Roberta Flack, Iconic Singer of ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88
At the age of 88, Roberta Flack, the venerable Grammy-winning soulful pop vocalist famed for “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has suddenly. Elaine Schock, Flack’s publicist, verified that on February 24, 2025 she passed away quietly at her house surrounded by family.
Over several decades, Flack had a career in which she developed into among the most influential voices in the music business. February 10, 1937 saw Flack born in Black Mountain, North Carolina. She started her musical career in youth. At the age of fifteen, she received a scholarship to Howard University; she was a classically trained pianist.
Also Read: Primrose Dunlop
Roberta Flack, legendary vocalist and pianist, has passed away at the age of 88. A trailblazer in the music industry, Flack captivated the world with timeless classics like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Her iconic voice, rich with… pic.twitter.com/KfElrNds6C
— EBONY MAGAZINE (@EBONY) February 24, 2025
Early in the 1970s, Clint Eastwood cast her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film “Play Misty for Me,” marking her major break. In 1972 the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 list and brought Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Her second Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973 came from another number-one song, “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” which carried on her triumph.
Emotional intensity and Flack’s ability to articulate strong feelings with her voice defined her songs. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including the popular tunes “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” solidified her place in musical history even more. Notwithstanding personal and professional disappointments including Hathaway’s tragic death in 1979, Flack kept writing and performing songs that moved people all around.
ROBERTA FLACK Rest In Peace
📷 David Bowie, Yoko Ono, John Lennon and Roberta Flack, at The 17th Annual Grammy Awards in 1975. pic.twitter.com/0SjB1XsaYD— Yoko Ono (@yokoono) February 25, 2025
Flack’s amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was diagnosed in 2022 and finally left her unable to sing. Still, her influence increased even further and many people kept finding inspiration in her songs.
Also Read: Adam Hunter
Tributes from supporters and fellow musicians have come in flood. Posting on social media, R&B artist Jennifer Hudson responded with melancholy to the news, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing.” Among the outstanding soul singers of all times. Rest good, Ms. Flack. Your legacy endures! Kelly Rowland offered a lovely tribute saying, “Our Dear Ms. Roberta Flack has moved over but what beauty she has left us with!! THANK YOU for your easy, most gorgeous present!”
Flack had influence not just in her songs. Self-described educator and social justice campaigner she regularly spoke to support several issues. Her dedication to education and advocacy on behalf of the civil rights struggle have left a mark on society.
