Berklee Professor Gabrielle Goodman Honors Roberta Flack at 2023 Commencement Ceremony

On Saturday, May 13, 2023, Gabrielle Goodman, Professor of Voice at Berklee College, honored her mentor, Roberta Flack with an honorary PhD. Flack was one of three honorees at this year's commencement - Usher Raymond and Sona Jobarteh were also presented with plaques.

Goodman, a longtime backup singer for Flack, gave a moving speech and accepted the honor on behalf of Ms Flack as she was unable to attend the ceremony. The Berklee Newsletter and Warner Music / Rhino also featured the achievement.

You can read them both, by clicking the links on this post or downloading the tearsheets at the end of this article.

Video of the commencement is availble from Berklee, Ms Goodman's speech begins at 1:05:40 and includes a transcript.

2023 06 13 Rhino Roberta Flack Saluted with Honorary Doctorate by Berklee College of Music.

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2024 05 13 Berklee Honors Usher, Roberta Flack, and Sona Jobarteh at Commencement _ Berkle.

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