Key Takeaways:

• Roberta Flack, celebrated for her hits "Killing Me Softly" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," passed away at 88.
• She had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which impacted her ability to sing.
• Flack was the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Record of the Year.
• Born in North Carolina, Flack became a classically trained pianist and gained fame in the 1970s.
• Her music remains influential, with tributes pouring in from celebrities and fans.

Roberta Flack, the iconic Grammy-winning singer-songwriter best known for her soulful hits "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," has passed away at the age of 88. Source She died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family, as her publicist Elaine Schock announced, though no specific cause was disclosed.

Flack had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, a progressive illness that severely restricted her ability to perform. Known for her intimate vocal style and ability to blend genres such as jazz, soul, and pop, Flack produced numerous classics throughout her career, becoming one of the most recognizable voices of the 1970s. Her breakout moment came when Clint Eastwood featured "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his 1971 film "Play Misty for Me," which topped the Billboard charts and earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1972.

In 1974, she became the first artist to win back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year for "Killing Me Softly," solidifying her status as a musical legend. The song, originally recorded by Lori Lieberman, became synonymous with Flack's career and remains a staple in R&B and pop music. This iconic track later saw a resurgence in popularity when it was covered by the Fugees, further highlighting Flack's influence on generations of musicians.

Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she grew up in a musical family that fostered her talent. Flack received a full scholarship to Howard University where she majored in music and cultivated her skills in piano and voice. Her career began later in life, and despite her late start, she left an indelible mark on the music industry. She was also deeply involved in social movements, befriending figures like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis during a pivotal time in American history. Flack sang at significant events, including the funeral of Jackie Robinson, the first Black player in Major League Baseball.

Throughout her prolific career, Flack won five Grammy Awards, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy in 2020, and her music was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Artists such as Jennifer Hudson and Questlove have paid tribute to her legacy, highlighting her profound impact on soul music and her role as a cultural icon.

Even in her later years, Flack remained active, celebrating the 50th anniversary of her landmark album "Killing Me Softly" in 2023 and continuing to inspire new generations with her timeless artistry. The music industry mourns the loss of a true pioneer whose voice resonated across decades and styles, a testament to her enduring legacy within American music.

For more details about her life and impact, visit Salon.