Roberta Flack, the legendary R&B singer known for her timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 88. Flack, who captivated audiences with songs such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," died on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family, as confirmed by her representatives.
"We are heartbroken to announce the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning," the statement read. "She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator." Her cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Hailing from North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack's musical prowess blossomed at an early age. She was awarded a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, where she trained as a classical pianist. Despite her classical foundations, it was Flack’s smooth, soulful voice and emotional delivery of R&B hits during the 1970s which solidified her place as one of the era’s top artists.
Her breakout success began with her 1969 cover of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which was famously featured in Clint Eastwood’s film "Play Misty For Me." The song, which topped charts for much of 1972, garnered her the Grammy for Record of the Year—a first for a solo artist—an accomplishment she repeated the very next year with "Killing Me Softly With His Song."
According to reports, Flack's rendition of "Killing Me Softly" became so iconic, it was later covered by Lauryn Hill and her group, The Fugees, which revived the song for a new generation and won the Grammy for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group. The Fugees’ adaptation introduced Flack’s music to younger audiences and brought her back to the forefront of the music scene.
Throughout her career, Flack produced three No. 1 singles within just two years, establishing herself as one of the leading voices of R&B. Other notable songs include "Feel Like Makin’ Love," and her collaborations with artists like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis have long been considered R&B standards.
Flack's influence extended beyond her music; she was also deeply involved in education. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music, where she devoted her time to nurturing young talent. Recognized for her commitment to influence, Reverend Jesse Jackson described her as "socially relevant and politically unafraid," reflecting the broader significance of her career outside of music.
Despite her health setbacks, which included being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and suffering strokes, Flack continued to express her love for music. She announced her diagnosis to her fans, stating, "It will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon," conveying her strong determination to keep her passion alive.
Flack received various accolades across her lengthy career, including her induction to the Grammy Hall of Fame. A few years afte receiving the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Flack inspired many with her resilience and positivity, even announcing plans to remain active within the music industry and engage creatively.
Her final album, "Let It Be Roberta," released in 2012, showcased her ability to connect with classic songs, covering the Beatles' work with her unique soulful interpretation. Flack’s long-lasting legacy can be seen even today, as her songs continue to resonate and be covered by contemporary artists, most recently by Blackpink’s Jennie.
Roberta Flack has left behind not just a catalog of music but also a rich legacy of cultural impact and education. Her smooth vocals and heartfelt performances will be forever etched in the annals of music history.
Rest in peace, Roberta Flack.