Soul and R&B legend Roberta Flack, known for “Killing Me Softly,” passes away at 88.

Roberta Flack, the beloved American singer known for her classic songs like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has sadly passed away at the age of 88. Her spokesperson shared the news on February 24, 2025, expressing that she died peacefully surrounded by her family. They highlighted her significant impact on music and her dedication as an educator.

Flack is celebrated as one of the greatest artists in soul and R&B music. With her elegant style and wide-ranging musical ability, she was able to capture every emotion related to love, from the joyful moments to the more challenging ones.

Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937, Flack grew up in a musical family. Her mother, Irene, played the organ for their church choir, immersing Roberta in religious and classical music from a young age. By the time she was nine, she had started playing the piano. Her talent was evident early on, and by 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University to study music, making her one of the youngest students ever accepted there.

After graduating at 19, Flack initially aimed to be an opera singer. However, she also took a teaching job in North Carolina. Even with her teaching commitments, she performed in nightclubs on weekends, blending genres like classical, blues, folk, Motown, and pop. It was during her residency at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant in Washington, D.C., that she decided to leave her teaching career behind to pursue music full-time.

Her big break came when she met soul jazz pianist Les McCann, who helped her connect with Atlantic Records. By early 1969, Flack recorded her debut album, “First Take,” in just 10 hours. The album showcased the diverse styles she had honed during her performances at nightclubs. The praise for her voice was extraordinary; McCann noted how it could evoke every feeling imaginable.

Roberta Flack’s first major hit came in 1971 with her soulful rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a number one song in the U.S. in 1972. This earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973. Her song “Killing Me Softly With His Song” also won her a Grammy the following year, making her the first artist to win in two consecutive years, a record that has since been matched by artists like U2 and Billie Eilish.

During her remarkable career, Flack collaborated with many artists, including the legendary Donny Hathaway. Together, they scored hits like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Even after Hathaway’s passing, a duet they recorded, “Back Together Again,” became a hit in the UK. Flack also found success with Peabo Bryson, particularly with the song “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love.”

In her music career, Flack embraced various influences and worked with a range of artists. She performed with Michael Jackson and even toured with Miles Davis, demonstrating her unique style and versatility. In 2012, she released an album of Beatles covers titled “Let It Be Roberta.”

Flack saw herself as a soulful singer who poured her heart into every performance. Her deep, emotional approach allowed her to connect with audiences, making her an unforgettable figure in music.

Unfortunately, she faced health challenges, including a stroke that affected her ability to perform, but her talent and influence remained undeniable. Roberta Flack was married once, to jazz musician Steve Novosel, but the couple divorced after a few years.

Many individuals, including Oscar-winning singer Jennifer Hudson, have paid tribute to Flack, recognizing her as one of the greatest soul singers of all time. Hudson remarked, “Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on,” highlighting the lasting impact Flack has made on the music world.