The music world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, the iconic singer-songwriter whose soulful voice defined an era. Flack passed away peacefully at her home on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, at home surrounded by her family.
Her publicist confirmed her death was due to ALS, marking the end of a career that spanned over five decades and left an indelible mark on jazz, soul, and R&B.
A Voice That Transcended Generations
Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1939, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia. A child prodigy, she began playing piano at age 9 and earned a full scholarship to Howard University by 15, later becoming a music teacher.
Her transition from education to stardom began after jazz pianist Les McCann discovered her performing in a Washington, D.C., club, leading to a contract with Atlantic Records.
Her 1969 debut album, First Take, initially flew under the radar until its haunting ballad “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song soared to No. 1, earning Flack her first Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.
The Height of Fame: “Killing Me Softly” and Grammy History
Flack’s career reached new heights in 1973 with her cover of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel about Don McLean’s “American Pie.” Her soul-stirring rendition became a global phenomenon, earning her a second consecutive Record of the Year Grammy in 1974—a historic first for any artist.
Other hits followed, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1974) and her timeless duets with Donny Hathaway, such as “Where Is the Love” (1972). Flack’s ability to blend jazz, pop, and gospel influences earned her four Grammys and cemented her as a trailblazer for Black women in music.
Legacy of Artistry and Activism
Beyond music, Flack championed education and social justice. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx to provide free education to underprivileged children. Even after retiring from performing in 2018 due to ALS complications, her influence persisted through samples in hip-hop and tributes by artists like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys.
Tributes Pour In
Fans and contemporaries have flooded social media with memories and gratitude. Aretha Franklin once called Flack “the epitome of excellence,” while contemporary artists like H.E.R. cite her as a foundational inspiration.
An Eternal Melody
Roberta Flack’s music transcended time, weaving emotion into every note. As we revisit her classics, her legacy lives on—a testament to the power of art to heal, challenge, and unite. Rest in peace to a true legend.
“I want to be remembered for sincerity and compassion. That’s what I’ve tried to put into my music.” —Roberta Flack
