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Music World Mourns the Loss of Roberta Flack
Music aficionados and notable figures are paying their respects to Roberta Flack, the Grammy-awarded singer best known for her iconic hit “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” who passed away at the age of 88 on February 24. Stars like Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Rowland, Tyler, the Creator, and Jennifer Hudson expressed their sorrow on social media, reflecting on Flack’s profound impact on the music industry.
Jennifer Hudson remembered Flack with a nostalgic photo, writing, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!”
Kelly Rowland conveyed her grief, stating her “heart just sank” upon hearing the news. She praised Flack for the beauty she brought into the world, expressing gratitude for being part of the soundtrack of her life’s most cherished moments.
Actress Sarah Jessica Parker echoed similar sentiments, sharing how wonderful it was to listen to Flack’s music. In her tribute, she emphasized the deep love many hold for the singer, saying, “Heart and soul. We millions and millions loved you. RIP and Godspeed.”
Tyler, the Creator reflected on Flack’s artistry by sharing a screenshot of himself listening to her song “Early Ev’ry Midnight” with a simple message: “Safe travels.” Meanwhile, Bernice King, daughter of Martin Luther King Jr., remembered Flack with a video of her performance, calling her “incomparable.”
Julian and Sean Ono, sons of John Lennon, also commemorated Flack, recalling her friendship with their family. Julian noted her deep connection to their father, while Sean expressed heartfelt gratitude for having known such a uniquely talented individual, lamenting her departure from this world.
Rev. Al Sharpton shared several poignant photographs with Flack, praising her as “one of the greatest musicians” and acknowledging her influence on American culture. He recognized her contributions not only as an artist but also as a fighter for civil rights.
Flack’s passing was attributed to cardiac arrest. A statement from her publicist revealed that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family. Flack, who fought with courage against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) diagnosed in 2022, experienced significant challenges that affected her ability to sing and speak, highlighting the bittersweet nature of her passing.
In a tribute, journalist Mikal Gilmore remarked on Flack’s unique vocal style and her far-reaching influence on subsequent generations of artists. He noted that her musical legacy continues to resonate, impacting both the cultural landscape and the hearts of listeners everywhere.
Source
www.rollingstone.com