Roberta Flack, the beloved, Grammy-winning 1970s R&B singer, is best known for her timeless hits such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly.” The world mourned her loss on Monday, February 24, 2025, as she passed away peacefully at the age of 88. A statement from her spokesperson confirmed her peaceful passing, though no official cause of death was provided.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning,” the statement read. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on February 10, 1937, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack was a classically trained pianist from an early age. Her musical journey began when she received a music scholarship at 15 to attend Howard University. Discovered by jazz great Les McCann while singing at a nightclub in Washington, D.C., Flack's career took off when she signed with Atlantic Records.
Flack's first major breakthrough came in 1971 when Clint Eastwood featured her version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his directorial debut, Play Misty for Me. Her soothing vocals became a staple in the R&B and pop music scenes, leading to a two-decade run of chart-topping hits.
Flack's debut album, First Take, released in 1969, included her first No. 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” This success was followed by another No. 1 hit, “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” from her 1973 album, Killing Me Softly. These achievements made her the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year until U2 achieved the same feat in the early 2000s.
Throughout her illustrious career, Flack collaborated with fellow soul great Donny Hathaway on several chart-topping duets, including “You’ve Got a Friend” and “Where Is the Love.” She also worked with Peabo Bryson and Michael Henderson, further cementing her place in music history.
Flack's musical prowess extended across genres including classical, R&B, soul, jazz, pop, folk, and blues. She achieved 18 Hot 100 hits and four albums in the top three on the Billboard 200 album charts. Her influence continued with the release of expanded 50th anniversary editions of her first three albums and her 2023 children's book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music.
In later years, Flack's health challenges included a stroke in 2016 and a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022. Despite these challenges, her legacy continued to grow, with her music and educational initiatives leaving a lasting impact.
Flack was nominated for 14 Grammys, winning three, and received lifetime achievement awards from the Jazz Foundation of America and the Recording Academy. Her philanthropic efforts included establishing the Roberta Flack Foundation in 2010, dedicated to helping young people achieve their dreams through education and mentorship.
Roberta Flack's contributions to music and education will continue to inspire future generations. Her soulful voice and dedication to breaking boundaries remain a testament to her enduring legacy.
Check out some of Flack’s most beloved hits below.
