Culture
Roberta Flack’s life celebrated in new OWN documentary premiering March 12
OWN will debut a two‑hour documentary offering an intimate look at the life and legacy of Grammy‑winning artist Roberta Flack.
LOS ANGELES — OWN will debut a two‑hour documentary, OWN Spotlight: Roberta, on Thursday, March 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, offering an intimate look at the life and legacy of Grammy‑winning artist Roberta Flack. The special airs during Women’s History Month and presents a detailed portrait of her rise, influence and lasting cultural impact.
Roberta Flack OWN Documentary: A Career That Shaped Modern Music
The documentary follows Flack’s path from early piano‑lounge performances to international acclaim. It highlights her genre‑blending sound, her chart‑topping hits and her long commitment to civil rights. Producers use rare archival footage and personal reflections to center Flack’s voice throughout the film.
Interviews with the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Peabo Bryson and others add context to her influence across music and social movements.
Musical Legacy and Cultural Reach
Flack became known for emotive ballads that bridged R&B, jazz, folk and pop. Her signature recordings include:
- “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”
- “Killing Me Softly with His Song”
- “Feel Like Makin’ Love”
She also recorded several acclaimed duets with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Her later collaboration with Peabo Bryson, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” became another enduring classic.
Flack earned 13 Grammy nominations and won four awards. She became the first artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years, in 1973 and 1974. She was recently selected for induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, scheduled for October 2026.
Flack died in 2025 at age 88.
Roberta Flack OWN Documentary: Production and Creative Team
Antonino D’Ambrosio directed, wrote and produced OWN Spotlight: Roberta. La Lutta Productions produced the project in association with Warner Media 150, Warner Music Group, ARTE and American Masters Pictures.
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