Roberta Flack, the trailblazing singer and pianist whose soulful voice gave the world unforgettable hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, passed away peacefully on Monday in New York. She was 88.
Her family shared the news in a statement, calling her “a fearless artist, a record-breaker, and a proud educator.” Indeed, Flack’s impact went far beyond the music charts—she was a cultural force, a pioneer, and an inspiration to generations of artists.
A Career of Firsts and Timeless Hits
A classically trained pianist from North Carolina, Flack made history as the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1973) and Killing Me Softly With His Song (1974). Her smooth, effortless vocals defined an era and continue to resonate today.
Flack’s journey to stardom wasn’t conventional. Before making it big, she worked as a schoolteacher and moonlighted as a nightclub singer in Washington, D.C. It was at the Capitol Hill hotspot Mr. Henry’s where jazz great Les McCann discovered her in 1968, leading to a record deal with Atlantic Records. Her debut album, First Take, initially flew under the radar—until Clint Eastwood featured The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song exploded in popularity, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six weeks.
She continued her hot streak with hits like Feel Like Makin’ Love (1974) and iconic duets with Donny Hathaway, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You. Later collaborations with Peabo Bryson (Tonight, I Celebrate My Love) and Maxi Priest (Set the Night to Music) proved her ability to adapt to new sounds and audiences.
A Life Dedicated to Music and Education
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, in 1937, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was a musical prodigy. By 13, she was playing Handel’s Messiah for her church choir, and at just 15, she earned a full music scholarship to Howard University. Her alter ego, “Rubina Flake,” was a childhood creation—an imaginary concert pianist who dazzled crowds at Carnegie Hall. In reality, Flack’s influence stretched far beyond any one stage.
Beyond music, she was deeply committed to education and philanthropy, mentoring young artists and advocating for arts education. Her 2023 children’s book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, reflected her passion for inspiring the next generation.
A Lasting Legacy
In her later years, Flack faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 and an ALS diagnosis in 2022 that ended her ability to sing. But her voice, her music, and her message of love and resilience remain timeless.
Her influence spans genres and generations, from Lauryn Hill’s take on Killing Me Softly to countless artists who cite her as an inspiration. As she once said, “Love is a song”—and her music will continue singing in the hearts of millions.
Rest in peace, Roberta Flack, and thank you for the music.
