Roberta Flack's Husband Was Disowned by His Family for Marrying Her — Inside Their Interracial Marriage

From family disapproval to societal challenges, their relationship was tested at every turn. Take a closer look at the couple's love story and struggles, set against the backdrop of Flack's legendary career.

Roberta Flack was more than just a legendary singer — she was a woman who defied expectations in both her career and personal life. Rising to fame with timeless hits, she captivated audiences with her soulful voice.

However, behind the success was a deeply personal story of love and struggle. Her interracial marriage to jazz bassist Stephen Novosel faced intense scrutiny, with both family and society pushing back against their union.

Roberta Flack's Marriage to Stephen Novosel

Flack was a classically trained pianist whose immense talent earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15. Her rise to fame began in the late 1960s when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her, leading producer Joel Dorn to sign her to Atlantic Records.

In 1969, she recorded her debut album, "First Take," which marked the beginning of a career that would span decades, earning her four Grammy Awards and 13 nominations.

Flack's career took off in the early 1970s when Clint Eastwood featured her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his 1971 film "Play Misty for Me."

The ballad, characterized by its hushed, hymn-like quality, became a sensation, topping the Billboard charts in 1972 and earning a Grammy for Record of the Year.

She repeated this success the following year with "Killing Me Softly With His Song," making history as the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Record of the Year.

Amid her rise to fame, Flack married white jazz bassist Stephen Novosel in 1966. The pair met at a function and exchanged phone numbers after discovering they had strong chemistry.

"He's young and he's gorgeous!" Flack proclaimed years later. "Yes, he's younger than I am and definitely not in the entertainment business."

When people said she was lucky to have a younger man, the singer jabbed back, "He's lucky! Actually, we're both lucky. What's most exciting is the compatibility and chemistry."

Flack further pointed out that men as old as 80 go out and marry women 50 years younger with no one saying anything, noting, "Nobody says, 'Christ, 50 years older!' These are different days, I promise you."

However, their relationship was unconventional for the time for another reason — interracial marriages in that era were often met with hostility.

Flack spoke openly about being married to a white man, saying, "Living in Alexandria, Va., with a white husband is difficult. But I'm not home that much. I think people are changing a good deal now."

Despite the love they shared, their union was not without challenges. According to Flack, Novosel's family disowned him when they learned he was marrying her, and her own brother refused to give her away at the wedding.

"I have just really become concerned with the whole Black social awareness thing. My husband to me is not white; he's just a human being I happen to love," she stated.

Flack was also acutely aware of how her growing success affected her marriage. However, when informed of her husband's feelings about her meteoric rise, she responded, "I'm glad he feels that way. I would begin to worry if he said he felt some other way, indifferent or even happy."

"This way I know he still loves me and is concerned about the career taking up all my time. Like most women, I want the family, home, and career," the singer added.

"Home gives me an opportunity to express my deeper feelings while the career gives me a chance to express my individualistic self. I want both…can't do without either," she continued.

However, in 1972, amid her skyrocketing fame, Flack and Novosel divorced. She made a firm decision to focus solely on her career, vowing never to try to balance both marriage and music again — a promise she upheld for the rest of her life.

Health Battles and Legacy – Roberta Flack's Later Years

Despite her continued presence in the public eye, Flack faced significant health challenges in her later years. She suffered a stroke in 2016 that prevented her from performing live.

However, she remained engaged with her fans, even taking to X, in 2021 to share, "Today I'm reflecting on last year's @RecordingAcad GRAMMY Awards with gratitude. I am excited to watch the telecast tonight! I wish I could be with you all again. Good luck to all of the nominees!"

In 2022, she announced that she had been diagnosed with ALS, a disease that ultimately robbed her of her ability to sing. The icon became so ill at one point that she mostly conducted interviews via email.

Sadly, on February 24, 2025, Roberta Flack passed away at 88, surrounded by her loved ones. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed her passing in a statement.

Though her voice may have been silenced, her music and legacy live on. As Flack once shared, "I always say that 'love is a song' — meaning that music reaches beyond age, race, nationality and religion to touch our hearts."

Her official Instagram account paid tribute to her life and career, captioning a post, "Roberta Flack 🥺 February 10, 1937 - February 24, 2025. 'Remember: Always walk in the light. If you feel like you're not walking in it, go find it. Love the light.' - Roberta Flack #rememberingroberta #loveisasong."

Just two days before her passing, Flack shared a heartfelt post on social media. She posted a short clip of Celine Dion performing her song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face."

In the caption, she expressed gratitude, saying she was "touched and thrilled" by the tribute. She thanked Dion for her "love" and praised her for adding a "luminous shine" to the song.

Flack's influence extended beyond music, as she was also known for her collaborations and social activism. Her voice may have been silenced by illness, but her legacy continues to resonate through her songs.

Several public figures have expressed shock over Flack's passing, with many sharing tributes online. Questlove, drummer and record producer, honored the late singer with a heartfelt post. He shared a throwback photo of Flack and wrote, "Thank You Roberta Flack," before adding, "Rest In Melody."

Singer Jennifer Hudson also honored Flack, "So sad to hear of Roberta Flack's passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!"

Reverend Al Sharpton, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, expressed his grief, "I'm deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary #RobertaFlack, one of the greatest musicians and vocalists of all time."

Sharpton reflected on Flack's lasting influence, describing how her voice and music became a cornerstone of American culture, bringing depth and meaning to generations. He highlighted how her impact extended beyond her artistry, recognizing her as a devoted activist and freedom fighter.

Sharpton recalled first meeting Flack at age 12 during a rally for Operation Breadbasket, where she actively supported the movement and Rev. Jesse Jackson.

He also noted her long-standing commitment to social justice, mentioning her 25-year friendship with the National Action Network and her consistent advocacy for civil rights.

He also posted photos capturing their moments together at various events over the years. In one image, Flack — wearing sunglasses and a black headscarf — warmly engages with Sharpton and other attendees, reflecting her enduring spirit and strong community ties.

Another photo features Sharpton standing beside a large cake at a celebratory event, surrounded by friends and supporters, emphasizing Flack's deep connection to social movements and activism.

Sharpton concluded his post, "May she rest in peace and power. Her music will live on forever❤️🕊️." Flack's life was defined by groundbreaking achievements, unwavering passion, and the courage to love beyond societal expectations.

Her marriage to Novosel was a testament to the power of love in the face of adversity. Though their union ended, Flack remained steadfast in her commitment to her music, a decision that solidified her place as one of the greatest voices of her time.