**Flack's profound impact on music continues to resonate, inspiring a new generation of artists.**
**Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer, Passes Away at 88**
**Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer, Passes Away at 88**
**The legendary artist who broke boundaries and shaped the music landscape has left us.**
The music world mourns today as Roberta Flack, the celebrated R&B singer renowned for timeless ballads like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song," has passed away at the age of 88. Flack's representatives confirmed her death, stating, "We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025," and noted that she died peacefully surrounded by family. A trailblazer in the industry, she was not only a celebrated musician but also a passionate educator.
With an impressive background as a classical pianist, Flack earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15. While she cultivated her classical training, she also explored popular music genres, performing alongside opera singers and engaging in the vibrant doo-wop scene. Her journey to stardom began in earnest in her 30s when her rendition of Ewan MacColl's "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was featured in Clint Eastwood's film "Play Misty For Me," earning her a Grammy Award for Song of the Year.
Following this success, Flack secured another Grammy the next year for "Killing Me Softly With His Song," and her chart-topping hits continued throughout the early '70s, including "Feel Like Makin' Love." In the years that followed, Flack dedicated herself to music, recording projects, and charitable endeavors, often collaborating with notable artists like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis.
Despite facing health challenges, including motor neurone disease, Flack’s spirit endured. She remained committed to her art and legacy, receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys in 2020, which she described as a validation of her life's work. Her influence reached new audiences when The Fugees revived "Killing Me Softly," introducing her iconic song to the '90s hip-hop generation.
A truly soulful performer, Flack once shared, “What I consider myself is a soulful singer… a person with true soul can transcend all the flaws and make you listen." Roberta Flack's remarkable career, characterized by her deep connection to music and her ability to evoke emotion, has left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring her legacy will endure for generations to come.
