Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer renowned for her soulful hits, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a musical legacy and raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease with which she battled for several years. Flack died peacefully at her home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family, as confirmed by her spokesperson.
"We are heartbroken to share the news of the passing of the glorious Roberta Flack this morning," the statement read. "She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records throughout her illustrious career." Flack was best known for her powerful ballads, including "Killing Me Softly with His Song," which won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and has become one of the most revered interpretations of song worldwide.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was exposed to music at a young age through her family's involvement with the church choir. This passion for performance spurred her enrollment at Howard University, where she majored in voice and served as assistant choir director. Upon graduation, Flack became dedicated to teaching music and English, sharing her love for music with underprivileged youth in Washington, D.C., before launching her own music career.
Flack's rise to fame began with her debut album, "First Take," released in 1969, which captured attention thanks to her heartfelt rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." The song gained immense popularity after being featured in Clint Eastwood's film, Play Misty for Me. Following this breakthrough, she released several chart-topping hits throughout the 1970s, including "Feel Like Makin' Love" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song," solidifying her status as one of the leading voices of her generation.
Throughout her career, Flack created music across various genres, producing 15 albums and earning five Grammy Awards. Intriguingly, she holds the Guinness World Record for having the most consecutive Record of the Year awards, which she shared with artists like U2 and Billie Eilish. Her collaborations with the late Donny Hathaway, including duets such as "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You," are celebrated as some of the greatest love ballads ever composed.
Despite her success, shortly after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Jazz Foundation of America, news of Flack's health struggles surfaced. A significant stroke derailed her performance capabilities back in 2016. Then, during 2022, she announced her diagnosis of ALS—a progressive neurodegenerative disease known for its difficulties with muscle control, which made singing impossible and speaking challenging.
"It will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon," Flack's team remarked back then, emphasizing her resilient spirit. She mentioned plans to remain involved with music and creative endeavors, inspired by the transformative role it played throughout her life. Nevertheless, her battle with ALS was largely kept private, illustrating her desire to maintain some semblance of normalcy during those challenging times.
The announcement of Flack's death has prompted heartfelt tributes from fans and fellow artists alike. One admirer expressed on social media, "Roberta Flack's 'Killing Me Softly' is one of the greatest vocal interpretations ever. It touched me deeply as a teenager and will forever remind me of those days." Another tribute read, "Rest in Paradise to Roberta Flack, some phenomenal music with underrated talent when it came to vocals. Those duets with Donny Hathaway are some of the best love ballads to date."
Following her diagnosis, Flack continued to contribute to the arts by releasing works such as her documentary Roberta, which debuted at New York's DOC NYC Film Festival and later aired on PBS as part of its American Masters series. Flack also ventured back to literature with her children’s book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, celebrating her father's influence on her musical interests and her own resilience.
Recognized not only as a music icon but also as an educator, Flack significantly impacted lives through teaching and community engagement. Her marriage from 1966 to 1972 to Steve Novosel, which violated Virginia's interracial marriage laws at the time, showcases her commitment to breaking societal norms. Though she had no children, she was influential as the godmother to notable musicians, like Bernard Wright, who passed away in 2022.
The legacy of Roberta Flack will undeniably resonate through generations, her music echoing the struggles, joys, and triumphs of life. The immense support for ALS awareness stands as one of the key aspects of her latter years, reminding us of the importance of embracing life’s continuities, even as the body changes. Her spirit and indelible mark on music will never be forgotten.