Iconic R&B singer and songwriter Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88, according to a statement from her representative. Flack, known for her timeless hits such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by her family. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Flack was a trailblazer in the music industry, breaking barriers with her soulful voice and exquisite songwriting. Her career took off in the early ’70s when Clint Eastwood featured her version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song became a massive hit and earned Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Her success continued with the unforgettable “Killing Me Softly,” which topped the charts in 1973 and became one of her signature songs. Both “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly” were honored with Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, a rare achievement at the time.
Flack’s legacy includes a string of hits through the ’70s, with her collaborations with fellow singer Donny Hathaway, such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Her unique blend of R&B, soul, and jazz made her a defining voice of the era.
Though her chart success faded by the end of the ’70s, Flack remained an influential figure in the music world, releasing albums well into the 2000s, including the 2012 album Let It Be Roberta. Known not only for her musical achievements, she was also a passionate educator and a proud advocate for music.
Flack’s death marks the end of an era for R&B and soul music, but her timeless songs and powerful voice will continue to resonate with generations to come.
