Remembering Roberta Flack: The Soulful Voice Behind ‘Killing Me Softly’ Passes Away at 88

Roberta Flack, the magnetic singer and pianist whose intimate blend of soul, jazz, and folk made her one of the most beloved artists of the 1970s, passed away on February 24, 2025, in Manhattan. She was 88 years old.

Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed that Ms. Flack died peacefully at home, surrounded by family per the Associated Press.

In 2022, she had announced her diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had made it impossible for her to sing and challenging to speak.

A Stellar Rise to Fame

Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Flack demonstrated prodigious musical talent from a young age. She received a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15, initially aiming for a career as a classical pianist.

After spending years as a music teacher in Washington, D.C., and performing in local clubs, Flack’s breakthrough came when her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The song, originally released in 1969, soared to No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1972 and earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.

She achieved back-to-back Grammy wins for Record of the Year with “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973, making her the first artist to win the award in consecutive years.

A Legacy of Timeless Music

Throughout her illustrious career, Flack was celebrated for her emotive voice and ability to cross musical genres seamlessly. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway produced memorable duets like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” both of which became classics.

In 2020, she was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her significant contributions to the music industry.

Advocate and Educator

Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was a dedicated educator and humanitarian. She was a member of the Artist Empowerment Coalition, advocating for artists’ rights to control their creative properties. Additionally, she founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students.

A Lasting Influence

Roberta Flack’s soulful melodies and heartfelt performances have left an enduring impact on the world of music. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her songs resonated with audiences worldwide, and her legacy continues to inspire artists across generations.

With a report from the New York Times.