The music world is mourning the loss of the legendary Roberta Flack, who passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. The singer, hailed for her timeless classics such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” left behind more than just hits; she crafted her legacy with grace, influence, and remarkable talent.
Flack’s family confirmed through her spokesperson, "We are heartbroken... She died peacefully surrounded by her family,” indicating the nature of her final moments. The statement had no official cause of death but highlighted her groundbreaking legacy as both artist and educator.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she grew up surrounded by music. Her musical talents were nurtured early, earning her a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Flack’s immediately recognizable voice soon earned her acclaim after a chance encounter with jazz musician Les McCann led to her signing with Atlantic Records.
Her significant break came when Clint Eastwood chose her version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to feature prominently in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. This track reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972. This monumental success paved the way for Flack to win the same award again the following year for “Killing Me Softly With His Song” from the album of the same name.
Reflecting on Flack's influence, renowned artist Dionne Warwick stated, “Losing friends, especially ones... feel like family as I’m experiencing... We now say Rest in Peace.” This sentiment was echoed numerous times across social media platforms as fans and fellow artists expressed their grief over the loss of such a beloved figure. Questlove poignantly noted, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest in Melody.” Meanwhile, Kelly Rowland articulated heartfelt gratitude, emphasizing Flack's impact on her life, saying, “...what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your effortless, most beautiful gift!”
Flack's achievements were noteworthy, not just because of her chart-topping hits but also due to her unique ability to cross genres effortlessly—from R&B to jazz, soul, and pop. The essence of her music has, over decades, transitioned to progressives forms of modern styles, most iconically seen with the Fugees’ 1996 cover of her classic hit, which brought renewed attention to her genius.
The breadth of her work includes monumental collaborations with peers, especially with singer Donny Hathaway, producing memorable duets such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Flack's partnership with Hathaway was not just artistic but deeply personal, creating harmonies embedded with raw emotion.
Despite grappling with challenges, including the impact of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), diagnosed years prior, Flack’s spirit remained indomitable. The singer had not performed publicly since suffering complications from the disease, yet her legacy continued to flourish through her music, teachings, and charitable endeavors. Flack established the Roberta Flack Foundation, offering mentorship and educational programs aimed at uplifting young talent.
Her contributions to the music environment were immense. James Earl Jones once highlighted her versatility by describing Flack's music as “scientific soul,” capturing the essence of how she fused her classical training with R&B and jazz effortlessly. “I learned long after leaving Black Mountain, ... being Black was the most positive thing we could be,” Flack once reflected, showcasing her influence not only through music but also as an activist.
Throughout her lifetime, she received numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy nominations and winning three. Her song “Killing Me Softly” remains highly regarded, cementing her position as one of the most impactful artists of her time. "When I met artists and so many others... inspired by my music, I felt understood,” she remarked during acceptance of the Recording Academy’s lifetime achievement award.
The music industry and her fans are not merely remembering Flack for her remarkable singing ability but also for the indelible mark she left on society through her activism and mentoring endeavors. Artists, educators, and young musicians alike have been influenced by her work, and her songs continue to resonate today.
At the time of her passing, her foundation, as well as various music projects she had worked on recently, serve as testaments to her enduring legacy. Her final children’s book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, encourages young audiences to discover their musical paths, aligning with her lifelong commitment to education.
Roberta Flack has transcended music as just entertainment; she turned it as the fabric of connecting stories and emotions shared universally. Now, as her friends, family, and fans sift through their grief, the harmony of her life should remind us all of the beauty intertwined within her melodies. Flack will forever remain not just an icon, but her spirit will continue to inspire.