Farewell to Two Soulful Legends: Honoring Roberta Flack & Angie Stone

The world of R&B and soul music is mourning the loss of two irreplaceable voices: Roberta Flack and Angie Stone. These legendary women shaped the very essence of modern soul, leaving behind a catalog of music that continues to resonate with generations of listeners. As we reflect on their monumental contributions, we also recognize the impact they have had on contemporary artists and the music industry at large.

Roberta Flack: The Quiet Fire

Roberta Flack was the embodiment of elegance and emotional depth in music. She first captured the world’s attention with her chart-topping hit "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. This was followed by "Killing Me Softly with His Song," another Record of the Year Grammy winner in 1974, solidifying her as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.

Flack’s career was filled with timeless classics like "Feel Like Makin' Love," "Where Is the Love" (with Donny Hathaway), and "The Closer I Get to You." Her duets with Hathaway remain some of the most cherished love songs in R&B history. She amassed four Grammy Awards and over a dozen nominations, carving out a legacy of sophisticated, tender ballads that have influenced countless artists.

Beyond her chart success, Flack’s commitment to music education and social justice was just as powerful. Her influence can be heard in the voices of contemporary neo-soul artists, and her impact will forever be felt in R&B.

Angie Stone: The Soulful Storyteller

Angie Stone, often called one of the mothers of neo-soul, brought warmth and authenticity to every note she sang. From her early days in The Sequence, one of the first female hip-hop groups, to her solo career, Stone remained a staple in soul music for decades. Her debut album Black Diamond (1999) introduced the world to hits like "No More Rain (In This Cloud)," a song that spoke to the heartache of love lost. She followed up with Mahogany Soul (2001), which featured the beloved classic "Wish I Didn’t Miss You."

Stone’s music was a bridge between the past and present, blending traditional R&B with a fresh, contemporary sound. Tracks like "Brotha" and "I Wanna Thank Ya" uplifted the culture, celebrating Black love and unity. She earned Grammy nominations and BET Awards, cementing her as a defining voice in neo-soul. Her influence can be heard in artists like Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and India.Arie, proving that her mark on music is everlasting.

A Legacy Worthy of Tribute

With the BET Awards approaching, it is only fitting that the network takes time to honor these two extraordinary women. A tribute performance featuring today’s leading soul and R&B artists—perhaps Ledisi, H.E.R., Jazmine Sullivan, and John Legend—would be a powerful way to celebrate their legacies.

Furthermore, if the Soul Train Awards makes its much-anticipated return this year, a special segment dedicated to Flack and Stone would be a meaningful nod to their lasting contributions to R&B and soul music. Their work continues to inspire new generations of singers, and a proper tribute is necessary to remind the world of their undeniable greatness.

As we say goodbye to these two incredible women, we hold onto their music, their messages, and their impact. Roberta Flack and Angie Stone were more than artists—they were storytellers, pioneers, and the very essence of soul. May their voices continue to echo through the hearts of music lovers forever.