A Celebration of Life at Abyssinian Baptist Church

The Abyssinian Baptist Church in New York, a cornerstone of the community since its founding in 1808 and one of the oldest Black Baptist churches in the U.S., served as the venue for Roberta Flack’s public memorial. The church was adorned with stunning white and yellow floral arrangements,creating a serene atmosphere for the service. A screen displayed images of a young flack at the piano, showcasing highlights from her remarkable career, a testament to her decades-long influence on the music industry.

The choice of location held special importance, as Flack’s musical journey began in the church. Growing up,she was immersed in gospel music,and her mother played the organ at the Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Church in arlington,Virginia. As a teenager, Flack began accompanying the church choir on piano, laying the foundation for her future success. this early exposure to gospel music profoundly shaped her artistic sensibilities and vocal style.

Tributes and Reflections on a Remarkable career

The memorial programme featured a powerful quote from Flack: Remember: always walk in the light. If you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. love the Light. This message resonated throughout the service, with many speakers referencing it in their tributes, underscoring her commitment to positivity and artistic integrity.

The Rev. Dr.Kevin R. Johnson, the senior church pastor who led the service, emphasized flack’s profound impact, stating, Many of us are here today as she has touched not just our hearts but she also touched our souls.

Video messages from music industry giants such as Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, india Arie, Peabo Bryson, and Alicia Keys highlighted Flack’s exceptional career and influence. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also sent a statement,which was read aloud during the service:

Ms. Flack broke down barriers, paved paths of opportunity, and fully embodied the words my mother often said to me, ‘You may be the first to do many things, but make sure you are not the last.’ As an activist and Grammy-award winning singer, her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Kamala Harris, Former Vice President of the United States

Personal Anecdotes and Musical performances

Actor Phylicia Rashad shared a personal memory of witnessing Flack perform during her time as a student at Howard University. Rashad recalled how Flack’s quiet, steady voice captivated the audience, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.

Rashad further reflected on Flack’s character, saying, She wore that like a loose fitting garment and lived her life attending to that which she cared for most: music, love and humanity.

A surprise appearance by hip-hop icon Lauryn Hill added another layer of depth to the memorial. Hill’s group, the Fugees, famously covered Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song in the 1990s, introducing a new generation to the timeless classic. Overcome with emotion, Hill declared, Her existence was a form of resistance. I adore Ms. roberta Flack. Roberta Flack is legend.

Hill then performed a moving rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, followed by Killing Me Softly With His Song, joined by Wyclef jean and Stevie Wonder on harmonica, creating a powerful and emotional moment for all in attendance.

Stevie Wonder’s Heartfelt Tribute

Stevie Wonder, a legend in his own right, delivered a deeply personal tribute to Flack. The grate thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how gorgeous Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart, Wonder shared, highlighting the profound connection he felt with Flack on a spiritual and artistic level.

Wonder performed his song If it’s Magic and then, accompanied by a harpist, sang a song he wrote specifically for Flack, I Can See the Sun in Late December. He concluded his tribute with the heartfelt words, I love you, Roberta. And I will see you.

Other Performances and Remembrances

Earlier in the service, songwriter and performer Valerie Simpson played piano and sang an extended version of Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, interspersed with personal anecdotes about her friendship with Flack. But that voice. Aw, she’d just grab you in the heart.And then when she touched the keys,she knew how to dig down deep, Simpson recalled,emphasizing Flack’s unique ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level.

Simpson also shared a story about Flack’s encouragement when she was preparing for her Broadway debut in 2018. She looked at me and said, ‘Girl, where’s the script? Bring it over here. We’re going to work on this thing. We’re going to do this,’ Simpson remembered,illustrating flack’s supportive and generous nature.

New Orleans singer and piano player Davell Crawford delivered a soulful performance of Flack’s Just When I Needed You, eliciting eager shouts and cheers from the audience, a testament to the enduring power of her music.

A Lasting Legacy

Roberta Flack leaves behind a rich and diverse musical legacy that defies categorization. Her debut album, First Take, seamlessly blended soul, jazz, flamenco, gospel, and folk, showcasing her innovative and measured approach to music, setting the stage for her remarkable career.

While she will be remembered for many classics, Killing Me Softly with His Song will undoubtedly be the song most associated with flack.She first heard Lori Lieberman’s version of the song on a plane and immediately fell in love with it.After covering the song while on tour with Quincy Jones, it became a signature piece that resonated with audiences for decades, solidifying her place in music history.