Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, Stevie Wonder and more honored their friend Roberta Flack with emotional performances at her recent memorial service in New York.
The late singer and pianist died at the age of 88 on Feb. 24, her manager, Suzanne Koga, and music journalist Mikel Gilmore confirmed at the time.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records,” they said in a statement. “She was also a proud educator.”
A memorial service was held for the Grammy-winner, known for her hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” on Monday, March 10, with many musicians and legends in attendance to pay tribute to Flack.
The Associated Press live streamed the event on YouTube, including the eulogies and remarks delivered by Phylicia Rashad, Reverend Al Sharpton, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Alicia Keys and others.
During the ceremony, Hill also spoke about Flack’s life and legacy. After she and Jean entered the church, Hill took the microphone and said, “It really wouldn’t be possible for us to just stand by and not participate in this homegoing service for our beloved Ms. Roberta Flack.”
She continued, “For me, the artistry of Ms. Roberta Flack was beyond trailblazing. She, and artists like Nina Simone, carved out for me a pathway of soulful, Black, intellectual, sublime beauty that not only spoke to Black resistance directly in lyric and statement, but was Black resistance to racism, bigotry and limitations by virtue of its existence. Meaning, she didn’t just write about the beauty. She was the beauty. She didn’t just write about resistance. Her existence was a form of resistance.”
Hill became emotional as she further praised Flack. “Roberta Flack is legend,” she concluded.
Hill and Jean then performed “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” She belted the ballad as he strummed along on his guitar.
The Fugees members followed the moving cover with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” causing the audience to cheer even louder.
Flack’s version of the track earned her record of the year and best female pop vocal performance at the 1974 Grammys. The hit, which was penned by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, was also named song of the year. Over two decades later, the Fugees released their rendition, which won them best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal at the 1997 Grammys.
Jean encouraged the crowd to stand and clap along. Toward the end of the performance, Wonder joined Jean and Hill and played the harmonica. Social media users also shared clips of the tribute on multiple platforms.
Hill cried and hugged Jean when they finished before Wonder took the stage. The icon recalled his history with Flack and their special connection. “The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity in being able to even better see with your heart,” he shared. “And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually, but being able to see and feel her heart.”
Wonder sang his song “If It’s Magic” from his album “Songs in the Key of Life” to honor Flack. Next, he moved to the piano to perform “I Can See the Sun in Late December,” which he wrote for her.
“I love you, Roberta. And I will see you. Thank you,” he said as he played the final note.
