Roberta Flack, the esteemed singer and pianist renowned for her fusion of soul, jazz, and folk music, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. She died of cardiac arrest en route to a hospital in Manhattan. In 2022, Flack had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a condition that had made it impossible for her to continue singing.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s early life was steeped in music. She began her journey as a classically trained pianist, a foundation that later influenced her versatile vocal performances. Her big break came in the late 1960s when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her talent, leading to a recording contract and the release of her debut album, «First Take,» in 1969.
Flack’s career soared in the 1970s with a series of chart-topping hits. Her rendition of «The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face» became a number-one hit in 1972 and earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. She continued this success with «Killing Me Softly with His Song,» released in 1973, which also secured the Grammy for Record of the Year. These achievements made her the first artist to win the award in consecutive years.
«Killing Me Softly with His Song» holds a special place in Flack’s legacy. Originally penned by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, the song was inspired by singer Lori Lieberman’s experience at a Don McLean concert. Flack first heard the song on an airplane and was so moved that she decided to record her own version. Her soulful interpretation resonated with a wide audience, propelling the song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for five non-consecutive weeks in 1973. The track’s success was further solidified when it won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974.
Beyond her solo achievements, Flack was celebrated for her collaborations, notably with Donny Hathaway. The duo produced memorable duets such as «Where Is the Love» and «The Closer I Get to You,» both of which received critical acclaim and commercial success. Their musical partnership was tragically cut short by Hathaway’s untimely death in 1979.
Flack’s influence extended beyond her musical talents. She was known for her commitment to social causes, including her support for LGBTQ+ rights and her efforts to break racial barriers in the music industry. Her ability to connect with diverse audiences and her dedication to her craft have left an indelible mark on the world of music.
In her later years, despite health challenges, Flack remained engaged with her art and her fans. Her passing has elicited tributes from numerous artists and public figures, all honoring her remarkable contributions to music and her enduring legacy.
Roberta Flack’s timeless recordings continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and listeners, ensuring that her soulful voice and artistic spirit will be remembered for years to come.
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