In March 2025, at New York’s Abyssinian Baptist Church, friends and family of the legendary singer Roberta Flack gathered together to celebrate her life and mourn her passing. It, of course, came as an enormous shock to the musical community, thanks to the vast impact her music made, along with her passionate advocacy for artists’ rights. As such, it only made sense for her fellow artists, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, and Wyclef Jean, to pay tribute to both her life and music at her funeral.
Music Man readers will be moved when they see the emotional tributes the artists performed. Lauryn Hill and Wyclef Jean, together with the rest of the Fugees, performed ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song.’ Surprising everyone, Stevie Wonder joined in from his place in the pews, playing his harmonica. Then, it was his turn to take the stage, performing ‘If It’s Magic’ and ‘I Can See The Song.’ The tribute truly moved viewers and fans, one commenting, “I’m not even 30 seconds in & I have tears.”
I must admit I also became very moved while watching these beautiful and emotional performances. Not only was I moved by the stunning talent displayed in tribute to this wonderful artist, but it was also clear what Roberta meant to each of the musicians who performed at her funeral. Not only did they pay tribute to her as a great musician, but to her influence on them personally, Lauryn Hill, sharing, “she carved out for me a pathway of soulful Black intellectual sublime beauty.”
It is clear that Roberta Flack made a massive impact on Lauryn. In her tribute to Roberta, Lauryn not only spoke powerfully of the Black empowerment she experienced through Roberta’s music, but she also performed the Roberta Flack song that brought the Fugees to global success in 1996. Their cover of ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ remains the UK’s best-selling hip-hop single by a group, just going to show the enormous impact Roberta Flack had on Lauryn’s life and career.
For Music Man fans who also had their lives touched by Roberta Flack’s music, watching these farewell performances is sure to be a deeply emotional experience. However, fans can also be comforted in knowing that these magnificently talented artists paid perfect tribute to Roberta’s legacy. Together, they made sure to celebrate her impact on art, music, and people’s hearts, giving her the magnificent send-off she truly deserved.
Roberta Flack’s enduring legacy in music and advocacy continues to resonate deeply, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes from her peers and admirers. These powerful performances underscore how profoundly she touched those around her, shaping the lives of countless artists. Her spirit lives on through the music and memories shared by many, and the profound impact she left on the industry. To explore more about Roberta Flack and these tributes, please follow the links below.