Courtesy:OWN
OWN will celebrate the legendary career of Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Roberta Flack with a two-hour special, OWN Spotlight: Roberta. The documentary will air Thursday, March 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, as part of the network’s Women’s History Month programming.
The film provides an intimate look at Flack’s life, charting her journey from early piano lounge performances to global acclaim. It also showcases her dedication to civil rights and social causes. Rare archival footage and interviews with notable figures, including Reverend Jesse Jackson and Peabo Bryson, give audiences a firsthand perspective on her extraordinary career.
A career that defined generations
Roberta Flack’s music became synonymous with emotion and genre-crossing artistry, blending R&B, jazz, folk, and pop. Her hit singles, including The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Killing Me Softly with His Song, and Feel Like Makin’ Love, have left a lasting imprint on popular music.
Flack’s duets were equally iconic. She teamed with Donny Hathaway on classics such as Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, and later recorded Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Peabo Bryson. These collaborations, along with her solo work, helped solidify her place as one of the most influential vocalists of her generation.
Over the course of her career, Flack received 13 Grammy nominations, winning four, and became the first artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years (1973 and 1974). She was recently named for induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, scheduled for October 2026. Flack passed away in 2025 at age 88, leaving a lasting and monumental legacy.
Celebrating women and their impact
OWN Spotlight: Roberta was directed, written, and produced by award-winning filmmaker Antonino D’Ambrosio. The project was produced by La Lutta Productions in association with Warner Media 150, Warner Music Group, ARTE, and American Masters Pictures. The special highlights Flack’s personal and professional achievements, demonstrating her influence not only as a musician but also as an advocate for social change.
The documentary is part of OWN’s ongoing commitment to spotlight stories of inspiration, creativity, and resilience. The network, founded and inspired by Oprah Winfrey, connects with audiences across platforms, including HBO Max, discovery+, WatchOWN.tv, and mobile devices, offering content that sparks conversation and celebrates iconic figures.
Remembering a timeless legacy
Roberta Flack’s contributions to music and culture continue to inspire artists and audiences worldwide. OWN Spotlight: Roberta provides viewers the opportunity to engage with her story in a deeply personal way, exploring the challenges, triumphs, and enduring influence of one of music’s most celebrated voices.
Through her timeless songs, groundbreaking achievements, and commitment to social causes, Flack remains a symbol of artistic excellence and cultural impact. The documentary ensures that her story continues to resonate, honoring her life and contributions during Women’s History Month and beyond.
Source: OWN
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