A Timeless Legacy in Music
Roberta Flack, the legendary soul singer known for heartfelt hits like Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, has passed away at 88. Flack, whose voice became synonymous with raw emotion and timeless storytelling, died peacefully at home, surrounded by family.
Her career spanned decades, earning multiple Grammy Awards and a place in music history as one of the most influential voices in soul and R&B.
From Classical Beginnings to Global Fame
Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack was a classically trained pianist before finding her calling in soul and jazz. Discovered while performing in a Washington, D.C., nightclub, she was signed to Atlantic Records, where her career took off. Her breakout hit, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard charts in 1972 after Clint Eastwood featured it in his film Play Misty for Me.
From there, she dominated the charts with Killing Me Softly with His Song and Feel Like Makin’ Love, cementing her place as a musical powerhouse.
A Career Defined by Emotion and Excellence
Flack’s ability to blend jazz, R&B, and folk made her a standout artist. Her duets with Donny Hathaway, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, remain some of the most celebrated love songs of all time. She won four Grammy Awards in consecutive years—an achievement matched by only a few in music history.
Health Struggles and Final Years
In recent years, Flack battled ALS, which forced her to step away from public performances. Despite her illness, she remained active in music advocacy, particularly in education programs for young artists.
Her passing marks the end of an era, but her voice will continue to resonate through generations. As the music world mourns, fans and artists alike celebrate a career that shaped the sound of soul and R&B.
