Iconic R&B Singer Known for “Killing Me Softly” Passes Away at 88
Roberta Flack, the renowned R&B singer known for her beautiful songs like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly,” passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her family surrounded her during her final moments, and while the details surrounding her death are not yet available, her spokesperson confirmed the heartbreaking news.
In a statement, Flack’s family expressed their sorrow, noting that she was a groundbreaking artist and a dedicated educator. Roberta Flack was not just an entertainer; she also inspired many through her teaching and community involvement.
Flack’s musical journey began early in her life. She was born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and grew up in Arlington, Virginia. Influenced by her mother, who played the organ in church, Flack learned to play the piano on a secondhand instrument that her father—also a jazz musician—had fixed for her. She practiced classical works by composers like Handel, Bach, and Mozart, showcasing her talent from a young age.
At just 15 years old, Flack received a scholarship to Howard University for music. While studying there, she was discovered singing at a Washington, D.C. nightclub called Mr. Henry’s. This performance caught the attention of influential jazz pianist Les McCann, leading to her signing with Atlantic Records. Flack’s career took off in 1971 when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his movie Play Misty for Me, propelling her to fame.
Flack became known for her smooth, soothing vocals, which greatly influenced the R&B genre over a career that lasted for decades. She was a master of the “quiet storm” style, which became a staple on pop and R&B radio stations.
While she achieved success with her music, Flack’s educational endeavors were equally important. After her father’s death in 1959, she taught music in public schools before fully committing to her career in music. Her debut album, First Take, released in 1969, included the hit song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which topped the Billboard charts and won a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972. She achieved another number one hit in 1973 with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” solidifying her place in music history.
Flack’s remarkable talent led her to a series of collaborations, notably with fellow artist Donny Hathaway. Together, they created beloved duets like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” becoming known for their soulful harmony.
Throughout her career, she explored various musical styles, producing 18 hot 100 hits and four albums that reached the top three on the Billboard 200 charts. Despite a gradual decline in chart success during the mid-1980s, she continued to release music and performed live until health issues interrupted her career.
In 2016, a stroke impacted her ability to perform, and she later received a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Nevertheless, Flack’s legacy endured; she published a children’s book in 2023 and saw renewed interest in her classic albums with special anniversary editions.
Flack earned numerous accolades, including three Grammy Awards from 14 nominations and lifetime achievement awards from prestigious organizations. She used her influence to give back, establishing the Roberta Flack Foundation in 2010 to support education and mentorship for young people.
Roberta Flack’s music and impact will be cherished by fans, and her contributions to both the arts and education reaffirm her as a beloved figure in American culture.
