Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer whose soulful voice and intimate style defined the 1970s, has passed away at the age of 88. Flack died on February 24, 2025, at her home, surrounded by family, according to her publicist Elaine Schock. The world lost a remarkable artist whose heartfelt performances left indelible marks on the music industry and influenced generations of singers.
The statement released by Schock described the heartbreaking event, saying, "We are heartbroken to announce the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family." It is worth noting Flack suffered from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which severely affected her ability to sing after she disclosed the diagnosis publicly in late 2022.
Flack, whose full name was Roberta Cleopatra Flack, was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia. Her family was steeped in music; she began her classical piano training at the age of 9 and received a full scholarship to Howard University when she was just 15. While originally aspiring to be a concert pianist, it was during her years performing in clubs around Washington, D.C., where she caught the ear of jazz musician Les McCann, leading to her eventually signing with Atlantic Records.
Flack’s rise to stardom came unexpectedly when Clint Eastwood chose her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his 1971 film, "Play Misty for Me." The song exploded to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent six weeks at No. 1 and won Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Reflecting on this serendipitous moment years later, she noted, "With the song as a theme for his movie, it gained a lot of popularity and then took off."
Following her initial success, Flack secured her place as one of the premier artists of the 1970s with subsequent hits, most famously "Killing Me Softly with His Song." This track not only topped the charts but also made her the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Best Record when she claimed the award again the following year for this iconic song. Her version of "Killing Me Softly" became so revered it found new life and recognition when the Fugees released their Grammy-winning cover of it nearly three decades later.
Throughout her career, Flack distinguished herself with her captivating performances characterized by her smoky voice and emotional depth. According to music critic Ann Powers, "She understands an artist can offer us a voice when we can't find our own, capturing thoughts and emotions through her singing and her piano." Flack's music often crossed genres, as she tackled themes of love, social justice, and human experience.
Flack is also remembered for her collaborations with fellow artist Donny Hathaway, which created some of the soulful standards of the era, such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." Tragically, their partnership was marked by Hathaway's death in 1979, which deeply affected Flack. "We were deeply connected creatively," she reflected on their time together. Their incredible synergy is still celebrated today.
Beyond her commercial success, Flack was actively involved in social causes, particularly civil rights, maintaining friendships with influential figures like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, for whom she publicly advocated. Her impact reached significant events, including singing at Jackie Robinson's funeral. The singer's commitment to education was equally admirable, as she founded the Roberta Flack School of Music, dedicated to teaching younger generations about art and expression.
Her legacy as both artist and educator was also solidified by her music foundation and her work as the author of children's literature, one of which paid homage to her early musical roots. The 2023 release of her children’s book "The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music" inspired young readers to find their voices.
Flack's influence permeates contemporary music as she contributed greatly to the evolution of R&B and pop music. Today’s artists from Lauryn Hill to Ariana Grande admire her artistry, recognizing her as one of the key figures who shaped their musical landscapes. Questlove, the drummer for The Roots, paid tribute, stating, "Thank You, Roberta Flack. Rest in Melody," nodding to her immense contributions.
While Roberta Flack may no longer be with us, her extraordinary life and works resonate throughout the music world and the hearts of fans everywhere. Her songs will continue to echo through the ages and inspire future generations of music lovers.