Many fans are worried about Roberta Flack, whose representatives recently revealed that the singer suffers from a medical condition that prevents her from singing. Take a closer look at the musician’s life and career in her honor.
Born The 85-year-old jazz singer Roberta Cleopatra Flack grew up in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She was born into a family that was musically inclined.
She grew up in a musical family and frequently played the piano in the choir of Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
She became interested in playing the instrument when she was younger, which led to her receiving a full music scholarship at Howard University. She became one of the school’s youngest students when she was 15.
Flack later changed her major from piano to voice in college and even became an assistant conductor of the university choir.
The singer began her career as a teacher at Washington, D.C.’s Banneker, Browne, and Rabaut Junior High Schools; she also taught piano lessons at her home.
Flack worked part-time as a pianist in bars around town in the evenings and on weekends. Les McCann later discovered her during one of her jazz gigs in a nightclub.
The songstress became one of the most well-known jazz musicians of all time. “Quiet Fire,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Bustin’ Loose,” “Blue Lights in the Basement,” and many others are among her most popular songs.
In terms of fortune, the professional songwriter is estimated to have a net worth of $20 million in 2022, with her income primarily coming from her music career. (via Celebrity Net Worth)
Fans were taken aback when Flack’s representative confirmed that the singer is currently battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a rare condition that affects nerve cells.
Suzanne Koga, her manager, issued a statement saying the “Killing Me Softly With His Song” hitmaker is having difficulty singing and speaking. (via Variety)
However, she mentioned that the award-winning musician intends to continue her “musical and creative pursuits.”
In other news, Antonio D’Ambrosio’s documentary “Roberta” premiered at the DOC NYC film festival. In January, the feature-length film will be broadcast on public television.