Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning musician known for iconic hits such as “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” has passed away at the age of 88. The news of her death was confirmed on February 24, 2025, although the cause of her passing was not disclosed. Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) for the past two and a half years, adding a layer of poignant reflection to her musical legacy.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/singer-roberta-Flack-1969-e8856b59e5ef41aeaed2884158ec81ce.jpg)
Born on February 10, 1937, in Farmville, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack showed early promise as a musical prodigy. She began playing the piano at the tender age of 9 and later pursued her passion at Howard University with a full music scholarship when she was only 15 years old. Her remarkable talent caught the attention of jazz pianist and vocalist Les McCann, leading to a pivotal audition with Atlantic Records and the subsequent recording of her debut studio album, “First Take,” in 1969.
Despite initial commercial challenges, Flack’s rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” gained widespread recognition when it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me” in 1971. The song soared to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 charts and earned Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973. The following years saw her achieve further success with two more No. 1 hits, “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love, cementing her status as a music industry trailblazer.
Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, Flack continued to captivate audiences with her soulful voice, landing another chart-topping hit with the title track of her 1988 album, “Oasis.” Her enduring passion for music culminated in her final album release in 2012, entitled “Let It Be Roberta,” featuring poignant interpretations of Beatles classics such as “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be.” Flack’s musical journey was not only marked by accolades but also by intimate connections, as she shared a close friendship with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, and their son Sean Ono Lennon.
In 2022, Flack’s career was met with a poignant turn when she was diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affected her ability to sing and communicate. Despite the challenges posed by the illness, Flack’s resilience and unwavering dedication to her craft remained steadfast. Her legacy as an influential figure in the music industry was celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike, embodying a spirit of perseverance and passion for creative expression.
On February 24, 2025, the music world bid farewell to a true icon as Roberta Flack peacefully passed away surrounded by her family. Her indelible mark on the industry, characterized by boundary-breaking achievements and timeless melodies, will continue to resonate for generations to come. In the words of her loved ones, Flack’s legacy as a trailblazer, educator, and musical pioneer will endure as a testament to her enduring impact on music and culture.