Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” cemented her status as one of the most influential artists of the 1970s, has died at the age of 88. H
Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed that Flack passed away at home on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.
The iconic musician had been battling ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), which she publicly disclosed in 2022.
A Musical Legacy That Transcended Generations
Flack’s career took off in the early 1970s when director Clint Eastwood chose her delicate and emotive rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for his 1971 film Play Misty for Me.
The song became an instant sensation, topping the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and earning Flack her first Grammy for Record of the Year.
She made history the following year when “Killing Me Softly with His Song” won the same award, making her the first artist to win consecutive Record of the Year Grammys.
A classically trained pianist, Flack was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who was deeply moved by her voice, later writing that she could “touch, tap, trap, and kick every emotion I’ve ever known.”
Her music blended jazz, R&B, and soul with a lyrical intimacy that set her apart from her contemporaries.
An Artist and Activist
Flack’s influence extended beyond music. She was a strong advocate for civil rights and social justice, forging friendships with influential figures like Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, whom she visited in prison.
She also performed at the funeral of baseball legend Jackie Robinson and contributed to Marlo Thomas’ groundbreaking feminist children’s album Free to Be… You and Me.
A Deeply Personal Musical Journey
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack was a child prodigy who earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old.
Her collaborations with fellow Howard alum Donny Hathaway led to some of her most celebrated duets, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Their creative partnership ended in tragedy when Hathaway died in 1979, leaving an unfinished duet album.
Flack continued to evolve artistically, scoring hits in the 1980s and 1990s with Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest. Her legacy reached a new generation when The Fugees reimagined “Killing Me Softly” in 1996, a Grammy-winning cover that she later performed with the group.
A Lifetime of Recognition
Flack’s impact on music was recognized with five Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2020, where artists like John Legend and Ariana Grande paid tribute to her contributions. Beyoncé honored Flack in her 2022 Break My Soul (Queens Remix), placing her among R&B royalty.
Despite battling ALS, Flack remained dedicated to music education through the Roberta Flack School of Music, which nurtured young musicians in New York City.
A Lasting Influence
For decades, Flack’s music provided a soundtrack to love, heartbreak, and introspection. Whether through her own recordings or the many artists she inspired, her legacy will endure.
Her ability to convey deep emotion through soft, measured vocals and impeccable musicianship solidified her place as one of the most revered artists of her time. As fans and fellow musicians mourn her passing, her music remains a timeless gift to the world.
