Roberta Flack, Singer of "Killing Me Softly," Dies at 88

The music world has lost a true legend. Roberta Flack, the singer behind the beloved song *Killing Me Softly with His Song*, passed away at the age of 88. Her family shared that she died peacefully at home after a long illness. Flack’s voice, known for its warmth and emotion, touched millions of hearts and made her one of the most celebrated artists of her time.

Roberta Flack was born on February 10, 1939, in North Carolina. She grew up loving music and started playing the piano when she was just four years old. Her talent was so great that she earned a scholarship to Howard University, where she studied classical music. After college, she worked as a music teacher and performed in local clubs in Washington, D.C. It was there that she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, who helped her start her career in music.

Flack became famous in the 1970s with her heartfelt songs. Her version of *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* became a huge hit after it was featured in the movie *Play Misty for Me*. The song won her a Grammy Award in 1973. A year later, she won another Grammy for *Killing Me Softly with His Song*, which became her most famous work. The song, written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, tells the story of being deeply moved by a musician’s performance. Flack’s gentle, emotional singing made the song unforgettable.

Flack’s music was more than just beautiful—it was powerful. She sang about love, heartbreak, and hope, and her songs connected with people from all walks of life. She also worked with other great artists, like Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded duets like *Where Is the Love* and *The Closer I Get to You*. These songs remain classics to this day.




Beyond her music, Flack was a strong voice for social justice. She used her fame to speak out against racism and to support causes she believed in. Her kindness and dedication to helping others made her not just a great artist, but also a role model.




In her later years, Flack faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 that made it difficult for her to sing. But she never gave up on her love for music. In 2020, she even wrote a children’s book called *The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music*, which told the story of her early life and how she fell in love with music.

Roberta Flack’s passing is a great loss, but her music will live on. Her voice, filled with emotion and grace, will continue to inspire and comfort people for generations. She showed us the power of music to bring people together and to heal.

As we say goodbye to Roberta Flack, we remember her not just as a singer, but as a woman who shared her heart with the world. Her songs, like *Killing Me Softly*, will always remind us of her incredible talent and the beauty she brought into our lives. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack—your music will never be forgotten.

Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B singer celebrated for her timeless hits *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* and *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, has passed away at the age of 88. Her representatives confirmed her death in a statement, saying, "We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator."

Flack had been living with motor neurone disease since 2022, which had sadly left her unable to sing. Despite this, her legacy as one of music’s most influential voices remains untouched.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack’s musical journey began as a classical pianist. A child prodigy, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. While she initially pursued a career in teaching, her love for music led her to perform at night, accompanying opera singers on piano and singing pop standards during breaks.


Reflecting on her early years, Flack once said, "The whole while I was studying classical music, especially in my younger years, I was also doing a lot of doo-ron-ron, shoo-doo-bee-doo, all of that stuff, with my peers. I've been fortunate enough to be surrounded by music all of my life—the Bach and the Chopin and the Schumann on one hand, and all the rhythm and blues."


Her big break came when musician Les McCann discovered her singing in a jazz club. He later described her voice as something that "touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I've ever known." Despite her undeniable talent, Flack didn’t achieve her first major hit until her 30s. Her rendition of Ewan MacColl’s *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face* became a sensation after it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film *Play Misty For Me*. The song earned Flack her first Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1973.


She repeated the feat the following year with *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, which also won Song of the Year. Flack’s soulful, emotive delivery made the track an enduring classic, later covered by artists like the Fugees. In 1974, she topped the charts again with *Feel Like Makin’ Love*, solidifying her place as one of the era’s most beloved artists.


After her string of hits, Flack took a step back from performing to focus on recording and charitable work. Throughout the 1980s, she toured extensively and collaborated with legendary artists like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. In 1991, she returned to the charts with *Set the Night to Music*, a duet with Maxi Priest.


Flack’s passion for music never waned. In 2012, she released *Let It Be Roberta*, an album of Beatles covers, showcasing her versatility and deep love for music.



Roberta Flack’s passing marks the end of an era, but her music and influence will continue to inspire generations. Her voice, filled with warmth and emotion, brought comfort and joy to millions. As we remember her, we celebrate not only her groundbreaking career but also her dedication to education, charity, and the power of music to connect us all. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack—your songs will forever remain in our hearts.