The Years Between the Dash: The Life and Legacy of Roberta Flack

Roberta Flack’s voice is the kind that lingers—a soulful whisper that transforms into a mighty force, leaving an imprint on the heart. Born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s journey to music royalty was shaped by her classical piano training and deep-rooted love for jazz, gospel, and soul. A prodigy, she earned a music scholarship to Howard University at just 15, setting the stage for a career that would redefine contemporary R&B and pop music.

In the late 1960s, Flack’s talent caught the attention of jazz musician Les McCann, leading to her first recording contract with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take (1969), introduced the world to her velvety vocals and impeccable storytelling. But it was her 1972 rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” that cemented her as a superstar, earning her a Grammy for Record of the Year.

She followed with timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and unforgettable duets with Donny Hathaway.

Despite personal challenges and industry shifts, Flack’s impact never waned. Her music, often introspective and deeply emotional, became the soundtrack to love, longing, and liberation. She paved the way for future artists, proving that soul music could be both intimate and powerful.

As we reflect on her extraordinary life, we celebrate the years between the dash—her legacy of excellence, resilience, and artistry.

And as her song reminds us, “Strumming my pain with his fingers, singing my life with his words…” her music continues to sing our lives, one note at a time.