Roberta Flack’s Deep Ties to North Carolina
Source: United Archives / Getty
Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist, stands as a towering figure in music history. Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s roots trace back to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Though her family moved to Arlington, Virginia, when she was young, her legacy is deeply connected to North Carolina, a place that shaped her early life and eventual rise to stardom.
At just 15 years old, Flack showcased her extraordinary talents, earning a full scholarship to Howard University as a classically trained pianist. Despite her early academic successes, personal tragedy struck when her father passed away. This event brought her back to North Carolina, where she embarked on a teaching career in Farmville, Pitt County. At H.B. Sugg High School, an African American institution, Flack taught music and English, inspiring countless students while sharpening her own musical abilities.
Her time in North Carolina was pivotal, grounding her in values of resilience, education, and artistry that would carry her to national acclaim. Roberta’s breakthrough came years later when her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” catapulted her to fame. She garnered international recognition through hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” earning five Grammy Awards and becoming the first artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years.
North Carolina embraced Flack’s contributions when she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2009. The honor celebrated not only her achievements but her role in amplifying the state’s musical heritage.
Flack’s legacy—a blend of musical brilliance, teaching, and community impact—continues to resonate. North Carolina remains an integral part of her story, a testament to her enduring connection to this cherished region.
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