Roberta Flack, the iconic voice behind classic love ballads such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," passed away at the age of 88. Flack died on the morning of February 2025, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by her representatives.
The beloved singer had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in August 2022, which significantly impacted her ability to perform. Months after her diagnosis, Flack expressed her inability to sing, marking the end of her celebrated musical career.
A cause of death was not explicitly stated, but her representatives cited her long battle with ALS as contributing to her passing. Prior to her ALS diagnosis, Flack had suffered from health complications, including a stroke she experienced back in 2016.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was classically trained and went on to become one of the most revered singers across genres. She made history as the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for two consecutive years—first for "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1973 and then for "Killing Me Softly With His Song" the following year.
Her breakout hit from 1969 later achieved monumental success when Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film "Play Misty for Me." This pivotal moment catapulted her to stardom and secured her place as one of the finest singers of her time, as noted by Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun.
Flack's music transcended genres, blending elements of jazz, R&B, folk, and pop, the evolvement of her style heavily inspired by the legendary Nina Simone. Throughout her career, she captivated audiences with hits such as "Feel Like Makin' Love" and duets with Donny Hathaway, including memorable songs like "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You."
During her remarkable career, Flack was awarded four Grammy Awards and continually honored for her contributions to music. She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and had her star added to Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Most recently, she was acknowledged by Berklee College of Music, which presented her with an honorary Doctor of Music degree in 2023.
Despite multiple adversities, including her recent health issues, Flack remained dedicated to her craft and community. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx. Her mission was to provide music education and opportunities for underprivileged students, stating, "The school gives these young people who think they don’t have many options a chance to see they do."
Even as her health declined, Roberta Flack's legacy continued to resonate. She played significant roles not just as the artist who brought her music to life, but also as someone who dedicated herself to uplifting the next generation of musicians. Her music and her message aimed at spreading hope and opportunity are what fans worldwide will continue to cherish.
Roberta Flack's story also found its way to television, being featured in the PBS documentary “Roberta” from 2021, highlighting her incredible life and career. She left behind numerous classics and invaluable contributions to the music industry.
With the passing of Roberta Flack, the world loses not just a phenomenal voice, but also a trailblazer who broke barriers and laid the groundwork for future generations of artists. Her songs will continue to play, reminding us of her powerful influence and the love she brought to music.