Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer, Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, celebrated for her emotive voice and powerful ballads, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her influence on music and culture remains profound.

Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer famed for her timeless hits such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," has died at the age of 88. The announcement came via a heart-wrenching statement from her family, revealing that she passed peacefully surrounded by loved ones early on February 24, 2025. Her representatives highlighted her impact on music and her dedication to education.

Flack, who revealed in 2022 that she was battling motor neurone disease and could no longer sing, began her life in North Carolina before being raised in Arlington, Virginia. She cultivated her musical talents as a classical pianist, earning a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15. Blending her classical training with contemporary music, she nurtured a diverse musical background that encompassed everything from opera to rhythm and blues.

Her career took off when she was discovered singing in a jazz club, leading to her first major success in her 30s. Her rendition of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" gained prominence after being featured in Clint Eastwood's 1971 film, "Play Misty For Me," ultimately earning the Grammy Award for Song of the Year. She repeated this success the following year with "Killing Me Softly With His Song," which further solidified her status as a leading voice in music.

Flack continued to influence the music industry throughout the 1970s and 1980s, collaborating with notable artists, including Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. While she took a brief hiatus to focus on charitable work, she returned to the music scene in the early 1990s, with hits like "Set the Night to Music" alongside Maxi Priest and a tribute album featuring Beatles covers, "Let It Be Roberta," released in 2012.

In reflecting on her artistry, Flack often described herself as a "soulful singer" who sought to express deep emotions through her music. She believed that a true artist could convey profound meaning regardless of the song's original flaws.

Flack's enduring legacy was revived when her classic was covered by The Fugees in 1996, which introduced her music to a new generation. Their Grammy-winning rendition of "Killing Me Softly" topped the charts and showcased her influence on contemporary artists.

Beyond music, Flack was devoted to education, contributing her time and expertise to the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York. Her commitment to the arts and social causes earned her accolades, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, a testament to her storied career and artistic impact.

Roberta Flack’s passing marks the loss of a remarkable talent whose soulful voice and heartfelt songs changed the landscape of music forever.