Renowned R&B singer Roberta Flack, best known for her iconic hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died peacefully at the age of 88, surrounded by her family.
Flack’s representatives announced her passing in a statement, describing her as a “glorious” artist who “broke boundaries and records.” The singer had been battling motor neuron disease since 2022, which had forced her to stop singing.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Flack began her music career as a classical pianist. She gained a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 and later transitioned to teaching and accompanying opera singers on piano.
Flack’s recording career took off after she was discovered singing in a jazz club by musician Les McCann. Her unique voice and style earned her two Grammy Awards for Song of the Year, first for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1972 and again for “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973.
Throughout her illustrious career, Flack collaborated with notable artists such as Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. She continued to tour and record music until her health declined, leaving behind a legacy as a “true soul” singer.
As Flack once described herself, “A person with true soul is one who can take anybody’s song and transcend all the flaws, the technique and just make you listen.” Her music will continue to be cherished by fans around the world.
