'Killing Me Softly' Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack dies at 88
She died at home, surrounded by family, her publicist confirmed.
Legendary pop and R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, known for hits like "Killing Me Softly" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," has passed away at 88, her publicist confirmed.
Flack died at home, surrounded by her family, as confirmed by her representative.
The iconic singer revealed in 2022 that she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which left her unable to sing, according to reports.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement reads.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Roberta Flack, a classically trained pianist, gained fame in the early '70s when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 'Play Misty for Me'. The song topped the charts in 1972, winning a Grammy. She followed with “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973, becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Best Record.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Flack was active in the civil rights movement and worked with figures like Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis. She also contributed to Free to Be...You and Me and performed at Jackie Robinson’s funeral.
Flack’s collaborations with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love,” solidified her place in music history. Their partnership ended in 1979 when Hathaway tragically died. Flack’s soulful voice and legacy continue to influence the music world.
