Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for her soulful voice and timeless hits, has passed away at the age of 88. Flack’s representatives confirmed that she died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family, though no cause of death was announced.
Flack’s illustrious career began in the 1970s with chart-toppers like “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Over her musical journey, she earned 14 Grammy nominations and won five awards, including a lifetime achievement honor. Remarkably, she was the first artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year in consecutive years, an accolade that highlighted her profound impact on the music industry.
Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, Flack ultimately lost her singing voice. Despite this, her influence has remained significant in both R&B and indie pop, as noted in a 2020 essay by music critic Ann Powers, who described Flack as a “titan.”
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack showed prodigious talent on the piano and pursued a career as a classical concert pianist before transitioning into popular music. She was discovered while performing jazz in a Washington, D.C. nightclub, which launched her career.
Flack’s collaborative work with fellow musician Donny Hathaway produced several memorable duets, including “Where Is the Love.” In the 1980s and beyond, she continued to create memorable music, including notable duets with Peabo Bryson and Maxi Priest. She also made a significant impact on television, performing theme songs for popular shows.
Her dedication to music education and her philanthropic efforts are evident through the Roberta Flack Foundation, which she established to support music education initiatives. Her legacy also includes a children’s book, “The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music,” released in 2023, which encourages young readers to discover their own musical voices.
Flack consistently blended genres throughout her career, rejecting labels to express her personal beliefs and emotions through her music. She leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans alike.
Her memory will be cherished by many as a testament to the power of music and its ability to connect, inspire, and heal. In a world that often faces challenges, Flack’s story promotes hope and reveals the importance of passion and perseverance in pursuing one’s art.