Farewell to a Legend: Roberta Flack, Grammy-Winning Icon Behind ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Passes Away at 88
The world has lost a true music legend. Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for timeless classics like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has passed away at the age of 88. Her representative confirmed the heartbreaking news to NBC News, marking the end of an era for one of the most influential voices in music history.
A Life in Music: From Prodigy to Icon
Born on February 10, 1937, in North Carolina, Flack was destined for greatness. The daughter of a church organist, she showed remarkable musical talent from an early age. By 15, her prodigious abilities earned her a scholarship to Howard University, making her one of the youngest students ever admitted.
Flack’s journey to stardom took a fateful turn when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her mesmerizing voice while she performed at Mr. Henry’s, a nightclub in Washington, D.C. McCann was spellbound, later recalling:
“Her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion I’ve ever known. I laughed, cried, and screamed for more.”
McCann’s support led Flack to sign with Atlantic Records, where she recorded “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Initially released on her 1969 album First Take, the song skyrocketed to fame after it was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 directorial debut, Play Misty for Me. Recognizing its potential, Atlantic released a radio version, and in 1972, it soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success culminated in Flack winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1973.
A Trailblazing Career with Unforgettable Hits
Flack didn’t stop there. In 1973, she followed up with another smash hit, “Killing Me Softly with His Song”, a song that became synonymous with her soulful, emotive voice. She continued her winning streak with “Feel Like Makin’ Love”, securing her third No. 1 Billboard hit.
Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, a fellow Howard University alum, also produced some of the most cherished duets in R&B history. Songs like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You” remain beloved classics. However, tragedy struck in 1979 when Hathaway died in what was ruled a suicide, devastating Flack both personally and professionally. Reflecting on his passing, she told The Washington Post:
“He was a genius, but he wasn’t satisfied with his own performances. Like many creative people, his highs were exuberant, but his lows were extremely low.”
A Legacy That Spanned Generations
Even after Hathaway’s passing, Flack continued to evolve, teaming up with Peabo Bryson in the 1980s. Their duet “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” became a major hit in 1983, and she returned to the Top Ten once more in 1991 with “Set the Night to Music”, a duet with Maxi Priest.
Her music transcended generations. In the mid-1990s, The Fugees, featuring Lauryn Hill, reimagined “Killing Me Softly”, introducing Flack’s artistry to a new wave of listeners. Their version topped global charts in 1996, proving the song’s timeless appeal.
Honors, Challenges, and an Unwavering Spirit
Flack’s contributions to music were recognized with numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1999. That same year, she performed for South African President Nelson Mandela, cementing her status as a global icon.
In the 2000s, she focused on giving back, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx. The program provided free music education to underprivileged students, ensuring that future generations had access to the same transformative power of music that shaped her own life.
Despite her remarkable resilience, Flack faced serious health challenges in later years. A 2016 stroke affected her ability to perform, and in 2018, she was hospitalized due to dizziness at an awards event. Then, in 2022, her representatives revealed that she had been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease), a progressive illness that made it impossible for her to sing.
Yet, even in her final years, Flack remained deeply connected to her music. In a 2018 interview with the Associated Press, she reflected on the emotional depth of her songs:
“You need to be in tune with the lyrics, the meaning, and the emotion. That takes a little bit of doing.”
A Final Goodbye to a Musical Trailblazer
Roberta Flack’s passing marks the end of a golden era in music, but her influence will live on forever. Her voice—so rich, so full of soul and emotion—touched millions, and her songs will continue to captivate hearts for generations to come.
As fans mourn this incredible loss, one thing is certain: Roberta Flack’s music will never fade. Her melodies, her lyrics, and her legacy will continue to echo through time, reminding us all of the sheer power of music to heal, inspire, and transcend.
Rest in power, Roberta Flack. 🎶✨
