Roberta Cleopatra Flack, born on February 10, 1937, has recently passed away at age 88.
The American singer and pianist was native to Black Mountain, North Carolina and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. Well-known for her contribution to the R&B and Soul music genre, Flack was commonly referred to as the “Queen of the Quiet Storm.”
Early on in her career, Flack pursued a Bachelor in Music at Howard University and taught music shortly after her graduation. It wasn’t long before she would sign a contract with Atlantic Records and put her own Jazz, Soul, and R&B out into the world of music.
Flack’s impact on the music industry has undoubtedly been a hallmark in history. The late singer and pianist recorded many songs that continue to redefine music as a part of her legacy, including “Killing Me Softly,” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Many musicians drew inspiration from Flack’s incredible lyricism and style, including the Fugees, who sang “Killing Me Softly” in 1996. Celine Dion covered “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” only a few years later, in 1999. Flack’s last Instagram post had been a heartfelt dedication to Dion’s cover.
Her official Instagram released a dedication post with a quote by the late singer and pianist on February 24, just after her passing.
“Remember: Always walk in the light. If you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the light.”
Flack redefined music throughout her career with her ever-versatile style. The late singer once wrote, “I didn’t try to be a soul singer, a jazz singer, a blues singer. No category. My music is my expression of what I feel and believe in a moment.”
The musical genius was also a civil-rights activist and advocated for social reform throughout the 1970s. Through her own music and her daily life, Flack addressed political issues and equal rights.
When asked about her messages in Flack’s own music, she said “As musicians, and as people who sell material for people to hear and absorb, it’s important that we use that voice wisely.”
Not only had Flack largely influenced the era of 1960s and 1970s Soul, Jazz, and R&B genres, but her revolutionary music continues to leave a mark on future generations. From her inspiring musical brilliance to her masterful composition, the late singer and pianist is dearly missed by many in the music industry.
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