Grammy-winning singer and pianist Roberta Flack, known for her soulful, intimate vocal style, has passed away at the age of 88. The beloved artist, renowned for hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” died on Monday, February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family.
A statement from her publicist confirmed the news, expressing the family’s heartbreak at the loss: “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” While a cause of death has not been officially disclosed, Flack had been battling ALS since 2022.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Roberta Flack’s musical journey began at a young age. Influenced by her mother, a church organist, Flack’s early exposure to music included singing in various churches. By the time she was nine, she began playing the piano, and her immense talent led her to a full music scholarship at Howard University. Upon graduating at 19, Flack went on to teach music in the Washington, D.C. area.
Flack’s career began to flourish when she sang in local clubs and restaurants, even accompanying opera singers on the piano and performing pop, blues, and folk music. In 1968, she started performing regularly at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant on Capitol Hill, marking the beginning of her rise in the music world.
Her groundbreaking contributions to the music industry made her an icon, and she leaves behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations.
