Roberta Flack, an R&B icon celebrated for her soulful hits, including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," has died at the age of 88.
Roberta Flack: Legendary R&B Singer Passes Away at 88
Roberta Flack: Legendary R&B Singer Passes Away at 88
Iconic artist who captivated audiences with timeless hits dies peacefully surrounded by family.
On February 24, 2025, Roberta Flack passed away, leaving behind a legacy of musical brilliance. In a heartfelt statement, her representatives expressed their sorrow, noting that she had died peacefully with her family by her side. Flack, who made significant contributions to music and education, had been battling motor neurone disease, which impacted her ability to sing.
Born in North Carolina and later raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack initially honed her skills as a classical pianist and music educator. Her path to fame began in the jazz scene, where she was discovered by musician Les McCann, who famously remarked on the emotional depth of her voice. It wasn't until her early 30s that she hit the charts, gaining immediate acclaim with her rendition of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which was featured in Clint Eastwood's film *Play Misty For Me* in 1971, winning a Grammy for Song of the Year.
Flack continued her success, winning another Grammy the following year for her classic "Killing Me Softly With His Song." After ruling the charts again with "Feel Like Makin' Love" in 1974, she shifted her focus towards recording and philanthropic work. Throughout her illustrious career, she collaborated with musical legends such as Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis, and even ventured into covering Beatles songs in 2012.
In 2020, Flack received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys, a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry. Flack expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing her lifelong goal of narrating stories through her art and the affirmation she felt from her peers who recognized her contributions.
Born in North Carolina and later raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack initially honed her skills as a classical pianist and music educator. Her path to fame began in the jazz scene, where she was discovered by musician Les McCann, who famously remarked on the emotional depth of her voice. It wasn't until her early 30s that she hit the charts, gaining immediate acclaim with her rendition of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which was featured in Clint Eastwood's film *Play Misty For Me* in 1971, winning a Grammy for Song of the Year.
Flack continued her success, winning another Grammy the following year for her classic "Killing Me Softly With His Song." After ruling the charts again with "Feel Like Makin' Love" in 1974, she shifted her focus towards recording and philanthropic work. Throughout her illustrious career, she collaborated with musical legends such as Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis, and even ventured into covering Beatles songs in 2012.
In 2020, Flack received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys, a testament to her enduring impact on the music industry. Flack expressed gratitude for the honor, emphasizing her lifelong goal of narrating stories through her art and the affirmation she felt from her peers who recognized her contributions.
