NEW YORK, United States — Roberta Flack, the iconic Grammy-winning singer behind the timeless hit *”Killing Me Softly With His Song”* and one of the most celebrated voices of the 1970s, has died at the age of 88. Her publicist confirmed her passing on Monday, though no cause of death was provided.
Flack, a trailblazer in pop and R&B music, had been battling ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, since her diagnosis in 2022. The condition had sadly robbed her of her ability to sing in recent years. According to her publicist, “She died peacefully surrounded by her family.”
Known for her tender yet powerful voice, Roberta Flack crafted a legacy of “scientific soul,” blending meticulous artistry with timeless elegance. Her music became a cornerstone of the “quiet storm” radio format, revolutionizing R&B and shaping its future.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she grew up in Arlington, Virginia, in a musically gifted family steeped in gospel traditions. Flack’s prodigious talent on the piano earned her a scholarship to Howard University at just 15. She once shared with *Forbes* that her father restored a junkyard piano for her, which became her first instrument and a source of lifelong inspiration.
Flack’s career took off after jazz musician Les McCann discovered her performing in Washington, D.C. She signed with Atlantic Records at 32, and her breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood featured her ballad *”The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”* in his 1971 film *Play Misty for Me*. The song won her the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972, a feat she repeated the following year with *”Killing Me Softly With His Song,”* making her the first artist to win the award consecutively.
Her rendition of *”Killing Me Softly”* became her signature hit, reimagined from Lori Lieberman’s original. Quincy Jones, upon hearing Flack’s version, urged her to record it immediately, cementing its place in music history. The song experienced a resurgence in 1996 when the Fugees released a remixed version featuring Lauryn Hill, topping global charts and earning another Grammy.
Flack also collaborated with Donny Hathaway, her Howard University friend, producing beloved duets like *”Where Is The Love”* and *”You’ve Got a Friend.”* Her influence extended beyond music, as she actively participated in social movements, befriending figures like Reverend Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis, and performing at Jackie Robinson’s funeral.
In 2020, the Recording Academy honored her with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her unparalleled contributions to music. Reflecting on her life, Flack once said, “I protested as a singer with a lot of love,” highlighting her commitment to using music as a force for change.
Roberta Flack’s legacy as one of the greatest soul singers of all time lives on through her timeless music and profound impact on R&B. Tributes from artists like Jennifer Hudson and Questlove underscore her enduring influence. Rest in melody, Roberta Flack.
