“Remembering Roberta Flack: The Iconic 1970s Voice Behind ‘Killing Me Softly’ Passes Away at 88”

Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for timeless songs like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly,” passed away on February 24, 2025, at 88. Her spokesperson stated she died peacefully, surrounded by family.

Flack’s impact on music was profound. She was a boundary-breaker and an inspiring educator. Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she grew up in Arlington, Virginia. From a young age, she was immersed in music, thanks to her mother, who played the organ at church, and her father, a jazz pianist.

Flack studied piano from an early age and earned a music scholarship to Howard University. Her career took off when jazz artist Les McCann discovered her at a nightclub in Washington, D.C. In 1971, Clint Eastwood used her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film Play Misty for Me, which gave her a major breakthrough.

With a smooth, soothing voice, Flack became a staple on R&B and pop radio throughout the 1970s and beyond. She recorded more than 18 Hot 100 hits and released several classic albums, such as First Take and Killing Me Softly, showcasing her versatility across genres—R&B, jazz, classical, and pop.

Flack’s accolades include three Grammy wins, with her Grammy-winning songs remaining influential. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway produced memorable duets, and her work with Peabo Bryson in the 1980s yielded hits too. Even as her chart success waned in the mid-1980s, she continued to make music, releasing her last album, a cover of Beatles songs, in 2012.

Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 and a diagnosis of ALS in 2022, Flack’s legacy only grew. She published a children’s book in 2023, titled The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, drawing inspiration from her father’s restored piano.

Throughout her life, Flack was committed to education and helping young people. She founded the Roberta Flack Foundation in 2010, dedicating herself to mentorship and support.

Roberta Flack’s influence on music and culture will be felt for generations. She has left behind a rich catalog of songs loved by many.