Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning vocalist known for timeless hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”, has died at the age of 88.
Her family confirmed that she passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. No cause of death was provided.
Flack rose to fame in the early 1970s, capturing audiences with her soulful voice and emotional delivery. Her career took off when Clint Eastwood used her 1969 version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
The following year, she achieved even greater success with “Killing Me Softly With His Song”, a track that became her signature piece. The song topped the charts, won another Grammy for Record of the Year, and solidified Flack’s place as one of the leading artists of her time. Known for her smooth, emotive vocals and sophisticated blend of soul, jazz, and pop, Flack influenced generations of musicians.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was a classically trained pianist who began studying music at a young age. She attended Howard University on a full scholarship at just 15 years old, initially pursuing classical piano before shifting to vocal performance. Her early career included teaching music and performing in Washington, D.C. clubs, where she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, leading to her first record deal with Atlantic Records.
Throughout her career, Flack collaborated with other music legends, including Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded several popular duets such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You”. Their chemistry on stage and in the studio produced some of the most beloved soul music of the 1970s. Flack continued to release successful albums into the 1980s and beyond, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, which became another No. 1 hit.
Her impact extended beyond music. Flack was also an advocate for music education, supporting programs that helped young musicians develop their talents. She believed in the power of music to bring people together and inspire change.
Over her decades-long career, Flack received numerous accolades, including four Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. Her songs have been covered by countless artists and featured in films and television shows, ensuring her legacy lives on.
Flack’s influence reached a new generation when The Fugees covered “Killing Me Softly” in 1996, introducing her music to younger audiences and cementing the song’s status as a cultural touchstone.
Roberta Flack is survived by her son, musician Bernard Wright. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. As fans and fellow musicians remember her contributions to music, her timeless recordings will continue to resonate, capturing the hearts of listeners around the world.
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