Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for her soulful ballads, passed away at the age of 88. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed that Flack died on Monday at her home, surrounded by family.
We lost an R&B legend today. Best known for her hit "Killing Me Softly with His Song," Grammy-winning artist & activist Roberta Flack inspired generations with her intimate vocal & musical style. Our condolences to her family, friends & fans. May she #RIP. https://t.co/VsnlJ4LExS
— SAG-AFTRA (@sagaftra) February 24, 2025
Flack had been facing health challenges in recent years, including a diagnosis of ALS, which made it impossible for her to continue singing.
Despite this, her legacy as one of the defining voices of her generation remains strong. Born in North Carolina, Flack received classical music training from a young age. She earned a scholarship to Howard University at 15, where she graduated with a degree in music education.
So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!! pic.twitter.com/0llBa6VXID
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) February 24, 2025
Initially aspiring to a career in classical music, Flack faced resistance as a Black female musician in the 1960s. Encouraged to pursue pop music instead, Flack began performing in Washington, DC clubs.
A soulful legacy remembered
"Roberta Flack, the magnetic singer and pianist whose intimate blend of soul, jazz and folk made her one of the most popular artists of the 1970s, died on Monday in Manhattan. She was 88." https://t.co/qu1BHH0tVF
— National Women's History Museum (@womenshistory) February 24, 2025
She was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who helped her land an audition with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, “First Take,” was released in 1969 and included her version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a hit after being featured in the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.”
Flack’s career soared in the 1970s with chart-topping hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and collaborations with Donny Hathaway. She interpreted a variety of artists and addressed complex issues in her music, from racial injustice to LGBTQ challenges.
Rev. Jesse Jackson once referred to Flack as “socially relevant and politically unafraid.” Flack herself expressed sadness that many of the issues she sang about decades ago remained unresolved. Flack’s influence has persisted, impacting younger artists like Lauryn Hill and the Fugees.
Her music always conveyed something deeply personal. “Every single song I’ve recorded expressed something deep and personal to me,” she said in 2020. Roberta Flack’s transformative artistry and expressive voice will continue to resonate with generations to come, cementing her place as a true legend in music history.