NEW YORK — Renowned singer and pianist Roberta Flack, celebrated for iconic hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” will be honored in a memorial service on Monday.
Flack, one of the most influential musical artists of the 1970s, passed away last month at the age of 88. Her unique blend of intimate vocals and musical stylings made her a prominent figure in the music world.
A “Celebration of Life” memorial in her honor will be streamed live from New York in the afternoon.
**Memorial Service Details:**
The tribute for Roberta Flack will be held at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, starting at 4 p.m. Eastern time. The event is open to the public and will be available for virtual attendance via a livestream on Flack’s official website.
This choice of venue holds special significance, as Flack’s early musical roots were nurtured through church gospel music. Her mother played the organ at the Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia, where Flack began playing the piano with the church choir during her teenage years.
**Musical Legacy:**
Flack’s vast musical legacy encompasses a wide range of genres, defying strict categorization. Her groundbreaking debut album, “First Take,” seamlessly blended elements of soul, jazz, flamenco, gospel, and folk, showcasing a revelatory style and insightful approach.
Among her timeless classics is “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” originally penned by English folk artist Ewan MacColl for his wife, Peggy Seeger. This song propelled Flack into mainstream prominence after being featured in a love scene in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.”
However, when Roberta Flack is mentioned, most will recall “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Upon first hearing Lori Lieberman’s original track while on a plane, Flack was captivated. She later performed it during her tour with Quincy Jones, the audience’s adoration ensuring its enduring popularity.
