Roberta Flack’s legacy remains unfulfilled as Hollywood Walk of Fame star still unrevealed

Roberta Flack’s Walk of Fame star, selected in 1999, was never unveiled; family encouraged to arrange ceremony.


Pop Culture & Art February 26, 2025
Flack received a lifetime achievement honour from the Recording Academy in 2020. Photo: File

Roberta Flack, the iconic soul and R&B singer, passed away on February 24 at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound legacy in music. However, another aspect of her legacy remained unfulfilled: the unveiling of her Hollywood Walk of Fame star.

Selected to receive the honor in 1999, Flack's star was never officially revealed, as a ceremony was never scheduled during her lifetime. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce confirmed that, despite the recognition, no date for the unveiling was set before her passing.

Ana Martinez, spokesperson for the Walk of Fame, expressed hope that Flack’s family would consider arranging a posthumous ceremony. She explained that the earliest available date for the event is set for next year, offering the possibility of honoring the legendary artist with the long-awaited unveiling.

Flack, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, continued to maintain a deep commitment to her music despite the challenges posed by the disease. Known for her hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and Feel Like Makin’ Love, Flack's influence on the music world was undeniable. She was a trailblazer who broke boundaries, earning accolades such as a Grammy Award for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, featured in Clint Eastwood's Play Misty for Me. In 2020, she was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Her representatives praised her for being a unique and groundbreaking artist, while Flack herself once reflected on her success by saying, “I’m happy to be Roberta Flack. I’m happy to sound like I do. So that feels good.” Despite her passing, Flack’s impact on music and culture remains immeasurable.

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