Roberta Flack, the legendary singer renowned for her soulful voice and classic hit "Killing Me Softly With His Song," died on February 26, 2025, at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her publicist, who stated, "She died peacefully surrounded by her family." Though no specific cause was cited, Flack had been battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, which she was diagnosed with back in 2022.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she grew up surrounded by music. Raised in Arlington, Virginia, her large family loved gospel music, and Flack began playing the piano at a young age. Her rich musical upbringing fueled her passion, leading her to Howard University on a music scholarship at just 15 years old. Flack, known for her scientific approach to soul music, blended classical training with R&B to create timeless melodies.
After spending her early career performing at clubs, Flack signed with Atlantic Records at the comparatively late age of 32. Her big break came when Clint Eastwood included her romantic ballad “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in the film "Play Misty for Me." This song earned her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1972, and she made history again by winning the same award the following year for "Killing Me Softly With His Song." She remains the only artist to achieve this feat consecutively.
Flack's version of "Killing Me Softly" was inspired by Lori Lieberman's original rendition, which Flack famously heard during a flight. Lieberman shared, “Roberta really responded to the song and how it related to her.” After performing it at the Forum in Los Angeles, Quincy Jones urged Flack to record it before performing it again publicly. This signing not only solidified her career but also showcased her ability to transform music with her unique artistry.
Throughout her career, Flack was recognized not only for her musical contributions but also for her activism. She was involved with many social movements during the mid-20th century and counted icons like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis among her friends. Flack poignantly described her experiences as someone growing up during the civil rights movement, saying, “I learned long after leaving Black Mountain, being Black was the most positive thing we could be.”
Despite facing challenges due to her diagnosis, which took her singing ability, Flack's influence remained significant. After her diagnosis, she continued to receive accolades, including a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2020. Artists like Jennifer Hudson and Questlove paid tribute to her contributions. Hudson called her “one of the great soul singers of all time,” and Questlove expressed his gratitude, tweeting, “Thank You Robert Flack. Rest in Melody.”
Flack leaves behind a rich musical legacy characterized by her notable collaborations, including her well-known duets with Donny Hathaway. Together, they created hits such as "Where Is The Love" and brought R&B to new heights, melding genres and creating heartfelt songs. They defined the 'quiet storm' radio format, known for its smooth, romantic sound, which would greatly influence the genre and its evolution.
The impact of Flack's music transcended generations, as even today, her songs continue to resonate. Hip-hop trio Fugees revitalized “Killing Me Softly” with their 1996 cover, establishing Flack's influence with new audiences and winning another Grammy for the remix. Such retellings serve to underline the timelessness of her artistry, bridging gaps between different musical genres and eras.
Roberta Flack will be remembered not only for her incredible vocal talent but also for her unwavering spirit and activism throughout her life. Her contributions to music paved the way for many artists, and her songs remain staples of R&B and soul. With heartfelt tributes pouring from fans and fellow musicians alike, her legacy will undoubtedly endure, celebrating the beauty and power of her artistry.