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Roberta Flack’s life and legacy were celebrated Monday at a public memorial that included emotional tributes and rousing performances at Harlem’s Abyssinian Baptist Church. The Grammy-winning singer, pianist, and trailblazer died last month at 88. Legendary for classic interpretations of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack was remembered not only for her music, but for her deep humanity.
The service featured a surprise appearance by Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, who honored Flack’s memory with emotional performances. Hill, who memorably covered “Killing Me Softly” with the Fugees in the 1990s, called Flack’s life “a form of resistance,” referencing her insistence on not being bound by musical genres. Hill performed “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” prior to joining Jean for a duet of “Killing Me Softly,” with Stevie Wonder contributing harmonica.
Wonder later did an emotional tribute, saying, “I saw Roberta with my heart.” He performed “If It’s Magic” and “I Can See the Sun in Late December,” a song he originally wrote for Flack. “I love you, Roberta. And I will see you,” he said.
The tribute brought together generations of artists and fans. Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Dionne Warwick and Clive Davis gave tribute via video. Valerie Simpson of Ashford & Simpson performed “Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing,” weaving her own memories of Flack into the performance. Davell Crawford performed a soulful “Just When I Needed You.”
The online-streamed service was held at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church — fitting for Flack, who began her career singing gospel. The Rev. Al Sharpton gave the eulogy, thanking Flack for offering “a soundtrack to Black dignity.” Actress Phylicia Rashad spoke of the understated genius of Flack, who lived her life by love, music, and grace, she said.
As voices swelled in a final rendition of “Amazing Grace,” it was clear that Roberta Flack’s legacy is not just in her recordings — it lives on in the people she touched.
