The music world has lost another legend as the renowned R&B singer, Roberta Flack, passed away at the age of 88.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of the extraordinary Roberta Flack this morning, February 24, 2025. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones,” her representative stated.
Flack, famous for her songs The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly With His Song, had previously revealed that she was diagnosed with motor neuron disease in 2022 and could no longer sing.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack began her career as a classical pianist before transitioning to singing. Her voice first gained attention after being discovered by musician Les McCann at a jazz club.
However, her success only took off in her 30s when The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was featured in Clint Eastwood’s film Play Misty For Me. The song later won the Song of the Year category at the Grammy Awards. A year later, Flack repeated the same success with Killing Me Softly With His Song.
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In 2020, a year after suffering a stroke, Flack received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammys.
Killing Me Softly regained popularity when the hip-hop group The Fugees covered the song and won a Grammy in 1996. They eventually had the opportunity to perform it alongside Flack on stage.
Now, her golden voice may be gone, but Roberta Flack’s legacy will continue to live on in the world of music. – BOOM!
