Legendary singer Roberta Flack, famous for her soulful classics such as “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has died at the age of 88. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on February 24, 2025, according to her publicist.
Born February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack started her career in classical piano before turning to jazz, soul, and R&B. Her expressive voice and deep musicality resulted in numerous Grammy Awards, such as Record of the Year for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1973 and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” in 1974.
In 2022, Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which rendered her unable to sing and restricted her speech. She continued to be active in her Roberta Flack Foundation, advocating for emerging artists and music education.
Flack’s legacy is not limited to her top-charting songs; she broke color barriers in the music business and influenced generations of musicians with her soulful performances. Her contributions to music and society will be remembered and valued across the globe.
