Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder Honor Roberta Flack at Emotional Memorial Service

The music world recently came together to celebrate the life and legacy of legendary singer Roberta Flack, who passed away at the age of 88. The memorial service, held at the Abyssinian Baptist Church in Harlem, New York, featured touching tributes from some of Flack's closest friends and collaborators.

Among the most poignant moments was a surprise duet performance by Lauryn Hill and Stevie Wonder. Hill, who famously covered Flack's hit "Killing Me Softly" with her group the Fugees, appeared visibly emotional as she took the stage.

"Her existence was a form of resistance. I adore Ms. Roberta Flack. Roberta Flack is legend," Hill told the crowd. She then delivered a rendition of Flack's signature song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," before being joined by Wonder and Wyclef Jean for a powerful version of "Killing Me Softly."

Wonder also shared his own tribute, saying: "The great thing about not having the ability to see with your eyes is the great opportunity of being able to even better see with your heart. And so I knew how beautiful Roberta was, not seeing her visually but being able to see and feel her heart."

The memorial was attended by a host of other music icons and civil rights leaders, including Al Sharpton, Alicia Keys, Clive Davis, and Dionne Warwick. Former Vice President Kamala Harris also submitted a statement celebrating Flack's legacy as a groundbreaking artist and activist.

In her own previous tribute, Lauryn Hill had praised Flack's influence, saying: "'Killing Me Softly,' a song Mrs. Flack didn't write but made hugely popular, became the song that catapulted myself and the Fugees into household phenomena. We wanted to honor the beauty and brilliance of this song and her performance of it to our generation."

The outpouring of love and respect for Roberta Flack at this memorial service is a testament to the profound impact she had on music and culture. Her timeless artistry and commitment to social justice will continue to inspire generations to come.