NEW YORK — A public memorial service filled with beautiful choral music, the mesmerizing sounds of the Berklee College of Music’s Nebulous String Quartet, and special performances by legends such as Stevie Wonder and the Rev. Al Sharpton, paid tribute to the life and legacy of Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack.
Flack, whose iconic songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” captured the hearts of people around the world in the 1970s and beyond, passed away last month at the age of 88.
The service, fittingly titled “Celebration of Life”, was held at the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, a church that holds significant importance in African-American history as one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the United States.
The church was adorned with stunning white and yellow bouquets, and was quickly filled with mourners who came to honor Flack’s memory. A large screen at the front of the church displayed a young Flack at the piano and played highlights of her illustrious career.
Growing up, Flack was deeply rooted in the church, with her mother serving as an organist at the Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Church in Arlington, Virginia. As a teenager, Flack would often accompany the church choir on the piano, showcasing her musical talent from a young age.
During the service, a powerful quote from Flack was displayed on the screen, reminding everyone to “always walk in the light” and to never stop striving for love and positivity in life.
The program was a beautiful celebration of Flack’s life, with music being the center of it all. Rev. Dr. Kevin R. Johnson, the senior pastor of the church, led the service and shared heartfelt words about Flack, saying, “Many of us are here today because she has not only touched our hearts, but she has also touched our souls.”
The service featured various performances by a talented choir, including a soul-stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace”. These performances were interspersed with video recollections of Flack’s life and readings from the scripture.
As one of the choir performances came to a close, Rev. Johnson exclaimed, “That’s what we call church, y’all!”, reflecting the powerful and emotional energy that filled the room.
Throughout the service, the melodies of the organ and piano played in the background, creating a beautiful and serene atmosphere. Santita Jackson, daughter of the renowned Rev. Jesse Jackson and a friend of Flack’s, spoke about the singer’s immense talent and described her as a “pure genius”.
Actor Phylicia Rashad also shared her memories of Flack, remembering the first time she saw her perform while she was a student at Howard University. Rashad recalled how the audience was captivated by Flack’s gentle yet powerful voice.
Rashad also praised Flack for her humility and her ability to live comfortably with her genius, without ever having to flaunt it to the world. “She wore that like a loose fitting garment and lived her life attending to that which she cared for most: music, love, and humanity,” Rashad said.
Flack’s music transcended genres and touched the hearts of people from all walks of life. Her debut album, “First Take”, showcased her unique style of blending soul, jazz, flamenco, gospel, and folk, making it ahead of its time and a true masterpiece.
While Flack’s entire repertoire of music is filled with gems, she will always be remembered for her timeless classics. Her cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, originally written by English folk artist Ewan MacColl for his wife Peggy Seeger, became an instant hit when it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film “Play Misty for Me”.
But it was her emotional rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” that truly solidified Flack’s place in music history. She first heard the song while on a plane and was immediately drawn to its beauty and soulfulness. Flack’s cover of the song while on tour with Quincy Jones captured the hearts of the audience, and it continued to be a fan favorite for decades to come.
As we bid farewell to Roberta Flack, her music will continue to live on and inspire generations to come. Her legacy will forever be a testament to the power
