Who Is Roberta Flack? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1937, making her 88 years old in 2025. A renowned American singer, songwriter, and musician, Flack is celebrated for her contribution to the music industry, particularly in the genres of jazz, soul, and R&B. She gained international fame with her classic hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which showcase her powerful vocals and emotive performances.
Occupation | Blues Singer |
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Date of Birth | February 10, 1937 |
Age | 88 Years |
Birth Place | Black Mountain, North Carolina, U.S. |
Horoscope | Aquarius |
Country | U.S |
Date of death | 24 February, 2025 |
Died Place | New York City, U.S. |
Popularity
Roberta Flack's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Roberta Flack stands at approximately 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm) tall. While specific current weight measurements are not publicly disclosed, she has always maintained a graceful and poised appearance, reflecting her dedication to health and wellness.
In 1991, Flack found herself again in the US Top 10 with a cover of the Diane Warren-penned song "Set the Night to Music", performed as a duet with British-Jamaican reggae singer Maxi Priest, that peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and No. 2 AC. In 1996 The Fugees released a hip-hop remix of "Killing Me Softly".
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout her life, Roberta Flack has kept much of her personal life private. However, it is known that she has had significant relationships in the past. While as of 2025 she may not have a publicly stated boyfriend or partner, she has been open about her past relationships, including a long-term partnership with professional baseball player Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe. Flack’s family background remains a source of inspiration for her artistry.
Her first musical experiences were in church. She grew up in a large musical family and often provided piano accompaniment for the choir of Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church singing hymns and spirituals. She occasionally sang at the Macedonia Baptist Church in Arlington.
Her father acquired a battered old piano for her, which she learned to play sitting on her mother's lap. and Flack took formal piano lessons when she was nine.
She gravitated towards classical music and during her early teens excelled at classical piano, finishing second in a statewide competition for Black students aged 13 playing a Scarlatti sonata. In 1952 at the age of 15 she won a full music scholarship to Howard University in Washington DC, and was one of the youngest students ever to enroll there.
She eventually changed her major from piano to voice and became assistant conductor of the university choir. Her direction of a production of Giuseppe Verdi's opera Aida received a standing ovation from the Howard University faculty. At Howard she met her future collaborator, Donny Hathaway.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Roberta Flack's estimated net worth is reported to be around $24 million. Her wealth has been accumulated through her successful music career, including album sales, live performances, and royalties from her extensive catalog of hit songs. She continues to be a respected figure in the music industry, which contributes significantly to her earnings over the years.
Career, Business and Investments
Roberta Flack’s illustrious career spans over five decades. She initially gained prominence in the early 1970s with several Grammy Awards to her name. In addition to her musical talents, Flack has ventured into acting and is known for her advocacy work in various social causes. She has also engaged in various business activities, including partnerships with music production companies and involvement in educational initiatives aimed at fostering talent in young artists.
Flack frequently collaborated with Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded several hit duets, including "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You".
She was one of the defining voices of 1970s popular music and remained active in the industry, later finding success with duets such as "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" with Peabo Bryson (1983) and "Set the Night to Music" with Maxi Priest (1991).
Across her decades-long career, she interpreted works by songwriters such as Leonard Cohen and members of the Beatles. In 2020, Flack received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Social Network
Flack has a presence on various social media platforms, where she engages with her fans and shares updates about her life and career. While specific details about her social media followers and activity levels are variable, her accounts often reflect her love for music and artistic expression.
Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025) was an American singer and pianist known for her emotive, genre-blending ballads that spanned R&B, jazz, folk, and pop and contributed to the birth of the quiet storm radio format.
Her commercial success included the Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping singles "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Killing Me Softly with His Song", and "Feel Like Makin' Love". She became the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years.
Education
Flack’s educational journey includes attending Howard University, where she studied music and developed her unique style. Her educational background enhanced her understanding of music theory and performance, laying the foundation for her impressive career. She continues to inspire aspiring musicians and artists, emphasizing the importance of education in achieving one's dreams.
At the Tivoli Theater she accompanied opera singers at the piano. During intermissions, she would sing blues, folk, and pop standards in a back room, accompanying herself on the piano. Later she performed several nights a week at the 1520 Club, providing her own piano accompaniment.
About this time her voice teacher, Frederick "Wilkie" Wilkerson, told her that he saw a brighter future for her in pop music than in the classics. Flack modified her repertoire accordingly and her reputation spread. In 1968, she began singing professionally after she was hired to perform regularly at Mr.
Henry's Restaurant, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.