Roberta Flack Iconic Singer of Killing Me Softly Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, the legendary singer known for her soulful interpretations and timeless hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, has died at the age of 88. A representative for the singer confirmed her passing on Monday, though no cause of death was shared. Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in recent years.

Roberta Flack’s musical journey began early. Exceptionally gifted, she earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old with aspirations of becoming a concert pianist. While she initially pursued classical music, she ultimately found her voice in a blend of soul, jazz, rock, and pop, breaking barriers and captivating audiences worldwide.

Despite her immense talent, Roberta Flack faced discouragement when considering a classical career due to racial barriers in the late 1950s. She turned to teaching and performing in clubs, where her incredible voice and musicianship caught the attention of industry professionals. Her big break came when Atlantic Records signed her, releasing her debut album, First Take, in 1969.

Roberta Flack’s rise to fame was catapulted by a chance opportunity—Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me, leading to massive success. The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973, and Roberta Flack made history by winning the same award again in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly With His Song“, cementing her as a music industry powerhouse.

Throughout the 1970s, she dominated the charts with albums like Chapter Two, Quiet Fire, and Feel Like Makin’ Love. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway were particularly beloved, producing unforgettable duets like “Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You“.

Though Roberta Flack’s commercial success slowed in the late ‘70s, her influence never waned. She continued to release albums into the early 2000s and remained an active performer despite health setbacks. In 2022, Roberta Flack revealed her ALS diagnosis, a disease that ultimately robbed her of the ability to sing.

Beyond her music, Roberta Flack’s work transcended genre and expectation. She shaped the “quiet storm” R&B style and laid the foundation for future neo-soul artists. Her ability to interpret songs with deep emotion placed her among legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Roberta Flack’s impact extended to literature as well—she co-authored The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music in 2023, a children’s book about her early love of music.

Roberta Flack’s legacy is one of brilliance, resilience, and unparalleled artistry. She once said, “My main interest is in telling my story through a song—whether mine or someone else’s. Tell the truth with clarity and honesty so that the listener can feel their story.”

Her voice, her music, and her spirit will continue to inspire generations to come.