Robin Roberts is bringing Roberta Flack’s legendary story to the screen. The “Good Morning America” host’s production company has secured the rights to Flack’s life story. Rock’n Robin Productions plans to create both a scripted biopic and a documentary. The projects will chronicle the singer’s remarkable career spanning nearly six decades.
Roberts is collaborating with Flack’s former managers on both productions. Suzanne Mina Koga and Joan Martin bring insider knowledge to the creative team. Their partnership ensures authentic representation of Flack’s journey and legacy. This collaboration combines Roberts’ production expertise with those who knew Flack’s story intimately.
Honoring a Trailblazer’s Powerful Musical Legacy
Roberts expressed deep admiration for the late singer’s impact. “Roberta was a trailblazer–powerful and purposeful with her music and intention,” Roberts told Deadline. She praised Flack’s unique ability to connect emotionally through her performances. Every song showcased the singer’s tender heart and powerful soul.
“From the first note of every song, you feel Roberta’s tender heart and powerful soul through the microphone,” Roberts continued. She emphasized Flack’s distinctive vocal approach and emotional depth. “She taught us that the softest voice can carry the deepest truth.” Roberts views producing these projects as an honor and responsibility.
Sharing Music Legend’s Story With New Generation
The production aims to introduce Flack’s legacy to younger audiences. “It’s an honor to help share her remarkable life and legacy with a new generation,” Roberts explained. Flack’s music continues inspiring listeners worldwide decades after its release. The biopic and documentary will preserve her contributions for future generations.
Roberts understands the importance of telling stories that educate and inspire. Her production company specializes in projects highlighting significant cultural figures. These Flack productions join Rock’n Robin’s portfolio of meaningful documentaries. The company previously created films about singers Gloria Gaynor and Mahalia Jackson.
From Child Prodigy to Howard University Scholar
Roberta Flack was born in North Carolina and showed exceptional talent early. She was a classically trained pianist with extraordinary gifts. At just 15 years old, she received a music scholarship. She attended Howard University, one of the nation’s premier historically Black institutions.
Her classical training provided the foundation for her unique sound. Flack blended classical technique with soul, jazz, and R&B influences. This combination created her signature style that captivated audiences. Her education at Howard shaped both her artistry and cultural consciousness.
Atlantic Records Discovery Launched Groundbreaking Career
While performing at a Washington, D.C. nightclub, Flack caught important attention. Jazz musician Les McCann discovered her talent during a performance. He signed her to Atlantic Records in 1968. This pivotal moment launched her professional recording career.
The following year, Flack released her debut album “First Take.” The album achieved remarkable commercial success immediately. It reached number one on both the Billboard albums chart and Billboard R&B chart. Her debut established her as a major force in contemporary music.
Breakout Single Topped Charts and Defined Era
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” became Flack’s breakout hit. The song showcased her tender, intimate vocal style perfectly. It topped the Billboard Year-End Hot 100 singles of 1972. The track remains one of the most beloved love songs ever recorded.
Flack’s interpretation transformed the folk song into something entirely new. Her slow, sensual arrangement differed dramatically from previous versions. The song’s success demonstrated her ability to reimagine material uniquely. It established her as an interpreter with unmatched emotional depth.
Legendary Partnership With Donny Hathaway Created Magic
Flack teamed up with Donny Hathaway for a duet album in 1972. Their musical chemistry produced unforgettable performances and recordings. The partnership showcased both artists’ exceptional talents and emotional intelligence. Together, they created some of soul music’s most enduring moments.
“Where Is the Love” became their signature collaboration. The single earned the artists a Grammy Award in 1973. They won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Their partnership demonstrated how two powerful voices could create something transcendent together.
Grammy Winner for “Killing Me Softly” Achievement
Flack won Record of the Year in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly.” The hit single came from the album of the same name. The song became one of her most recognizable and celebrated recordings. It showcased her ability to convey deep emotion through subtle vocal choices.
The track’s influence extended far beyond its initial release. Lauryn Hill later breathed new life into the classic song. Her uptempo rendition appeared on the 1996 Fugees album “The Score.” Hill’s version introduced Flack’s masterpiece to an entirely new generation of listeners.
Enduring Influence Across Multiple Generations
Flack’s music transcended generational boundaries throughout her career. Artists from diverse genres covered and sampled her work. Her influence appears in R&B, hip-hop, jazz, and pop music. Contemporary musicians continue drawing inspiration from her artistic approach and vocal techniques.
Songs like “Feel Like Making Love” became standards in the American songbook. Flack’s interpretive skills and emotional honesty set new standards. She proved that commercial success and artistic integrity could coexist. Her career provided a blueprint for countless artists who followed.
Legacy Lives On After Passing at 88
The legendary singer died in February 2025 due to complications from Lou Gehrig’s Disease. She was 88 years old at the time of her passing. Her death marked the end of an extraordinary life and career. However, her musical contributions continue touching hearts worldwide.
Flack’s battle with ALS had prevented her from performing in her final years. Despite health challenges, her influence never diminished in the music community. Her catalog remains a testament to her artistry and emotional power. The upcoming biopic and documentary will ensure her story endures.
Rock’n Robin Productions Continues Documentary Excellence
Roberts’ production company has established a strong track record in documentary filmmaking. Rock’n Robin Productions previously created “A King Like Me” about important cultural stories. The company also produced “Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years After the Storm.” These projects demonstrate Roberts’ commitment to meaningful storytelling.
The Flack projects align perfectly with the company’s mission and values. Roberts consistently chooses stories that educate, inspire, and honor significant figures. Her production approach combines journalistic integrity with emotional resonance. The upcoming Flack biopic and documentary promise to uphold these standards.
Dual Projects Offer Complete Portrait of Icon
Creating both a scripted film and documentary provides comprehensive storytelling opportunities. The documentary will likely feature archival footage, interviews, and historical context. It can present facts and perspectives from those who knew Flack personally. This format allows for deep exploration of her artistic process and impact.
Meanwhile, the scripted biopic can dramatize key moments in Flack’s life. It offers opportunities to portray her inner world and personal struggles. The combination ensures audiences receive both factual information and emotional connection. Together, these projects will create the definitive portrait of Roberta Flack’s extraordinary journey.
