Roberta Flack, the beloved R&B singer known for timeless hits like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She was 88 years old. Flack's spokesperson confirmed the news, expressing heartfelt sorrow for the loss: "We are heartbroken to announce the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator." The cause of death has not been disclosed; reports indicate she suffered a heart attack and was on her way to the hospital when she died, as her manager, Suzzaner Koga, relayed to the media.
A classically trained pianist born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack rose to fame as one of the foremost recording artists of the 1970s. She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year for two consecutive years, claiming the honors for "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1973 and "Killing Me Softly With His Song" in 1974. Both songs not only topped the charts but also showcased her incredible vocal talents and unique ability to convey deep emotion through music. Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film "Play Misty for Me" played a key role in launching her career, as he featured her hit ballad to great effect during one of the movie’s pivotal scenes.
Flack's significant contributions to music were underscored by her ability to weave together various genres, blending jazz, R&B, and pop. Hits like "Feel Like Makin' Love" and soulful duets with fellow artist Donny Hathaway, such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," solidified her place as one of the finest voices of her time. Hathaway, who was also her friend and mentor, intertwined their musical lives until his tragic death in 1979, which Flack recalled sadly years later: "We were deeply connected creatively. He could play anything, sing anything. Our musical synergy was unlike anything I've had before or since."
Flack’s accolades did not stop with her early successes. She was recognized with five Grammy Awards throughout her lifetime—including three for "Killing Me Softly"—and received nominations on eight additional occasions. A lifetime achievement honor arrived for her in 2020, showcasing her enduring influence on the music industry. Her impact was highlighted to new generations when The Fugees revived "Killing Me Softly" with their Grammy-winning cover, leading to performances between the hip-hop group and Flack herself.
Despite her immense achievements, Flack faced significant health challenges later in life. After announcing her diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, she stepped back from performing, stating she could no longer sing. “It made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak,” her team shared, underlining the difficulties posed by the condition. Having suffered from a stroke earlier, this decline was felt deeply by fans and the industry alike, but Flack remained active beyond the stage through her passion for music education.
Flack's dedication to education was evident through her founding of the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School, aiming to provide music education to underprivileged students without charge. "The school gives these young people who think they don't have many options a chance to see they do," Flack said at its inception. Her commitment to uplifting others through music extended beyond her songs—an embodiment of her belief system rooted deeply within her early teachings.
Born to musical parents, her mother, Irene, introduced her to both classical and gospel music early on. Flack was adept on the piano by the age of 15 when she won a music scholarship to Howard University, showing early promise as a performer. She initially set her aspirations toward opera but shifted her focus as life unfolded, leading to opportunities where she could captivate audiences perform at popular night clubs.
Roberta Flack's legacy mirrors the beautiful ballads she sang. She once expressed, "Through music, we understand what we are thinking and feeling. No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano, on stage, with my band, listening to music." This sentiment encapsulates the impact she had not just on the music world but also on the many lives she touched through her art and education.
Flack's death signifies the end of an era for soul and R&B music. Her ability to transcend simple melodies, tapping deep emotional chords, has left lasting marks across time and genres. She is survived by her close-knit family and legions of fans who will continue to celebrate her indelible contributions to music history.