Written by Robin Foster and Kara Morris
HealthDay Reporters
TUESDAY, Nov. 15, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Singer Roberta Flack has terminal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and cannot sing, but plans to stay active in other projects, her manager said Monday.
Flack, 85, is a Grammy Award winner best known for his hit songs “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever That I Saw Your Face.”
Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Flack became a star when Clint Eastwood used one of her songs in his 1971 movie “Play Misty for Me.” News agency mentioned.
Suzanne Koga, MD, director of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, said in a statement to AP. “But it will take more than ALS to silence this code.”
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rare neurological disease that destroys the brain cells that control voluntary muscle movements such as chewing, speaking and walking. There is no effective treatment to stop or reverse the progression of the disease.
Flack’s ongoing projects include the documentary “Roberta,” which debuts later this week at the New York City Film Festival. The film, directed by Antonino d’Ambrosio, will also premiere on January 24 TV programThe AP mentioned.
It also plans to publish a children’s book co-written by Tonya Bolden AP mentioned. Green Piano: How Music Found a Little Thing for Me will be published in January.
“It has always been my dream to tell my story to children about the first green piano my father got from the junkyard in hopes that it would inspire them to reach for their dreams,” Flack was quoted as saying in the statement. “I want them to know that dreams can come true with persistence, encouragement from family and friends, and most of all believing in yourself.”
Flack is a classically trained musician who won a full trip to Howard University at the age of 15. Her parents were pianists.
The 50th anniversary of her fourth studio album “Killing Me Softly” in 2023 will include a reissue, AP mentioned.
Koga said Flack “also plans to remain active in her musical and creative endeavors” through her foundation.
more information
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke has more on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
source: News agency
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