Roberta Flack, the soulful R&B artist behind hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” passed away at 88 on Feb. 24, 2025. Her representatives confirmed she died peacefully, surrounded by family.
The North Carolina native announced in 2022 she had motor neurone disease, halting her singing career. No specific cause of death was given.
Flack’s journey began as a classical pianist, earning a Howard University scholarship at 15. She later taught music while gigging at night.
Her big break came in her 30s when Clint Eastwood featured her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in Play Misty for Me. It won a Grammy for Song of the Year in 1973.
She nabbed the same award in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly,” a chart-topper later revived by The Fugees in 1996. Another hit, “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” topped charts in 1974.
A Soulful Legacy
Flack called herself a soulful singer, aiming to stir emotions with every note. She worked with stars like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis over decades.
Her 1980s tours kept her connected with fans. In 1991, she hit the charts again with Maxi Priest on “Set the Night to Music.”
She released Let It Be Roberta, a Beatles covers album, in 2012. Flack also founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York.
Honors and Resilience
Once wed to jazz musician Stephen Novosel, Flack earned praise for her social activism. Reverend Jesse Jackson lauded her fearless spirit.
In 2020, post-stroke, she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She saw it as validation of her storytelling through music.
For now, Flack’s voice lives on, cherished by fans old and new.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.