Grammy winner, who died last month at 88, remembered at New York service with series of star performers

A star-studded public memorial service was held for the Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack with a performance from Stevie Wonder, a surprise visit from Lauryn Hill, and a eulogy by the Rev Al Sharpton.

Flack’s songs The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song made her a global star in the 1970s and beyond. Flack, an influential performer with an intimate vocal and musical style that ranged easily between soul, jazz and gospel, died last month at 88.