Harlem’s historic Abyssinian Baptist Church became a sanctuary of song and remembrance on Monday, March 10, as friends, family, and music legends gathered to pay tribute to the late Roberta Flack. The influential singer-songwriter, whose voice shaped generations, was honored in a moving ceremony featuring performances by Lauryn Hill, Stevie Wonder, and Wyclef Jean.
Hill, deeply affected by Flack’s passing, took the stage to deliver a stirring rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Her voice, raw with emotion, filled the church as mourners listened in reverence. Addressing the congregation, she spoke with deep admiration: “Her existence was a form of resistance. I adore Ms. Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack is a legend.”
A particularly powerful moment came when Hill was joined by her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean and music icon Stevie Wonder for an unexpected yet poignant performance of “Killing Me Softly,” the song that cemented the Fugees’ place in music history and paid homage to Flack’s own timeless rendition.
Wonder, in his own tribute, performed “If It’s Magic” and “I Can See the Sun,” offering a heartfelt reflection on Flack’s impact. “The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart.” His words resonated deeply, capturing the essence of Flack’s artistry and influence.
The service also welcomed notable figures such as civil rights leader Al Sharpton and actress Phylicia Rashad, with additional video tributes from Alicia Keys, Clive Davis, and Dionne Warwick. Former Vice President Kamala Harris shared a statement, read aloud, recognizing Flack’s invaluable contributions to music and culture.
Flack, a four-time Grammy winner, passed away last month at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire. In the wake of her death, Hill shared a personal tribute, recalling how Whitney Houston once described Flack’s voice as “one of the purest” she had ever heard. Hill also acknowledged the direct influence Flack had on her career, explaining that the Fugees’ cover of “Killing Me Softly” was a deliberate effort to honor “the beauty and brilliance” of Flack’s original performance.
From gospel roots to global acclaim, Flack’s music broke barriers and touched hearts across generations. Her impact was evident in the voices that sang for her on this day, in the stories shared, and in the tears that fell. As the service concluded, it was clear—Roberta Flack’s music and spirit will live on forever.
