Singer Roberta Flack Dead at 88

Roberta Flack, the legendary American singer and pianist known for her soul-stirring ballads, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. She died peacefully at her home in Manhattan, surrounded by family.

Flack, born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, began her musical journey as a classically trained pianist. She later earned a full scholarship to Howard University, where she honed her skills and began to explore various genres. Initially a music teacher, Flack’s breakthrough came in the early 1970s, when Clint Eastwood featured her haunting rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in the film Play Misty for Me. The song became a chart-topping hit and earned her a Grammy Award.

Over the years, Flack’s smooth blend of jazz, R&B, and soul captivated audiences worldwide. Her hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “Where Is the Love?” became iconic. She earned multiple Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

In 2022, Flack revealed that she had been diagnosed with ALS, leading her to retire from live performances. Despite this, her music continues to live on, a testament to her enduring impact on the music world.