Royalty in Waiting: The Early Life and Musical Journey of Roberta Flack
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and grew up in a world where music was not just a passion but a way of life. As the second oldest of five siblings, her family moved frequently during her early years, first to Richmond, Virginia, and later to Arlington, a segregated suburb of Washington, D.C. Her father, Laron Flack, worked as a draftsman for the Veterans Administration, while her mother, Irene (Council) Flack, was a cook at a high school and a talented musician who played the organ at Arlington’s A.M.E. Zion Church. It was in this vibrant musical environment that Roberta’s love for music first took root.
From a young age, Roberta was deeply immersed in music. She began playing piano for her church choir, mastering the works of classical composers like Handel, Bach, Verdi, and Mozart, as well as powerful Negro spirituals. Her musical curiosity, however, extended beyond the walls of her own church. She would often sneak away to the local Baptist church, where she was captivated by the raw, emotive forms of gospel music. These experiences were transformative, as she witnessed legendary gospel stars like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke perform live. For Roberta, music was not just a skill but a spiritual calling, a way to connect with her heritage and the world around her.
Her connection to her Southern roots ran deep, and she often reflected on the rich history of her hometown. “I like to say that two preachers came from Black Mountain,” she once remarked. “Billy Graham is preaching in his way, and I’m preaching mine.” This sentiment captures her belief that music was her ministry, a powerful medium through which she could uplift and inspire others. Though her journey was not without its challenges, Roberta Flack’s determination and talent would soon set her apart as a rising star in the world of music.
Roberta’s early achievements were nothing short of remarkable. At just 13 years old, she competed in a statewide competition for Black students, where she performed a Scarlatti sonata and took second place. Disappointed but undeterred, she believed she had deserved first prize and suspected that the judges were biased by the sight of a Black girl playing classical music with such mastery. This experience, while frustrating, only fueled her determination to excel in her craft. Two years later, she entered Howard University on a full scholarship, making history as the first undergraduate vocal student to give a public recital in classical vocal literature. Her talent and hard work earned her a standing ovation from the music faculty after she conducted a student production of Aida. These accomplishments were just the beginning of what would become a legendary career.
Despite her early successes, Roberta faced significant barriers as a Black woman pursuing a career in classical music. A dean at Howard University warned her that opportunities in classical orchestras would be scarce for someone of her race and gender, advising her instead to pursue a teaching career. While she initially followed this advice, earning a master’s degree in music education and working toward a doctorate, her heart remained in performance. Her journey was marked by resilience in the face of racial and gender discrimination, as she carved out her own path in a world that often sought to limit her possibilities.
Roberta Flack’s legacy is one of incredible talent, perseverance, and dedication. Though she faced numerous challenges, she refused to be confined by the expectations of others. Instead, she used her music as a form of resistance and inspiration, becoming a trailblazer for future generations of Black women in music. Her story is a testament to the power of passion and hard work, reminding us that even in the face of adversity, one’s gifts can take them to extraordinary heights.
