The music world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist renowned for her soulful interpretations of classics like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Flack passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed the news, stating, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was immersed in music from a young age. Her mother, Irene, served as a church organist, and her father, Laron, was a Veterans Administration draftsman who played the piano and harmonica. This familial environment fostered her early passion for music. By the age of nine, Flack had begun piano lessons, displaying prodigious talent that would define her future.
At just 15, Flack earned a full scholarship to Howard University, making her one of the youngest students to enroll at the prestigious institution. Initially aspiring to be a concert pianist, she majored in music education. However, the sudden passing of her father prompted her to leave school and begin teaching to support her family. She taught music and English in North Carolina and later in Washington, D.C., while performing at local clubs during evenings and weekends.
Rise to Stardom
Flack’s unique blend of classical training and soulful expression caught the attention of jazz musician Les McCann, who introduced her to Atlantic Records. In 1969, she released her debut album, “First Take,” recorded in a mere 10 hours. The album featured her rendition of Ewan MacColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which, though initially receiving modest attention, became a breakout hit after Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The song soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1972 and earned Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Following this success, Flack continued to captivate audiences with her emotive performances. In 1973, she released “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” a track that showcased her ability to convey deep emotion through her nuanced vocal delivery. The song not only topped the charts but also secured her a second consecutive Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974, making her the first artist to achieve this feat.
Collaborations and Continued Success
Throughout the 1970s, Flack’s collaborations further solidified her status as a musical powerhouse. Her partnership with fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway produced timeless duets such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get … .” These songs not only topped charts but also became defining tracks of the era, blending soulful melodies with poignant lyrics. Tragically, their collaboration was cut short by Hathaway’s untimely death in 1979.
In the 1980s, Flack continued to evolve artistically, exploring new musical landscapes. She teamed up with Peabo Bryson for the duet “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” which became a popular romantic ballad. Her versatility allowed her to navigate various genres, from jazz and soul to pop and R&B, appealing to a broad spectrum of listeners.
Later Years and Legacy
In 2020, Flack was honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her enduring impact on the music industry. Despite facing health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 and a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, she remained resilient. Her determination to continue contributing to the arts was evident when she released “Running,” a single for the documentary “3100: Run and Become,” in 2018.
Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was a dedicated educator and philanthropist. She established the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians underscored her belief in the transformative power of music.
Flack’s influence extended beyond her own recordings. Her songs have been covered and sampled by numerous artists, most notably the Fugees’ 1996 rendition of “Killing Me Softly,” which introduced her work to a new generation of listeners. Her ability to convey profound emotion through her music has left an indelible mark on artists across genres.
Tributes and Remembrances
Following the announcement of her passing, tributes poured in from around the world. Peabo Bryson, her duet partner, reflected on their collaboration, stating, “She was my greatest inspiration.”
Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning singer and actress, honored Flack’s legacy by describing her as “one of the great soul singers of all time.”
Flack’s music continues to resonate, offering solace and inspiration. Her ability
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