OWN Spotlight: Roberta Flack – Women’s History Month Documentary | OWN
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is honoring the life and legacy of Roberta Flack with a new two-hour documentary, OWN Spotlight: Roberta, set to air on at 9pm ET/PT. The film arrives as part of the network’s celebration of Women’s History Month and offers an intimate look at the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and artist.
The documentary traces Flack’s remarkable journey from her beginnings performing in piano lounges to achieving international stardom. Beyond her musical accomplishments, OWN Spotlight: Roberta similarly highlights her long-standing commitment to civil rights and social change, themes that were deeply interwoven throughout her career.
Roberta Flack, who passed away in 2025 at the age of 88, was celebrated for her emotive and genre-bending ballads. Her music seamlessly bridged R&B, jazz, folk, and pop, resulting in a timeless catalog of hits. Among her most recognizable songs are “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Sense Like Makin’ Love.” Flack also forged iconic musical partnerships, notably with Donny Hathaway, yielding beloved duets like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” and later with Peabo Bryson on “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.”
Flack’s impact on the music industry is underscored by her numerous accolades. Throughout her career, she received 13 Grammy nominations and won four awards, including the distinction of being the first artist to win Record of the Year in consecutive years – 1973 and 1974. More recently, she was selected for induction into the National Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame, with the ceremony scheduled for .
The documentary features rare archival footage of Flack, allowing her to share her story in her own words. It also includes interviews with prominent figures who knew and worked with her, including Reverend Jesse Jackson and Peabo Bryson, offering additional perspectives on her life and career.
OWN Spotlight: Roberta is directed, written, and produced by award-winning filmmaker Antonino D’Ambrosio. The production is a collaboration between La Lutta Productions, Warner Media 150, Warner Music Group, ARTE, and American Masters Pictures.
OWN president Tina Perry emphasized the significance of the documentary, stating, “Roberta Flack’s artistry stands as a powerful testament to creativity, courage and originality. With this OWN Spotlight presentation, we’re honored to shine a light on a woman whose music helped shape culture and continues to influence artists today. This special is an opportunity to celebrate her legacy in a new way as we explore how her work continues to echo across generations.”
This documentary arrives at a moment of continued reflection on the contributions of Black female artists to American music and culture. Flack’s ability to transcend genre boundaries and connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level cemented her status as a true icon. Her music not only entertained but also provided a soundtrack for social and political change, making her a powerful voice during a pivotal era.
OWN, founded by Oprah Winfrey, has consistently used its platform to highlight the stories of influential Black figures. The OWN Spotlight series, in particular, has become known for its in-depth and intimate portraits of cultural icons. This latest installment continues that tradition, offering viewers a comprehensive look at the life and work of a truly remarkable artist.
The airing of OWN Spotlight: Roberta on provides an opportunity for both longtime fans and new audiences to rediscover the music and legacy of Roberta Flack. It’s a fitting tribute to a woman whose artistry continues to resonate decades after her initial breakthrough, and whose influence will undoubtedly be felt for generations to come.