Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack, known for Killing Me Softly, dies at 88
Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer and pianist known for her intimate vocal style and musical talent, passed away at the age of 88 on Monday. Her family confirmed that she died at home surrounded by loved ones. Flack had been battling ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and had announced her diagnosis in 2022, revealing that she could no longer sing.
Flack rose to fame in the early 1970s after Clint Eastwood featured her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film “Play Misty for Me.” The song became a chart-topping hit in 1972 and earned Flack a Grammy for Record of the Year. Her soulful soprano voice, accompanied by soft strings and piano, captivated audiences and solidified her place as a music icon.
In 1973, Flack made history by winning consecutive Grammys for Best Record with “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” becoming the first artist to achieve this feat. Her versatile talent as a classically trained pianist allowed her to evoke a range of emotions in her music, from the gospel passion of Aretha Franklin to a more reflective and measured approach.
Throughout her illustrious career, Flack collaborated with fellow musicians such as Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded hit duets like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Tragically, their partnership ended when Hathaway passed away in 1979. Despite this loss, Flack continued to create music that resonated with audiences around the world.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Flack was a staunch supporter of social and civil rights movements. She sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, visited activist Angela Davis while she was in prison, and participated in projects promoting feminist ideals, such as Marlo Thomas’ “Free to Be… You and Me.”
Flack’s impact on the music industry was profound, earning her five Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Grammy in 2020. She was admired by artists like Beyonce, John Legend, and Ariana Grande, who praised her influence and contribution to the world of music.
Despite facing personal challenges, including an interracial marriage and the loss of loved ones, Flack remained dedicated to her craft and her community. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York, providing musical education to young students and fostering the next generation of musicians.
In her own words, Flack expressed her deep connection to music as a language that transcends boundaries and communicates emotions. Her legacy will live on through her timeless songs and her impact on the music industry. Roberta Flack will be remembered as a trailblazer, a visionary, and a true icon in the world of music.
