Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose soulful voice and intimate musical style captivated audiences for decades, has passed away. The acclaimed artist, best known for timeless hits like Killing Me Softly with His Song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, and Feel Like Makin’ Love, died on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 88.
A statement from her publicist confirmed her passing, expressing the deep sorrow felt by those closest to her. “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 the cause of death was not disclosed, Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022. The disease, which progressively affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, had forced her to step away from performing in recent years.
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia. From an early age, music became an essential part of her life. Her mother was a church organist, and young Roberta found herself drawn to various places of worship just to experience their music. She sang in churches of different denominations, including the historic Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, where she developed her vocal talent. At just nine years old, she began playing the piano, displaying an extraordinary gift that would later define her career.
By the time she reached her teenage years, her talent was undeniable. She was awarded a full music scholarship to Howard University, an institution that played a significant role in shaping her artistry. She graduated at just 19 years old, an impressive feat that reflected both her academic excellence and musical brilliance. After completing her education, she embarked on a teaching career, sharing her knowledge with young students in the Washington, D.C. area.
Despite her passion for teaching, Flack’s love for performing never faded. She spent her evenings and weekends singing in local clubs, accompanying opera singers on piano, and exploring different musical genres. She often found herself playing blues, folk, and pop standards in the back rooms of clubs during intermissions, honing the distinct style that would later make her a household name.
Her voice teacher, Frederick “Wilkie” Wilkerson, recognized her potential and encouraged her to transition from classical music to pop. Following his advice, she started performing more contemporary music, leading her to a pivotal moment in her career. In 1968, she secured a regular gig at Mr. Henry’s, a restaurant on Capitol Hill. The intimate venue allowed her to connect deeply with her audience, and word of her exceptional talent quickly spread.
Flack’s breakthrough came in the early 1970s when she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who arranged an audition for her with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, released in 1969, included The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, a song that catapulted her to superstardom after Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The track became a massive hit, earning her the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Following this success, Flack continued to dominate the charts with hits like Killing Me Softly with His Song, Where Is the Love (a duet with Donny Hathaway), and Feel Like Makin’ Love. Her collaborations with Hathaway were particularly celebrated, producing some of the most beloved duets in R&B history. The chemistry between them was undeniable, and their music left a lasting imprint on the industry.
Her ability to blend soul, jazz, pop, and folk influences set her apart, making her one of the most versatile and respected artists of her time. Over the years, she collected multiple Grammy Awards and cemented her legacy as one of the greatest voices in contemporary music.
Even as her commercial success peaked in the 1970s, Flack remained committed to music education. She frequently advocated for arts programs in schools and worked to inspire young musicians. Her passion for teaching never faded, and she continued to mentor aspiring artists throughout her life. She believed in the transformative power of music and dedicated time to ensuring that future generations had access to proper musical education.
In 2022, she revealed her ALS diagnosis, a battle that made performing increasingly difficult. Though she could no longer sing, her impact on music remained undeniable. Fans and fellow artists continued to celebrate her contributions, honoring her as a pioneer who redefined what it meant to be a soulful storyteller.
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the entertainment industry. Legendary singer and longtime admirer Gladys Knight called Flack “a treasure who gave the world some of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.” Singer and songwriter Alicia Keys credited Flack as a major influence on her music, stating, “Roberta Flack’s voice and presence were powerful yet gentle, emotional yet controlled. She showed us how music could touch the soul.”
Music historian and critic Nelson George described Flack as “one of the finest interpreters of song in American music history. Her ability to take a lyric and bring it to life with such tenderness and authenticity was truly remarkable.”
Beyond her music, Flack’s activism and philanthropy also left a lasting impact. She supported numerous charitable causes, particularly those focused on education and the arts. She was a strong advocate for racial and gender equality, using her platform to push for greater representation in the music industry.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy lives on through the songs that defined generations. Her voice, filled with warmth and emotion, will forever be remembered as one of the most captivating in music history.
With a career spanning more than five decades, Roberta Flack’s influence is immeasurable. She touched the hearts of millions, and her music will continue to inspire generations to come.
