Hundreds of people, including music icons, gathered on Monday, March 10, at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem to celebrate the life of legendary singer Roberta Flack.
The event, titled “Celebration of Life,” brought together notable artists such as Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Stevie Wonder to pay tribute to the late musician.
Hill, Jean, and Wonder performed some of Flack’s most famous songs, including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song.
The trio delivered a powerful performance, with Hill on vocals, Jean playing the bass, and Wonder showcasing his signature harmonica skills. Their tribute was met with praise from fans and attendees.
Stevie Wonder also performed If It’s Magic and I Can See the Sun in Late December, a song he originally wrote for Flack’s 1975 album Feel Like Makin’ Love. Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton delivered a heartfelt eulogy, calling Flack’s music “a soundtrack to Black dignity.”
Flack, who passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, left a lasting impact on the music industry. She influenced generations of artists across genres, including hip-hop stars like Jay-Z, Nas, T.I., and Cordae. While the exact cause of her death has not been confirmed, she had been battling ALS since 2022.
Her memorial service served as a fitting farewell to a music legend whose songs continue to inspire artists and fans worldwide.
