The world of music mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, whose soulful ballads have left a mark on countless hearts.
At a Glance
- Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88.
- Known for hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song.”
- First artist to win back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year.
- Flack battled ALS, affecting her ability to sing and speak.
The Soulful Journey of Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack, renowned for her powerful yet gentle voice, passed away on February 24, 2025, at her home. Known for her transformative songs such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” Flack left a lasting imprint on the music industry.
Flack, a North Carolina native, learned piano at a young age and became one of the first students to receive a full music scholarship to Howard University at 15. Her debut album “First Take” was released after signing with Atlantic Records, swiftly catapulting her to fame when a track was featured in Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty for Me.”
Overcoming Challenges and Breaking Boundaries
Flack’s rise to stardom was marked by numerous accolades, including back-to-back Grammy wins for Record of the Year in 1973 and 1974, a feat that no artist had achieved before her. Despite revealing in late 2022 that ALS had made singing and speaking almost impossible, her resolve to remain active in music persisted.
“The ALS diagnosis made it impossible to sing and not easy to speak. But it will take a lot more than ALS to silence this icon.” – Suzanne Koga
Beyond her music, Flack was a dedicated educator and a civil rights advocate. Her work was characterized by the revolutionary “quiet storm” style, melding powerful messages with deep emotion.
A Timeless Legacy
Throughout her career, Flack released 15 albums and earned five Grammy Awards out of 14 nominations. Her final album, “Let It Be Roberta,” was released in 2012. The impact of her work continues to resonate through the timeless “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” establishing her as an indomitable figure in music.
“Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator. She was unlike any other popular vocalist that preceded her.” – Elaine Schock
Roberta Flack’s contribution to music and her pioneering spirit will continue to inspire generations, ensuring that her legend remains unforgettable, as her music continues to “touch our hearts,” transcending age, race, and time.
