Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for her classic hits such as "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Flack's publicist, Elaine Schock, announced her death on Monday, stating, "We are heartbroken to announce... Roberta passed away this morning... She died peacefully surrounded by her family." Flack's passing marks the end of an era for one of the most iconic voices of the 1970s and beyond.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack was immersed in music from a young age, growing up in a family with deep musical roots. Her talent as a pianist led her to receive a full scholarship to Howard University by the age of 15, where she honed her craft. She later said, "This was my first piano and was the instrument in which I found my expression and inspiration as a young person"
Flack's major breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood chose her haunting ballad "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his 1971 film "Play Misty for Me." The song topped the Billboard charts and earned her the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973, making her the first artist to win the honor for consecutive years when she took home the same award for "Killing Me Softly With His Song" the following year. Flack’s version of the latter, originally recorded by Lori Lieberman, showcased her unique ability to convey deep emotion. After she performed it for Quincy Jones during her initial audition, he insisted she record the song before singing it publicly again, which transformed it from just another track to her career-defining hit.
Flack's music style was often referred to as "scientific soul," blending elements of rhythm and blues with impeccable taste and practice. Her smooth, sensual voice helped define the "quiet storm" radio format of R&B, characterized by its romantic slow jams. Jennifer Hudson, celebrating Flack’s legacy, described her as "one of the great soul singers of all time" on social media. Similarly, Roots drummer Questlove expressed his admiration by posting, "Thank You Robert Flack. Rest in Melody."
Despite facing personal challenges, including her battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which she was diagnosed with in 2022, Flack remained influential, using her platform to advocate for social issues. She was friends with civil rights leaders like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis. Flack even sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, Major League Baseball's first Black player. Throughout her career, she tackled social issues through music, stating, "I did a lot of songs considered protest songs, but I protested as a singer with a lot of love."
Her innovative approach went beyond just music as she established the Roberta Flack School of Music, which aimed to train young musicians, focusing on youth between the ages of six and fourteen. Flack's commitment to education remained strong throughout her life. Just last year, she released her debut children's book titled "The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music," which explores her musical upbringing and showcases how she developed her unique sound.
Even though she did not have as many commercial hits after her initial success, Flack did continue to enjoy some popularity with collaborations, such as her duet with Peabo Bryson, titled "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," and the remixed version of her classic song "Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees, performed by Lauryn Hill, which brought Flack's music to a new generation.
Tributes have poured in from fans and fellow musicians alike. Sean Ono Lennon, who lived near Flack, remarked, "Roberta Flack was a very close family friend and neighbor. She was incredibly kind... I am eternally grateful to have known her." Radio DJ Tony Blackburn also shared his grief, stating, "How sad it is for Roberta Flack to pass away at the age of 88. She gave us so many beautiful songs, I just loved her voice. RIP and thanks for the music."
Flack's contributions to the music industry and her impactful presence during pivotal societal movements are irreplaceable. Her legacy will continue to influence future generations of artists and musicians. She leaves behind a rich heritage of music, inspiration, and love, underscoring the multitude of ways her remarkable career shaped both the industry and society at large.
Roberta Flack is survived by her godson, Steve Novosel, and will be remembered not just for her hit songs, but as a trailblazer and advocate for change. Her music will continue to resonate, echoing the themes of love, resilience, and social justice she so passionately championed throughout her life.