Roberta Flack’s death has left a void in the world of soul and R&B music, and now, the Hollywood Walk of Fame organizers are hoping her family will revisit her long-forgotten star, which was never revealed after she was selected to receive it over 20 years ago.
Flack, the legendary vocalist behind “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” was chosen for a Hollywood Walk of Fame star in 1999, but it was never installed. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce revealed that Flack never set a date for the ceremony before her passing on February 24th at age 88.
Ana Martinez of the Walk of Fame told TMZ that they hope Flack’s family will arrange a posthumous ceremony. However, the earliest available date is sometime next year.
Flack was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 but remained devoted to her craft despite the progressive disease making it difficult to sing.
“Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was unlike any other popular vocalist that preceded her,” her representatives said.
Initially training as an opera singer, Flack’s breakthrough came when “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty for Me,” earning her a Grammy. Her success continued with hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” In 2020, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Reflecting on her artistry, Flack said at the time, “I’m happy to be Roberta Flack. I’m happy to sound like I do. So that feels good. I’m very satisfied with that.”
