Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist renowned for her soulful interpretations of classics like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her publicist confirmed that she died peacefully at her home in New York, surrounded by family. Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022, a condition that had made it impossible for her to sing.
A Life of Music and Meaning
Born Roberta Cleopatra Flack on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she was raised in Arlington, Virginia. A musical prodigy, Flack received a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15, initially studying piano with aspirations of becoming a classical musician. However, she soon gravitated towards vocal performance, setting the stage for an illustrious career in soul, R&B, jazz, and pop.
Her big break came with her 1969 debut album, First Take, which featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” The song gained national attention after being featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me, skyrocketing it to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earning her the 1973 Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Flack repeated that feat the following year when “Killing Me Softly with His Song” won Record of the Year in 1974. Her career continued to thrive with hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love” and duets with Donny Hathaway, including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Her distinctive ability to fuse soul, jazz, and pop set her apart, earning her a total of four Grammy Awards and cementing her place as one of the greatest vocalists of all time.
A Lasting Influence on Music
Roberta Flack’s delicate yet powerful vocal style influenced generations of artists across multiple genres, including:
- Lauryn Hill – Hill’s version of Killing Me Softly with The Fugees (1996) introduced Flack’s music to a new generation and became one of the most recognizable covers in hip-hop and R&B history.
- Alicia Keys – Keys has cited Flack as a major inspiration for her approach to blending classical piano with soul and R&B.
- Erykah Badu – Badu’s soft, jazz-inflected delivery owes much to Flack’s influence in creating emotive, intimate vocals.
- Jill Scott – Scott’s poetic and expressive vocal phrasing echoes Flack’s signature style.
- Maxwell – The neo-soul crooner has spoken about Flack’s impact on his sound, particularly in blending jazz and R&B.
Her Music Lives On in Hip-Hop and R&B
Flack’s music has also been sampled and reinterpreted by a wide array of hip-hop and R&B artists, reinforcing her enduring relevance:
- “Be With You” by Mary J. Blige (1994) – Samples Feel Like Makin’ Love.
- “If Ever” by Mariah Carey (2001) – Interpolates The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
- “Slow Down” by Brand Nubian (1990) – Uses a loop from Gone Away.
- “Set Adrift on Memory Bliss” by PM Dawn (1991) – Samples The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.
- “Ready or Not” by The Fugees (1996) – Though more famously known for sampling Enya, this track was influenced by Flack’s version of Killing Me Softly.
Her music continues to be an essential part of hip-hop, R&B, and pop, with her melodies and emotions finding new life through sampling and reinterpretation.
A Legacy Beyond Music
In addition to her chart-topping success, Flack was deeply committed to music education and philanthropy. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, offering free music education to underprivileged children. She also worked on various humanitarian causes, using her voice not just for music but for social change.
Even as health issues forced her to retire from performing, her passion for music and education never waned. In 2022, a documentary titled Roberta was released, chronicling her extraordinary life and impact.
A Timeless Voice
Roberta Flack’s profound influence on music and culture will never be forgotten. Her ability to convey deep emotion with just a whisper or a soaring note made her one of the most beloved voices of all time.
She is survived by her family, countless friends, and fans whose lives have been touched by her music. Her songs remain timeless, ensuring that her voice will live on for generations to come.
Rest in peace, Queen.