Roberta Flack, the iconic American singer-songwriter who carved her niche as one of the greatest voices of R&B and pop music, passed away at age 88 on February 24, 2025. Renowned for her unforgettable hits such as "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," Flack's passing marks the end of an era for music lovers worldwide.
Her death was confirmed by her publicist, who stated, "We are heartbroken to announce the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family." Reports indicate she suffered cardiac arrest en route to the hospital after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) two years earlier, which had left her unable to perform.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia, where her musical talent shone from a young age. Growing up in a large musical family, she began playing piano at age nine. With the encouragement of her father, who restored a piano found in a junkyard, Flack honed her skills throughout her youth.
Flack's big break came at age 32, well after she began performing at clubs and working as a teacher. The turning point was her single "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," featured prominently in Clint Eastwood's film "Play Misty for Me". This song rocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts and earned her the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. She made history by winning the same award again the following year for her iconic rendition of "Killing Me Softly With His Song," becoming the first artist ever to win consecutively.
Her music often intermingled inspirations from jazz, soul, and folk, leading to what she termed "scientific soul." This unique sound captivated audiences and remains influential. Reflecting on her style, she once remarked, "If everybody said I sounded like one person, I’d worry. But when they say I sound like them all, I know I’ve got my own style."
Flack was not only known for her stunning vocals but also for her groundbreaking achievements. She received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 and held numerous accolades throughout her career, including being featured as one of the artists who significantly shaped the genre of R&B. Even as her health declined, her legacy continued to inspire others. Flack's music held significant emotional weight and often addressed social themes, enhancing her role beyond mere entertainer.
Tributes to Flack poured in following her death, with many artists and fans expressing sorrow and gratitude for her contributions to music. Jennifer Hudson hailed her as "one of the great soul singers of all time," and Questlove from The Roots expressed his gratitude with the words, "Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest in Melody." These heartfelt messages showcase the impact she had on fellow musicians and aspiring artists.
Flack's life was influential not only through her music but also through her advocacy and educational efforts. After her success, she remained committed to teaching and empowering future generations. A children's book she co-wrote, "The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music," was released just last year, illustrating her dedication to fostering musical talent.
Over the decades, Flack released 15 albums, with her final record, "Let It Be Roberta," released as late as 2012, featuring covers of The Beatles. Each album, and her timeless tracks, served to challenge the boundaries of popular music and solidified her place as a music legend.
Despite her gradual retirement due to her health issues, Flack's music continued to resonate, her songs becoming part of the fabric of American culture. The Fugees’ 1996 remix of "Killing Me Softly" reignited interest and introduced her sound to new audiences, showing the timeless quality of her work.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack, she entered the world during tumultuous times, but she transformed her background and experiences to leave behind a legacy of strength and artistry. Her contributions extended well beyond music, as she often championed social causes and fought against societal injustices. Flack once shared her experiences growing up during the civil rights movement, expressing how it shaped her worldview.
While she leaves behind no immediate family, the memories and melodies of Roberta Flack will live on eternally. She played not just for her audiences but also for her love of music and the connections it can forge. Friends and fans alike will miss Flack’s powerful yet tender voice and the stories she shared.
Roberta Flack's death signifies not only the loss of one of the most recognizable voices of the 1970s but serves also as a reminder of the boundaries she shattered and the legacy she established as one of music's eternal greats.