Roberta Flack, the five-time Grammy-winning artist known for her soulful hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has died at the age of 88.
Flack passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by her publicist, Elaine Schock. The legendary singer had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022, a disease that eventually took away her ability to sing.
A Musical Legacy That Defined Generation
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was a gifted musician from a young age. At just 15, she received a full scholarship to Howard University, initially training as a classical pianist before transitioning to jazz and soul.
Flack’s big break came when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” It appeared in the 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song became a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1972. She repeated the feat in 1973 with “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” This made her the first artist to win consecutive Grammys in that category.
Unforgettable Hits and Collaborations
Throughout the 1970s, Flack delivered numerous chart-topping songs. These included “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “Where Is the Love.” She also released “The Closer I Get to You.” The latter two songs were duets with her longtime collaborator Donny Hathaway. Their musical partnership was tragically cut short when Hathaway died in 1979.
In later years, Flack found renewed success when the Fugees released their Grammy-winning cover of Killing Me Softly in the 1990s. She even performed the song live with the hip-hop group, introducing her timeless music to a new generation.
A Life Beyond Music
Beyond her remarkable music career, Flack was also a dedicated educator and philanthropist. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music, offering free music education to underprivileged students.
In 2020, the Recording Academy honored her with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, cementing her place among the greatest artists in history.
Despite her declining health in later years, Flack remained passionate about music. “Through music, we understand what we are thinking and feeling,” she once said. “No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano.”
A Timeless Voice That Will Never Fade
Roberta Flack’s voice and artistry touched millions worldwide, and her influence on R&B, soul, and jazz remains undeniable. Her songs will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that her legacy lives on.
