Just days before her passing, legendary singer Roberta Flack took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute to Celine Dion, celebrating the Canadian star’s rendition of her iconic song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
A Touching Moment Shared Online
Flack, who passed away at 88 in Manhattan after suffering a heart attack, shared a video of Dion performing the song during her 1999 CBS television special, All the Way… A Decade of Song.
Wearing a striking red dress, Dion delivered a powerful and emotional performance, dedicating it to Flack, whose 1972 version of the song had become an international sensation.
Alongside the video, Flack expressed her admiration, writing: “I’m touched and thrilled to share this clip of the wondrous Celine Dion adding her luminous shine to ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.’
Thank you, Celine, for your love! Xoxo, R.”
Fans Celebrate Two Musical Icons
Flack’s post was met with an outpouring of love from fans, many praising both artists for their soulful interpretations.
One admirer commented, “Thank you for sharing this, Ms. Flack. I’ve never seen this version before, and it’s absolutely beautiful.”
Another added, “Celine is an incredible human being! Her voice, like Roberta’s, is simply unmatched.”
The song itself has a long and rich history.
Originally written in 1957 by British singer-songwriter Ewan MacColl for his lover Peggy Seeger, it gained widespread fame when Flack’s hauntingly beautiful version topped the Billboard charts in 1972.
Remembering Roberta Flack’s Legacy
News of Flack’s passing was confirmed by her representatives, who released a statement on Monday: “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025.
She died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Her longtime friend and manager, Suzzaner Koga, revealed to The New York Times that Flack suffered cardiac arrest and passed away en route to the hospital.
A Trailblazer in Music
Flack’s musical journey was extraordinary.
In 2022, she publicly disclosed her battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which prevented her from continuing to sing.
Yet, her influence remained strong, shaping generations of musicians and music lovers alike.
Her rise to fame was catapulted when Clint Eastwood selected The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face as the soundtrack for an intimate love scene in his 1971 film, Play Misty for Me.
The song’s delicate, hymn-like quality, with Flack’s ethereal soprano floating over soft piano and strings, won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972.
A Career of Historic Achievements
Flack made history again in 1973 when she won back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year with Killing Me Softly With His Song, becoming the first artist to achieve this feat.
She continued to dominate the charts throughout the 1970s with hits like Feel Like Makin’ Love and unforgettable duets with Donny Hathaway, such as Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You.
Tragically, her partnership with Hathaway ended in sorrow when he suffered a breakdown and fell to his death in 1979 while they were working on a new album together.
Lasting Influence and Continued Recognition
While Flack’s mainstream success waned in later years, she still delivered notable hits in the 1980s, including Tonight, I Celebrate My Love with Peabo Bryson and Set the Night to Music with Maxi Priest in the 1990s.
The mid-90s saw a resurgence of interest in her music when the Fugees released their Grammy-winning cover of Killing Me Softly, a song Flack later performed live alongside the hip-hop group.
Throughout her career, Flack won five Grammy Awards—including three for Killing Me Softly—and was nominated eight additional times.
In 2020, she received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, with artists like John Legend and Ariana Grande paying tribute to her enduring impact on music.
A Legacy That Lives On
Roberta Flack’s contributions to music, her ability to break barriers, and her unparalleled vocal artistry ensure that her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
Her final Instagram post serves as a reminder of the deep respect she held for fellow artists and the love she shared through her music.
Though she may be gone, her voice and influence will resonate forever.