Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for her powerful ballads, has passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy of musical innovation and emotional depth.
At a Glance
- Roberta Flack, acclaimed singer of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” died on February 24, 2025, at age 88
- She won back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year in 1973 and 1974, a first for any artist
- Flack pioneered the ‘quiet storm’ style, blending serene serenity with emotional intensity
- Despite battling ALS in her final years, she remained committed to music through her foundation
- Her influence in the industry is marked by artistic integrity and the ability to evoke deep emotions
A Voice That Touched Generations
Roberta Flack, the voice behind timeless hits like “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. Her publicist confirmed that family surrounded the 88-year-old singer in her final moments. Flack’s passing marks the end of an era in American music, leaving behind a legacy that transcended genre boundaries and touched millions of listeners worldwide.
Born in North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began early when she learned to play the piano as a child. Her exceptional talent earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, setting the stage for a remarkable career that would span decades. Flack’s unique ability to blend classical training with soul, folk, and jazz elements made her a standout artist in an era of musical giants.
Breaking Records and Boundaries
Flack’s impact on the music industry was undeniable. She achieved a feat unmatched at the time by winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in both 1973 and 1974. This back-to-back victory solidified her place in music history and showcased her ability to create songs that resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike.
Throughout her career, Flack resisted being categorized solely as a soul singer, asserting her identity as a serious artist with a broad musical range. “One of the hassles of being a Black female musician is that people are always backing you into a corner and telling you to sing soul,” Flack once remarked, highlighting her determination to defy expectations and chart her own course in the industry.
A Legacy of Artistic Integrity
Flack’s journey to stardom was marked by perseverance and talent. After graduating from Howard University, she worked as an English teacher and performed in nightclubs before catching her big break. Discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, Flack was signed to Atlantic Records, releasing her debut album “First Take” in 1969. Her career took off when her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me,” catapulting her to national fame.
“Her voice touched, tapped, trapped and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known. I laughed, cried and screamed for more … she alone had the voice,” Les McCann said, capturing the essence of Flack’s artistic impact.
Over her illustrious career, Flack released 15 albums, earned 14 Grammy nominations, and won five Grammy Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Her last album, “Let It Be Roberta,” was released in 2012, showcasing her enduring talent and relevance in the music industry.
A Voice Silenced but a Legacy That Endures
In her later years, Flack faced challenges with grace and determination. In 2022, she revealed her battle with ALS, which affected her ability to sing and speak. Despite these obstacles, Flack remained committed to her art and her impact on the world of music. Her manager, Suzanne Koga, stated, “The progressive disease has made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak, but it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon.”
Roberta Flack’s passing leaves a void in the music world, but her legacy as a groundbreaking artist, educator, and advocate for civil rights will continue to inspire future generations. Her unique style, termed “quiet storm,” blended intimate vocals with deeply emotional lyrics, creating a sound that was uniquely her own. As we remember Roberta Flack, we celebrate not just her music, but her indomitable spirit and the indelible mark she left on American culture.
