A public memorial service filled with choral music and the Berklee College of Music’s Nebulous String Quartet, featuring Stevie Wonder and the Rev. Al Sharpton, celebrated the life and legacy of Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack.
Flack’s timeless songs, including “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” made her a global star in the 1970s and beyond. She passed away last month at the age of 88.
The service took place at The Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, a historic Black church founded in 1808. Wonder was among the artists who performed, while Sharpton delivered a heartfelt eulogy. The church was adorned with stunning white and yellow bouquets, and a large screen displayed images of a young Flack at the piano, highlighting her incredible career.
Flack, known for her intimate vocal and musical style, effortlessly blended soul, jazz, and gospel. Her “Celebration of Life” memorial was livestreamed on www.RobertaFlack.com and YouTube for fans worldwide.
Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, senior pastor of the church, reflected on her impact, stating, “Many of us are here today because she has touched not just our hearts but also our souls.” Choir performances, including a moving rendition of “Amazing Grace,” were interwoven with video tributes and scripture readings.
Santita Jackson, daughter of the Rev. Jesse Jackson and a close friend of Flack, described her as a pure genius, saying, “She just sang the song. She let you hear the lyrics. She let you understand the beauty.” Actor Phylicia Rashad also honored Flack, recalling first seeing her perform while she was a student at Howard University. Rashad praised Flack’s quiet confidence, noting, “She wore that like a loose-fitting garment and lived her life attending to that which she cared for most: music, love, and humanity.”
Flack leaves behind a rich catalog of music that transcends genre boundaries. Her debut album, First Take, seamlessly fused soul, jazz, flamenco, gospel, and folk into a groundbreaking sound. Among her most cherished songs, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” gained widespread recognition after being featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. However, it was her rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” that solidified her legacy, a track she first heard on a plane and fell in love with instantly.
Flack’s music continues to inspire generations, ensuring that her voice and artistry live on.
Source: Swifteradio.com
