Roberta Flack, the legendary singer, pianist, and Grammy-winning artist celebrated for her emotive voice and timeless classics like Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, has passed away at the age of 88. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed her death, stating that Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease she publicly disclosed in 2022.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia. A prodigy in classical piano, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, initially pursuing a classical music career before transitioning to singing.
Her breakthrough moment came in 1971 when actor and filmmaker Clint Eastwood featured her haunting rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in the film Play Misty for Me. The song became an instant sensation, topping the Billboard charts in 1972 and earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. The following year, she repeated this extraordinary feat by winning the same award for Killing Me Softly with His Song, cementing her status as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
Throughout the 1970s, Flack collaborated with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway, producing unforgettable duets such as Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. Their partnership created some of the most celebrated love songs in music history, blending jazz, soul, R&B, and folk into a distinctive and powerful sound.
Beyond her chart-topping success, Flack was a passionate humanitarian. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged children. Her commitment to nurturing young talent underscored her belief that music had the power to transform lives.
Flack’s influence transcended generations, with artists across various genres citing her as an inspiration. Her ability to convey deep emotion through her music made her a household name, and her songs continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy remains firmly intact. She is survived by her family, friends, and millions of fans who will forever cherish her contributions to music and culture.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, one thing is certain: Roberta Flack’s voice, passion, and influence will never fade.
