mountain, North Carolina, United States
Birthday: February 10, 1939 (Aquarius)
Born In: Black Mountain, North Carolina, United States
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was an American singer and pianist. Her number 1 singles ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’, ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’, ‘Feel Like Makin' Love’ and ‘Where Is the Love’, made her a much sought-after singer in the 1970s and 1980s. She is the first and the only solo singer to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year on two consecutive years. She scored several hits from the 1970s till the 1990s. Although her debut album ‘First Take’ was appreciated, it was only when one of its tracks ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ was used in a film and was aired repeatedly on the radio that it became a smashing hit, making her a national craze. She also had several chart-topping duets with Donny Hathaway including ‘Where Is the Love,’ ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ and ‘Feel Like Makin' Love.’ In 1979, after Hathaway committed suicide, she found a new professional partner in Peabo Bryson and the two scored a hit with ‘Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.’ She received many honors and accolades in recognition of her contribution to the music industry.
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Also Known As: Roberta Cleopatra Flack
Died At Age: 86
Spouse/Ex-: Stephen Novosel (1966–1972)
father: Laron LeRoy
mother: Irene Council
children: Bernard Wright
Born Country: United States
Height: 5'4" (163 cm), 5'4" Females
Died on: February 24, 2025
place of death: New York City, U.S.
Ancestry: Cameroonian American
U.S. State: North Carolina
education: Howard University
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Roberta Flack released her debut album, "First Take," in 1969.
Roberta Flack is best known for her soulful and emotive singing voice, particularly in the genre of R&B and soul music.
Roberta Flack has won a total of four Grammy Awards throughout her career.
The inspiration behind Roberta Flack's hit song "Killing Me Softly with His Song" came from hearing Don McLean's performance of "Empty Chairs" and feeling deeply moved by the lyrics and melody.
Roberta Flack has collaborated with artists such as Donny Hathaway, Peabo Bryson, and Maxi Priest throughout her career.
Roberta Flack married Steve Novosel in 1966 and divorced him in 1972. She had one son, Bernard Wright, who became a rhythm and blues musician.
She was a member of the Artist Empowerment Coalition, which promotes the right of artists to control their creative properties. She was also the spokeswoman of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
She founded The Roberta Flack School of Music, which provided free music education to underprivileged students. For her outstanding work in promoting music education, the Howard University made her an honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma.
In 2022, Roberta Flack was diagnosed with ALS and as a result, she retired from performing.
Roberta Flack died of cardiac arrest on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88.
Roberta Flack was an accomplished musician who not only sang but also played the piano exceptionally well.
She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row, in 1973 and 1974.
Roberta Flack holds the distinction of being the only solo artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for two consecutive albums.
She was known for her philanthropic work and was involved in various charitable causes throughout her career.
Roberta Flack was a lifelong learner and held a degree in music education from Howard University.
Awards
1987 | Best Historical Album | Winner |
1974 | Song of the Year | Winner |
1974 | Record of the Year | Winner |
1974 | Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female | Winner |
1973 | Record of the Year | Winner |
1973 | Song of the Year | Winner |
1973 | Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus | Winner |
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