Lauryn Hill Pays Tribute to Roberta Flack: A Celebration of Her Legacy

Lauryn Hill honors the legacy of Roberta Flack, who passed away at the age of 88, sharing heartfelt reflections on her music and influence.

A Heartfelt Farewell

Lauryn Hill recently took to social media to pay tribute to the legendary Roberta Flack, who sadly passed away earlier this week at the age of 88. Flack's representatives expressed deep sorrow in a statement on Monday (February 24), noting, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

A Personal Connection

Hill, known for her hit single with the Fugees, 'Killing Me Softly With His Song,' which is a cover of Flack's own rendition from 1973, shared her tribute on February 26. In her post, she reminisced about how Whitney Houston once told her that Flack had “one of the purest voices she’d ever heard.” Hill reflected, “I grew up scouring the records my parents collected. Mrs. Flack was one of their favorites and quite instantly became one of mine as soon as I was exposed to her. She looked cool and intelligent, gentle and yet militant.”

The Impact of Flack's Music

Hill continued to praise Flack’s artistry, stating that her music “fascinated me with their beauty and sophistication.” She admired how Flack's creative choices set a standard within the genre of Soul, expanding the possibilities for artists like herself.

In discussing the Fugees' version of ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Hill noted, “We made this song to honor the beauty and brilliance of this song and her performance of it to our generation.”

“I will forever be grateful for the sensitivity and delicate power of her Love and Artistry. Rest in Grace Beloved One.” - Lauryn Hill

Remembering Roberta Flack's Legacy

While Flack's official cause of death has not been disclosed, it is known that she had been battling ALS for the past three years. Her illustrious career includes her 1973 album, also titled ‘Killing Me Softly,’ which won her accolades such as Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Performance at the 1974 Grammys.

In 2020, Flack received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and she bravely announced her ALS diagnosis in 2022. This heartbreaking condition affected her ability to sing, yet she continued to work on projects including a children's book and a documentary about her life, titled *Roberta,* which was released in November 2022. Another project, *The Little Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music,* came out the following year.

Throughout her career, Flack racked up 13 Grammy nominations, with her last nod coming in 1995 for her album *Roberta,* nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Performance. She is survived by her son, Bernard Wright, who continues the family's musical legacy.

A Lasting Influence

Just last week, Lauryn Hill performed ‘Killing Me Softly’ during the *Saturday Night Live* 50th anniversary show alongside Fugees member Wyclef Jean. This memorable moment was captured by Adele, who shared a clip of her singing along to the iconic track.

On a different note, the third member of the Fugees, Pras, is currently facing serious legal issues, recently found guilty in a money laundering scheme and facing a lengthy prison sentence. He controversially announced he is “done” with the group, leaving fans in a state of uncertainty about the future of the iconic trio.

FAQs

• What was Roberta Flack’s most famous song?
  Flack's most famous song is arguably 'Killing Me Softly With His Song,' which won multiple awards and is beloved to this day.
• How many Grammy Awards did Roberta Flack win?
  Roberta Flack won four Grammy Awards during her illustrious career and received several nominations.
• What illness did Roberta Flack suffer from?
  Flack battled ALS, a neurodegenerative disease that affects muscle control and can impact one’s ability to speak and sing.
• Did Lauryn Hill perform Roberta Flack's music?
  Yes, Lauryn Hill performed 'Killing Me Softly' with the Fugees, which is a cover of Flack's original version.
• What other projects did Flack work on in her later years?
  In her later years, Flack worked on various projects, including a documentary titled *Roberta* and a children's book called *The Little Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music.*

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