Roberta Flack, the legendary vocalist who gave the world timeless classics like Killing Me Softly With His Song, has passed away at the age of 88.
The Grammy-winning icon took her final bow on Monday in New York, surrounded by loved ones. Her representatives, in a heartfelt statement, confirmed her passing, saying:
"We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Flack’s journey was one of genius and resilience. A classically trained pianist, she won a scholarship to Howard University at just 15—an almost unheard-of feat. But destiny had other plans. Jazz clubs, smoky rooms, and raw talent turned her into one of the most influential voices of her time.
Discovered by musician Les McCann while performing in a D.C. nightclub, Flack landed a deal with Atlantic Records and, in 1969, dropped First Take, her debut album. The world didn’t catch on immediately, but fate intervened when Clint Eastwood used her haunting rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in Play Misty for Me. The song exploded, earning her the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. She went back-to-back the following year with Killing Me Softly With His Song, making history as the first artist to win the award consecutively.
With Feel Like Makin’ Love topping the charts in 1974, Flack solidified her dominance. But she wasn’t just about the hits. She stepped back from the spotlight to focus on philanthropy, teaching, and meaningful collaborations with the likes of Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. Even decades later, she stayed active, dropping Let It Be Roberta, a Beatles tribute album, in 2012.
In 2022, life threw her a curveball—she was diagnosed with ALS, a disease that silenced her voice and made speaking difficult. The cause of her death hasn’t been disclosed, but her impact is undeniable.
Roberta Flack wasn’t just a singer; she was a movement. A voice that soothed, shattered, and redefined soul music. Even in silence, her songs will keep telling stories for generations to come.
