Roberta Flack, a legendary pop and R&B singer, has passed away at the age of 88. Her representative shared that she died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. Flack first rose to fame in the early 1970s with her hit songs “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” both of which won Grammy Awards.
Flack was a highly trained musician, having started her piano lessons at just nine years old. She grew up in a musical family in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and was inspired by gospel legends like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. At only 15, she received a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., but her studies were interrupted by her father’s death. After that, she worked as a school teacher while also performing in nightclubs in D.C.
Her big break came when Clint Eastwood chose her version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for his 1971 movie “Play Misty for Me.” This song became a massive hit, capturing the number one spot on the charts. It was quickly followed by her second number-one hit, “Killing Me Softly,” in 1973. Both songs earned her back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year, a remarkable achievement that wouldn’t occur again until 2001-2002.
Another major success for Flack was the song “Where Is the Love,” a duet with fellow singer Donny Hathaway, which also topped the charts in 1974. Throughout her career, she produced six top-10 pop hits and 10 top-10 R&B singles, often collaborating with Hathaway. Her unique style was noted for its elegance and jazzy influence, appealing to a wide audience.
Even after her peak popularity waned in the late 1970s, Flack continued to make music. Her last album, “Let It Be Roberta,” was released in 2012, featuring her interpretations of Beatles songs.
Flack’s initial album, “First Take,” released in 1969, did not gain popularity, but the use of her song in Eastwood’s film launched her career. Before hitting it big, she had a hit with “You’ve Got a Friend,” showcasing her talent even earlier. By the time “The First Time” surged to success, Flack’s debut album climbed up the charts, reaching number one and solidifying her place in music history.
Her collaboration with Hathaway led to several successful singles, including “The Closer I Get to You” in 1978, but their partnership was tragically cut short when Hathaway took his own life in 1979. Flack later teamed up with Peabo Bryson for a hit in 1983, further extending her impressive career.
While her music style became less popular with the rise of funk and hip-hop, she continued to produce notable songs, with her last major hits coming in the early 1990s. Flack received a total of 13 Grammy nominations over her career, with her last nod occurring in 1995.
Flack, who had one son named Bernard Wright from her marriage to Stephen Novosel, will be remembered not only for her music but also for her contributions as a teacher and inspiration to many.