Legendary singer Roberta Flack, known for timeless hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song," passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at age 88, surrounded by family.

Photo Credit: Roberta Flack by annulla / CC by 2.0

Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack began playing classical piano at a young age. Her prodigious talent earned her a Howard University scholarship at just 15. Jazz musician Les McCann discovered her performing at Washington's Mr. Henry's nightclub, leading to her signing with Atlantic Records.

Her breakthrough came with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" from her 1969 debut album. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 after being featured in Clint Eastwood's "Play Misty For Me," earning Grammys for both song and record of the year in 1973.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Flack produced numerous hits including "Feel Like Makin' Love." Her influence extended into the 1990s when the Fugees' cover of "Killing Me Softly" introduced her music to a new generation.

Notable achievements include:

• Receiving a Hollywood Walk of Fame star (1999)
• Performing for Nelson Mandela during her South Africa tour
• Founding the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students

In November 2022, Flack was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), which affected her ability to sing. Despite health challenges, including a 2016 stroke, she continued performing into her 80s.

Fellow artists, including Carole King and Jennifer Hudson, paid tribute to Flack's lasting legacy in soul music. Her representatives noted, "Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator."

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