Roberta Flack, the legendary songstress whose soulful interpretations of classics like “Killing Me Softly with His Tune” and “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face” captivated audiences worldwide, has handed away on the age of 88. Her household confirmed that she died peacefully, surrounded by family members, on February 24, 2025.
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s prodigious expertise was evident from a younger age. A musical prodigy, she earned a full scholarship to Howard College at simply 15, the place she honed her expertise in classical piano and voice. Throughout her time at Howard, she grew to become a proud member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority, forging connections that may affect her illustrious profession.
Flack’s ascent to stardom was marked by her distinctive capacity to mix classical coaching with soulful expression. Her breakthrough got here when Clint Eastwood chosen her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face” for his 1971 movie “Play Misty for Me,” propelling the tune to the highest of the charts and incomes her a GRAMMY Award for Report of the 12 months in 1973. She made historical past by profitable the identical award consecutively in 1974 for “Killing Me Softly with His Tune,” a testomony to her unparalleled artistry.
Along with her solo achievements, Flack’s collaborations with fellow Howard College alumnus Donny Hathaway produced timeless duets comparable to “The place Is the Love” and “The Nearer I Get to You,” additional solidifying her legacy within the annals of R&B and soul music. Her dedication to schooling remained unwavering; she based the Roberta Flack College of Music on the Hyde Management Constitution College within the Bronx, offering free music schooling to underprivileged college students.
Flack’s affect prolonged past the stage. She was a member of the Artist Empowerment Coalition, advocating for artists’ rights to manage their artistic works, and served as a spokesperson for the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, utilizing her platform to champion varied causes.
In 2022, Flack was recognized with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which led her to retire from performing. Regardless of her well being challenges, her spirit and dedication to her craft remained undiminished.
Roberta Flack’s legacy is certainly one of transcendent artistry, unwavering advocacy and a profound dedication to nurturing the following era of musicians. Her voice, each literal and metaphorical, will proceed to resonate, inspiring numerous artists and followers alike.
