Roberta Flack, the iconic singer whose soulful voice defined much of the 1970s R&B era, has sadly passed away at the age of 88.

Known for timeless hits such as Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, Flack’s influence on music remains profound even decades after her peak in the spotlight.

A Peaceful Passing Surrounded by Family

The news of Flack’s death was confirmed by her representatives, who shared a heartfelt statement with the public.

“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement read. It continued, saying that Flack died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.

Although her representatives did not disclose the cause of her death, her passing comes just a few years after her public battle with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a condition she revealed she was diagnosed with in 2022.

A Legacy of Groundbreaking Music and Education

Flack’s career, which spanned over five decades, made her a trailblazer in the music world.

Her smooth, intimate vocal style and classical piano skills won her numerous accolades, including five Grammy Awards.

Her groundbreaking music and success helped break barriers in both the music industry and as an educator.

As a proud educator, Flack was dedicated to sharing her knowledge with the next generation.

A Star is Born in the 1970s

Roberta Flack’s rise to fame came in the early 1970s, particularly with her 1971 performance of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which was featured in Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me.

The track, a soft, intimate ballad, became a major hit, topping the Billboard pop charts in 1972.

It went on to win a Grammy for Record of the Year.

Flack’s success continued with Killing Me Softly With His Song in 1973, a powerful ballad that became one of her signature songs.

This achievement made her the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Record of the Year.

Alongside these chart-toppers, Flack released other memorable songs like Feel Like Makin’ Love and duets with her close friend and musical partner Donny Hathaway.

Their collaborations, Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, were beloved by fans, although the partnership was tinged with tragedy when Hathaway tragically passed away in 1979.

A Legacy That Spanned Decades

While Flack’s immense success in the 1970s wasn’t fully matched in later years, she continued to find new audiences.

In the 1980s, she scored a hit with Peabo Bryson on the duet Tonight, I Celebrate My Love, and the 1990s saw her return to the charts with Set the Night to Music alongside Maxi Priest.

However, it was the 1996 Grammy-winning cover of Killing Me Softly by The Fugees that introduced Flack to a whole new generation of listeners.

She even performed the song live with the group, a moment that further cemented her place in music history.

A Recognized Icon

Over her career, Flack earned five Grammy Awards, including three for her unforgettable rendition of Killing Me Softly, and was nominated eight other times.

In 2020, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy, a testament to her lasting influence on the music industry.

Music stars such as John Legend and Ariana Grande have praised her legacy.

Reflecting on her lifelong connection to music, Flack once shared, “Through music we understand what we are thinking and feeling.

No matter what challenge life presents, I am at home with my piano, on a stage, with my band, in the studio, listening to music. I can find my way when I hear music.”

Flack’s impact on both the music world and on those who were fortunate enough to collaborate with her will remain an inspiration for years to come.

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

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