Roberta Flack, the Grammy Award-winning singer renowned for her timeless hits such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” has died at the age of 88, as confirmed by her publicist. Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family.
A celebrated artist of the 1970s, Flack’s career took off when Clint Eastwood selected her rendition of “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” for his 1971 film Play Misty For Me. The song became a massive success, topping the US charts in 1972 and earning her a Grammy for Record of the Year. The following year, she made history by winning the same award again for “Killing Me Softly,” becoming the first artist to achieve this feat.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia. Flack came from a musical family and began playing the piano at a young age, exhibiting talent which earned her a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old.
Her career took off when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her performing at clubs. She signed with Atlantic Records and released her debut album, First Take, which included the hit “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” The song’s success was propelled by its feature on the film soundtrack, leading Flack to win her first Grammy.
Flack's version of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” which she rearranged after hearing it on a flight, became the defining hit of her career. The song was initially recorded by Lori Lieberman but Flack's soulful interpretation made it iconic. Her rendition led her to another Grammy win, solidifying her status as one of the leading voices of the time.
Over the years, Flack continued to release music, collaborating frequently with fellow artists, including Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded several popular tracks like “Where Is The Love.” Flack's contributions to music weren't solely defined by her hits, as she became known for her interpretive skill and dominance over the popular R&B soundscape of the era.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Flack released numerous albums and maintained relevance through collaborations, making commendable entries on various charts. Even after her diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, which stripped her of her ability to perform, her legacy continued to thrive.
She authored her debut children’s book, “The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music,” co-written with Tonya Bolden, reflecting on her musical upbringing and love for expression through music. Her efforts to introduce children to music echoed her commitment to education and creativity.
The music world is mourning her loss. Celebrities and fans alike have expressed their sadness and appreciation for her contributions. Jennifer Hudson hailed Flack as “one of the great soul singers of all time,” and Roots drummer Questlove shared, “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest in Melody.”
Flack not only left behind a legacy of hit songs but also influenced future generations of artists. Her unique blend of rhythm, blues, soul, jazz, and pop shaped the music of the 1970s and beyond, embedding her within the fabric of American music history as one of its brightest stars.
Despite the challenges she faced later on, Roberta Flack's artistry remained evident throughout her career. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable vocal talent but for her ability to connect with audiences through heartfelt storytelling and rich musical expression.