Acclaimed singer and pianist Roberta Flack, best known for timeless hits such as Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, passed away peacefully at her home on February 24, 2025. The legendary artist was 88 and was surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack exhibited exceptional musical talent from childhood.
She began piano lessons at the age of nine and, by 15, had earned a full scholarship to Howard University, making history as one of the youngest students to attend the prestigious institution.
Initially setting her sights on a career as a classical pianist, she later transitioned to vocal performance, developing a distinctive sound that fused elements of classical, jazz, and soul.
Flack’s career took a pivotal turn in 1971 when director Clint Eastwood selected her rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face for his film Play Misty for Me.
The song’s inclusion in the movie propelled it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100, where it remained for six consecutive weeks in 1972.
The track earned Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973, cementing her status as a powerhouse in the industry.
A year later, she released Killing Me Softly with His Song, which became another chart-topping success. The song earned her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974, making her the first artist to achieve back-to-back wins in the category—an honor that remained unmatched for decades.
During the 1970s and 1980s, Flack continued to make waves in the music industry, notably through collaborations with her longtime friend and fellow Howard University alumnus, Donny Hathaway.
Their duets, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, became instant classics, garnering both critical praise and commercial success.
Flack’s impact extended far beyond her own recordings. Over the years, her songs have been covered and sampled by countless artists across various genres, demonstrating the lasting influence of her work.
In 2022, Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurodegenerative disease. The condition made it “impossible to sing and not easy to speak,” according to her manager, Suzanne Koga.
Despite these challenges, Flack’s influence and legacy remained strong, with her music continuing to inspire generations of listeners.
Before rising to fame, Flack dedicated her early years to teaching music at schools in Washington, D.C. She remained a passionate advocate for arts education throughout her life, often emphasizing the importance of music programs in schools.
In recognition of her enduring contributions to the industry, Flack was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, solidifying her place among the most influential artists in modern music history.
