• Faith: Christianity
• Career: Musician
• Birthday:  February 10, 1937
• Date of Death:  February 24, 2025

Roberta Flack was a singer known for her Billboard chart-topping No. 1 singles "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly with His Song," and "Feel Like Makin' Love." Flack was the first artist to receive the Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row: she won in 1973 with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and in 1974 with "Killing Me Softly with His Song."

Roberta Flack’s formative years were steeped in the rich cultural traditions of the American South. Raised in a modest household in North Carolina, she was surrounded by the melodies of church choirs and the comforting hymns of family gatherings. Music was both a solace and a celebration in her home—a constant reminder of the spiritual heritage that would later inform her artistry.

Her parents instilled in her the values of hard work, perseverance, and a deep trust in God. Even as a young girl, Roberta demonstrated a quiet determination to master the art of singing. Participating in local music programs and church choirs, she began honing the vocal skills that would eventually define her career.

Flack’s professional career took off in the 1960s, a period of significant cultural change in America. Her breakthrough came with her debut album, which showcased her unique ability to blend jazz, soul, and pop into a seamless musical tapestry. With the release of hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” she quickly became a household name, admired not only for her technical skill but also for the emotional depth she brought to every performance.

Her music was characterized by a velvety voice that could convey a wide spectrum of emotions—from tender vulnerability to powerful resolve. This versatility allowed her to cross musical boundaries and appeal to a diverse audience. Critics and fans alike celebrated her for the intimacy and sincerity in her interpretations, which turned even the simplest lyrics into profound expressions of the human experience.

Over the decades, Flack accumulated numerous awards and accolades, cementing her status as one of the most influential artists of her generation. She collaborated with other renowned musicians and continued to innovate, exploring new genres while staying true to the soulful sound that defined her.

In 1999, a star with Flack's name was placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. That same year, she gave a concert tour in South Africa; the final performance was attended by President Nelson Mandela.

Roberta Flack’s music often carried a message of hope and healing, and her live performances were legendary for their emotional intensity. Fans from around the world found solace and inspiration in her songs, many of which became anthems for personal and social transformation.

Beyond her public persona as a groundbreaking musician, Flack was part of the Artist Empowerment Coalition, which supports artists' rights to manage their own creative works. She also served as a spokeswoman for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA); she appeared in ASPCA commercials featuring the song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face. In the Bronx, NYC, the Hyde Leadership Charter School operated an after-school music program called The Roberta Flack School of Music, which offered free music lessons to underprivileged students. Flack was instrumental in founding this school.

From 1966 to 1972, she was married to Steve Novosel. Flack was the aunt of professional ice skater Rory Flack and was the godmother of musician Bernard Wright, who sadly passed away in an accident on May 19, 2022. At one point, Flack owned an apartment in The Dakota building in New York City, located right next to Yoko Ono and Sean Lennon's apartment. Lennon affectionately called her Aunt Roberta.

In the later years of her life, Roberta Flack’s health became a subject of public concern. Known for her dedication to her craft, she continued to perform and record even as age began to take its toll. In late 2022, it was announced by a spokesperson that Flack had been diagnosed with ALS and had retired from performing, due to the disease making it "impossible to sing".

Flack died at home amongst her family on February 24, 2025 at the age of 88.

What religion was Roberta Flack?

A defining thread throughout Roberta Flack’s life was her steadfast Christian faith. Roberta’s childhood was steeped in the traditions of the church. The powerful hymns and gospel songs she grew up with were not only musical influences but also expressions of a profound relationship with God.

Throughout her career, Roberta never shied away from acknowledging the role that her faith played in her life. In interviews and public appearances, she spoke candidly about the power of prayer and the solace she found in her spiritual practices. Her music, often described as soulful and deeply emotional, carried echoes of the gospel—a reminder that behind every note was a heart anchored in faith.

The spiritual dimension of Roberta’s life was also reflected in her music. While her recordings were celebrated on mainstream platforms, there was an undeniable undercurrent of spiritual longing in her voice. Many of her songs carried messages of hope and redemption, subtle reminders of the divine presence that had guided her throughout her life. Her music became a testament to the transformative power of faith—a language that transcended words and touched the soul.