Grammy-Winning Singer Roberta Flack, Known for 'Killing Me Softly,' Dies at 88

Photo: AP

Roberta Flack, the legendary pop and R&B singer known for timeless hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, has passed away at the age of 88. Her publicist confirmed that she died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Flack’s family shared a heartfelt statement, saying, “We are deeply saddened to share that the incredible Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She was at home, surrounded by her family, and left this world in peace. Roberta was not only a remarkable artist but also a passionate educator who touched many lives.”

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A Musical Legend with an Unforgettable Voice

Roberta Flack was a classically trained pianist whose career skyrocketed in the early 1970s. Her big break came when Hollywood star Clint Eastwood featured her song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song became an instant sensation, topping the charts in 1972 and earning her a Grammy Award.

In 1973, she followed up with another massive hit, Killing Me Softly With His Song, which won her a second consecutive Grammy for Record of the Year. With this achievement, she became the first artist ever to win back-to-back Grammys in that category. Her smooth, soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics made her one of the most beloved artists of her time.

A Life Dedicated to Music and Social Change

Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Flack was not just a musician—she was a voice for change. She was deeply involved in the civil rights movement, working alongside influential figures such as Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis. She also contributed to the Free to Be...You and Me project, which aimed to teach children about equality and kindness.

Her collaborations with singer Donny Hathaway resulted in unforgettable duets like Where Is the Love, which became a defining song of the 1970s. Tragically, their partnership ended when Hathaway passed away in 1979, but their music continues to be celebrated.

A Final Battle with Illness

In 2022, Flack revealed that she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affected her ability to sing. Despite this challenge, her influence in the music industry remained strong, and her songs continued to inspire generations of artists and fans.

Her legacy will live on through her music, her activism, and the countless lives she touched throughout her career. Roberta Flack’s voice may have been silenced, but her songs will continue to echo in the hearts of people around the world.