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The largest and brightest stars of the music and political world descended upon Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, to have fun the life and legacy of music icon Roberta Flack on March 10. The Rev. Al Sharpton, Phylicia Rashad, Stevie Surprise, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean, have been a few of the celeb giants that attended the 88-year-old’s memorial service on Monday night time.
As beforehand reported, Flack died on Feb. 24, reportedly as a consequence of cardiac arrest, her longtime supervisor, Suzanne Koga, confirmed.
RELATED CONTENT: Roberta Flack, ‘Killing Me Softly’ Grammy Award-Successful Singer, Dies At 88
Lauryn Hill & Wyclef Jean Carried out The Singer’s Traditional Cowl “Killing Me Softly With His Track”
Supply: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Per NewsOne, Ms. Lauryn Hill wowed attendees with a soul-stirring rendition of Flack’s timeless cowl “The First Time I Ever Noticed Your Face,” a monitor that was launched by the soul and R&B diva in 1969.
Earlier than powering via her teary-eyed rendition, the Grammy-winning singer shed a couple of tears whereas reflecting on Flack’s legacy.
“Her existence was a type of resistance,” Hill advised the group throughout her speech, in accordance with the Related Press. “I like Ms. Roberta Flack… Roberta Flack is [a] legend.”
Then, Hill teamed up together with her former Fugees bandmate, Wyclef Jean, to carry out one other standout cowl from Flack — “Killing Me Softly With His Track.”
Supply: NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 10: Tren’ness Woods-Black, Rachel Noerdlinger and Wyclef Jean attend the the eulogy for Roberta Flack at Celebration of Life in Harlem on March 10, 2025 in New York Metropolis/ Johnny Nunez / Getty
Notably, the Fugees delivered a masterful rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Track” in 1996. The monitor was featured on their iconic album The Rating, which earned the group a Grammy—20 years after Flack received the File of the 12 months trophy for a similar track, as famous by the Related Press.
“We weren’t formally requested to do that as a result of I feel they have been somewhat shy in asking us to attend,” Hill revealed earlier than she and Wyclef Jean launched into their efficiency. “So, we sort of bum-rushed the service as a result of it actually wouldn’t be attainable for us to simply stand by and never take part.”
The particular tribute turned much more memorable when Surprise joined the duo, taking part in alongside on the harmonica, as reported by Billboard.
Stevie Surprise Carried out A Particular Track For Roberta Flack
Supply: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Surprise touched the hearts of many when he paid tribute to the legendary songstress with a soulful efficiency of his 1976 traditional “If It’s Magic,” celebrating her outstanding musical abilities.
Accompanied solely by a harpist, Surprise gave a heartfelt rendition of the monitor from his iconic double album Songs within the Key of Life. Later, joined by the harpist and a conga participant, Surprise sat on the piano to carry out “I Can See the Solar,” a track he wrote particularly for Flack.
On the finish of the musical tribute, Surprise praised the late Virginia resident for spreading her “love throughout this world.”
“The beauty of not being able to see together with your eyes is the nice alternative of having the ability to even higher see together with your coronary heart. And so I knew how stunning Roberta was, not seeing her visually however having the ability to see and really feel her coronary heart,” the hitmaker added.
Different memorable moments from the star-studded funeral service included a heartfelt efficiency by Songwriters Corridor of Fame member Valerie Simpson, who, alongside together with her late husband Nick Ashford, sat on the piano for an impromptu rendition of their signature hit, “Ain’t Nothing Just like the Actual Factor,” honoring Flack’s creative authenticity.
Actress Phylicia Rashad, Flack’s cousin Carol Flack, the singer’s supervisor Suzanne Koga, and household good friend Santita Jackson additionally shared touching reflections and recollections.
Supply: Johnny Nunez / Getty
Suzanne Koga/ Supply: Johnny Nunez / Getty
The Rev. Al Sharpton Paid Tribute To The Powerhouse At Her Memorial
The eulogy was delivered by Rev. Al Sharpton, who applauded the star singer for constructing a “soundtrack” for “Black dignity.”
Supply: Johnny Nunez / Getty
The civil rights activist additionally took to Instagram to recollect Flack after the memorial.
“Roberta Flack spent her life planting seeds of affection, knowledge, and justice. Her legacy will proceed to bloom for generations to return. @officialrobertaflack,” he captioned a video of himself preaching on the singer’s touching memorial service.
Roberta Flack will perpetually be missed!
RELATED CONTENT: Remembering Roberta Flack: 12 Songs That Nonetheless ‘Really feel Like Makin’ Love’ To The Soul
