Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning artist known for timeless hits 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 confirmed the news, stating that she died peacefully surrounded by family, though no cause of death was disclosed.
Flack, whose soulful voice defined an era of R&B and pop, had been battling ALS since 2022, a condition that ultimately took away her ability to sing. Despite this, her influence on music remained profound, shaping the “quiet storm” sound and inspiring generations of artists.
A Musical Legacy That Spanned Decades
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack in North Carolina, she was a musical prodigy who earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15. Her career took off when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her in a Washington, D.C., nightclub. She later skyrocketed to fame when Clint Eastwood featured The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in Play Misty for Me, earning her a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972.
The following year, she made history by winning the same award again for Killing Me Softly With His Song, making her the first artist to achieve back-to-back victories in the category. The song later gained a new generation of fans when the Fugees, led by Lauryn Hill, released their chart-topping rendition in 1996.
An Outpouring of Tributes
Musicians and fans worldwide mourned her passing, with stars like Jennifer Hudson calling her “one of the great soul singers of all time.” Questlove expressed gratitude, writing, “Thank You, Roberta Flack. Rest in Melody.” Julian Lennon, whose father John was a neighbor and friend of Flack’s, shared his sadness over her passing.
Flack’s influence extended beyond music. She was deeply involved in social movements, singing at the funeral of baseball icon Jackie Robinson and forging friendships with activists like Angela Davis and Reverend Jesse Jackson.
“A Lot of Love” in Her Music
Reflecting on her career, Flack once said, “I protested as a singer with a lot of love.” That love resonated through her music, touching hearts for over six decades.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her voice will live on through the songs that continue to inspire and move listeners worldwide.
Rest in peace, Roberta Flack.