Iconic Soul Singer Roberta Flack Dies at 88: A Musical Legend Remembered

By Staff

NEW YORK, NY, February 24, 2025, 12 p.m - Roberta Flack, the soul sensation behind unforgettable hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song," has passed away at the age of 88. The music world mourns the loss of this groundbreaking artist, who left an indelible mark on the landscape of R&B.

Flack's passing was confirmed by her family on February 24, 2025. "We are heartbroken to share that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, surrounded by her loved ones," the statement read. "She broke boundaries and records, and she was a proud educator."

Rising to fame in the early 1970s, Flack’s stirring ballads resonated deeply with fans. Her soulful rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was famously featured in Clint Eastwood's film "Play Misty for Me," catapulting her career to new heights. The song snagged a Grammy for Record of the Year, a feat she repeated the following year with "Killing Me Softly."

With six top-10 pop hits and ten R&B chart-toppers to her name, including hits like “Where Is the Love” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” Flack was not just a performer but a pioneer who shaped the sound of the '70s. Known for her smooth vocals and emotive performances, she became a voice of a generation.

Though her mainstream success waned in the '80s, Flack remained active in the industry, releasing her last album in 2012. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she began her musical journey at a young age, quickly showcasing her prodigious talent.