Renowned vocalist and pianist Roberta Flack, celebrated for her soulful music and iconic album Killing Me Softly, passed away peacefully at home on February 24th, 2025, at the age of 88.
Her passing marks the end of an era and a beautifully lived musical journey that touched millions worldwide.
Born on February 10th, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s passion for music emerged early. At just 15, she received a scholarship to Howard University to study classical music. Her desire to explore diverse musical genres led her to local venues and clubs in Washington, D.C., where her unique fusion of jazz, soul, and folk music began captivating audiences.
Her musical breakthrough came in 1969 with her debut album, which featured The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face. The song soared to the top of the charts, earning her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
The following year, she won the same award for Killing Me Softly, solidifying her status as a leading artist of her time. Throughout the 1970s, Flack continued producing hits, breaking racial barriers with her sophisticated musical style.
In the 1980s, she expanded her career with compositions and soundtracks, including her work for Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. Her influence reached international audiences, notably with a concert in South Africa attended by Nelson Mandela. In 1999, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, recognizing her enduring impact on the music industry.
Beyond her music, Flack championed music education, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music to provide high-quality education to aspiring musicians. In 2018, she suffered a stroke while performing at the Apollo Theater, leading to a period of recovery.
In late 2022, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which eventually made singing impossible. Despite these challenges, Flack remained connected to her fans, celebrating her 88th birthday just days before her passing.
Her legacy continues to inspire generations of artists, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music that will resonate for years to come.
