Following Roberta Flack’s death at 88, tributes pour in from Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland, and more, celebrating the soul singer’s profound impact on music. The iconic artist, known for hits like “Killing Me Softly,” is remembered as a cultural icon and inspiration. Her children’s book, “The Green Piano,” sees a posthumous surge in sales, highlighting Flack’s journey and legacy. Though a Hollywood Walk of Fame star remained unfulfilled, Flack’s musical contributions and influence endure, ensuring her place in music history.

Roberta Flack’s legacy was celebrated by numerous artists and celebrities following her death on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Tributes poured in from Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Rowland, Tyler, the Creator, and others, highlighting her profound impact on music and culture. Flack’s influence was evident in the heartfelt messages shared across social media platforms, where fans and peers alike expressed their admiration for her soulful voice and pioneering spirit.

The Tributes Pour In: A Celebration of Flack’s Life

Jennifer Hudson was among the first to honor Flack, sharing a throwback photo on Instagram with a poignant caption: “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!” Hudson’s tribute underscored Flack’s status as a legendary figure in soul music. Similarly, Kelly Rowland expressed her deep sorrow, stating her “heart just sank” upon learning of Flack’s death. She thanked Flack for being part of the soundtrack to her most tender moments, emphasizing the personal impact Flack’s music had on her life.

Sarah Jessica Parker also paid homage, describing the experience of listening to Flack as “blissful.” She added, “Heart and soul. We millions and millions loved you. RIP and Godspeed.” Parker’s words highlighted the widespread adoration for Flack’s music, which touched countless lives. Tyler, the Creator, shared a screengrab of himself listening to Flack’s “Early Ev’ry Midnight,” captioning it simply, “Safe travels.” This tribute reflected the enduring appeal of Flack’s work across different generations and musical genres.

A Neighbor and Friend: The Lennon Family’s Tribute

John Lennon’s sons, Julian and Sean Ono, also honored Flack, who was a neighbor and close friend of their family. Julian described her as “an incredibly kind woman. Uniquely talented,” while Sean expressed his gratitude for having known her, stating, “I am eternally grateful to have known her. I’m heartbroken she had to leave this earth. Will always love you.” Their tributes painted a picture of Flack as not only a musical icon but also a cherished friend and neighbor, adding a personal dimension to her public persona.

A Musical and Cultural Icon: Rev. Al Sharpton’s Tribute

Rev. Al Sharpton shared photos alongside Flack, calling her “one of the greatest musicians” of all time. He thanked her for shaping “the very fabric of American culture, bringing depth, soul, and meaning to generations.” Sharpton also recognized Flack’s role as a freedom fighter and activist, underscoring her broader impact beyond music. This tribute highlighted Flack’s multifaceted contributions to society, reinforcing her status as a cultural icon.

The Green Piano: Flack’s Children’s Book Soars Posthumously

Following Flack’s passing, her 2023 children’s book, “The Green Piano,” surged to the top of Amazon’s bestsellers charts. The autobiographical picture book, co-authored with Tonya Bolden and illustrated by Hayden Goodman, chronicles Flack’s journey from a young girl discovering music on a green piano her father found in a junkyard to becoming a world-renowned singer. The book’s resurgence in popularity reflects the renewed interest in Flack’s life story and her early influences, which shaped her remarkable career.

“The Green Piano” not only offers a glimpse into Flack’s formative years but also serves as an inspiring tale of perseverance and passion. The book’s success posthumously is a testament to Flack’s enduring legacy and the timeless appeal of her story. It also provides a valuable educational resource, allowing young readers to connect with Flack’s journey and the transformative power of music.

A Star on the Walk of Fame: An Unfulfilled Honor

Despite being selected for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999, Flack never set a date for the unveiling ceremony. Ana Martinez from the Hollywood Walk of Fame expressed hope that Flack’s family would reach out to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to arrange a posthumous honor. However, any such ceremony would have to be scheduled after 2025, as all slots for the current year are fully booked.

This unfulfilled honor adds a poignant note to Flack’s legacy, highlighting the missed opportunity to celebrate her contributions during her lifetime. It also underscores the challenges and delays that can occur in recognizing cultural icons, even after their achievements have been acknowledged. The Hollywood Walk of Fame’s desire to honor Flack posthumously reflects the continued respect and admiration for her work within the entertainment industry.

A Musical Journey: From Classical Piano to Soulful Hits

Roberta Flack’s musical journey began with classical piano, which she started playing at a young age under the guidance of her father, a church organist. Her talent was recognized early on, earning her a scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15. It was at Howard that Flack’s musical path began to take shape, leading her to collaborate with fellow student Donny Hathaway on several hits.

Flack’s career took off in the 1970s with the release of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a breakout hit after featuring in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me.” The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and won two Grammy Awards in 1973. Flack’s subsequent hits, including “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” solidified her status as a leading voice in soul music.

A Legacy of Influence and Inspiration

Roberta Flack’s influence extended beyond her own music, inspiring a new generation of artists. The Fugees’ 1996 cover of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” led by Lauryn Hill, introduced Flack’s work to a broader audience and topped charts worldwide. Flack’s music continued to resonate with fans and artists alike, as evidenced by Jennifer Hudson’s cover of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which Flack praised as a “smooth and powerful performance.”

Flack’s commitment to education was another significant aspect of her legacy. In the late 2000s, she founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students. This initiative reflected her belief in the transformative power of music and her dedication to giving back to the community.

Health Challenges and Resilience

In her later years, Flack faced significant health challenges, including a diagnosis of ALS in November 2022, which made it impossible for her to sing and difficult to speak. Despite these obstacles, Flack remained resilient, continuing to perform until her health prevented her from doing so. Her final public performance was in October 2018 at a Jazz Foundation of America event, where she sang the classics that had made her a star.

Flack’s battle with ALS and her determination to continue performing underscored her unwavering passion for music. Her ability to connect with audiences, even in the face of adversity, was a testament to her strength and dedication to her craft. Her legacy is one of resilience, inspiring others to persevere through their own challenges.

The Enduring Impact: Flack’s Legacy Lives On

Roberta Flack’s death marked the end of an era, but her legacy continues to live on through her music, her educational initiatives, and the countless lives she touched. Her soulful voice and pioneering spirit have left an indelible mark on the music industry and American culture. As fans and fellow artists mourn her passing, they also celebrate the enduring impact of her work, ensuring that her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

The tributes from Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kelly Rowland, and others reflect the deep respect and admiration for Flack’s contributions. Her children’s book, “The Green Piano,” offers a lasting testament to her journey and the transformative power of music. While the Hollywood Walk of Fame may have missed the opportunity to honor her during her lifetime, the continued recognition of her work ensures that Flack’s star will shine brightly in the annals of music history.

More Reading and Sources…

Additional Sources

• Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kelly Rowland Honor Roberta Flack
• Roberta Flack’s Children’s Book Returns to Top of the Charts Following Singer’s Passing
• Roberta Flack Selected for Walk of Fame in 1999, Never Set Date for Unveiling
• Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer of ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song,’ dies at 88