Roberta Flack, the soul and R&B legend known for her timeless ballads, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of music and influence unmatched in the industry. The announcement of her death, made by her representative, conveyed deep sorrow, stating, "We are heartbroken. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator." Flack's remarkable career earned her 14 Grammy nominations, with four victories including the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Farmville, North Carolina, Flack's passion for music was evident from her childhood. Her father was a draftsman and self-taught jazz pianist, and her mother served as a church organist. By age 15, she was awarded a full scholarship to Howard University, where she studied classical piano with aspirations of becoming a concert pianist. While at Howard, she met her musical soulmate, Donny Hathaway, and the two began collaborating, forever shaping the sound of soul music.
Flack burst onto the music scene with her debut album, First Take, released in 1969. Initially met with modest success, Flack found her breakthrough when Clint Eastwood used her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" as the centerpiece of his film Play Misty for Me. This track soared to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming the top-selling single of 1972 and winning the Grammy for Record of the Year. The emotional depth and nuance of Flack's delivery captivated audiences and critics alike, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
Following her initial success, Flack continued to top the charts. She made history by becoming the first artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year in consecutive years — first for "The First Time" and then for "Killing Me Softly with His Song". The latter, which also became the hallmark of her career, transcended generations, later being reinterpreted by the Fugees, reintroducing Flack's genius to younger audiences. Her ability to convey complex emotions through music solidified her as one of the defining voices of her time.
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" was not just another hit; it encapsulated the very essence of what her music represented. Flack’s unique vocal quality, characterized by its smoky timbre and smooth delivery, transformed songs written from different musical backgrounds — often turning them from folk to soul. The song speaks to the power of music to evoke feelings and memories beyond words, making it resonate deeply with listeners. Music critics describe her talent as transcending genres, with Flack’s influence felt across soul, R&B, jazz, and pop.
Throughout the 1970s, Flack collaborated with Donny Hathaway on several heartfelt duets, including "Where Is the Love?" and "The Closer I Get to You," showcasing their unmatched chemistry and creating some of the most memorable love songs of the era. Each performance was viewed as something of a sacred dialogue, with the two artists seamlessly blending their voices to create emotional depth. The loss of Hathaway in 1979 was significant for Flack, as it not only marked the end of their partnership but left her with the irreplaceable absence of her closest musical companion.
Despite the personal and professional challenges she faced, Flack’s music continued to flourish. Hits like "Feel Like Makin’ Love" and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love" reached audiences with their sensuality and warmth, becoming staples of the romantic ballad genre. Her willingness to experiment with various musical styles resulted in hits for decades, including collaborations with Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest well beyond her chart-topping days.
Even as her voice began to fade due to her diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) announced in 2022, Flack’s contributions to music remained undeniable. She retired from public performances but transitioned her artistic talents to teaching and writing, releasing her children's book The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music with Tonya Bolden. This shift illustrated her dedication not just to music but also to education and mentoring the next generation.
Roberta Flack’s influence on music is immeasurable. Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy, remarked, "The world has lost a musical great with the passing of the timeless Roberta Flack. Her creations transcended genres, cementing her legacy as one of music’s most influential voices."
Music lovers around the globe will forever cherish her songs, with many taking time to listen to her classic tracks to honor her memory. Tracks like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly" are more than just songs; they are part of the soundtracks of countless lives and love stories. Her ability to channel deep emotion through her music created connections between people, transcending time and space.
Though Roberta Flack is no longer with us, her legacy will always endure. Her voice, which once held dominion over the quiet storm genre, serves as a reminder of the power of music to heal and connect us. Flack may have said her voice was a “blessed instrument,” but truly, she blessed the world with her music — and for this, she will always be remembered.