Renowned Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist, Roberta Flack, has passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind an enduring musical legacy that shaped generations.
The influential performer, best known for timeless classics like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, died peacefully on Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family.
A statement from her publicist confirmed her passing:
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She broke boundaries and records, and she was also a proud educator.”
Though the cause of death was not disclosed, Flack had been battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) since 2022, a disease that had affected her ability to sing and perform in recent years.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia, where her musical journey began. Her mother, a church organist, introduced her to gospel music, and by the age of nine, Flack was already an accomplished pianist.
Her exceptional talent earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15, making her one of the youngest students to enroll at the institution.
After graduating, Flack taught music in Washington, D.C., while performing in clubs on evenings and weekends. Her breakthrough came in 1968 when she began singing at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant on Capitol Hill, leading to her discovery and the launch of her iconic career.
Flack’s music, known for its intimate, soulful delivery, earned her four Grammy Awards, and she remains one of the most celebrated artists of the 1970s and beyond.
Fans and fellow musicians have taken to social media to honor her contributions to music and culture, remembering her as a pioneering voice in soul, jazz, and R&B.
Her legacy continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that her music will forever live on.
