Roberta Flack, Iconic Singer of ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Passes Away at 88

The music world has lost a legend. Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer whose soulful voice and genre-defying artistry made her one of the most influential artists of the 1970s and beyond, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. A representative for Flack did not disclose a cause of death, but the singer had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

A Musical Prodigy from the Start

Roberta Flack’s musical journey began at a young age. Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack displayed extraordinary talent as a pianist and singer. By the age of 15, she had earned a scholarship to Howard University, where she initially planned to pursue a career as a classical pianist.

“My real ambition was to be a concert pianist,” Flack told NPR in 2012. “I wanted to play Schumann, Bach, and Chopin—the romantics. Those were my guys.” However, her teachers discouraged her from entering the predominantly white world of classical music in the late 1950s. Undeterred, Flack shifted her focus to teaching and performing, eventually finding her voice in the world of popular music.

The Rise of a Superstar

After graduating from Howard University, Flack taught music in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., while performing in local clubs as both a pianist and vocalist. Her talent caught the attention of fellow musicians, leading to a contract with Atlantic Records. In 1969, she released her debut album, First Take, which showcased her unique blend of soul, jazz, rock, and pop.

Flack’s career reached new heights in 1971 when Clint Eastwood featured her haunting rendition of Ewan MacColl’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film Play Misty for Me. The song became a massive hit, earning Flack her first Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.

Her success continued with a string of iconic albums, including Chapter Two, Quiet Fire, Killing Me Softly, and Feel Like Makin’ Love. Her collaboration with Donny Hathaway on duets like “Where Is the Love” further solidified her status as one of the decade’s most beloved artists. Flack made history by becoming the only solo artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year two years in a row—first for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1973, and then for “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1974.

A Legacy of Interpretation and Innovation

Roberta Flack’s artistry extended far beyond her chart-topping hits. Known for her ability to interpret songs with emotional depth and authenticity, she earned comparisons to legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. NPR’s Ann Powers noted that Flack’s work as an interpreter challenged the notion that artists had to write their own material to be considered great.

“Roberta Flack stands with Sinatra, with Ella Fitzgerald, with so many great interpreters of the 20th century, as someone who made every song she approached original,” Powers said.

Flack’s influence also helped shape the “quiet storm” R&B genre and paved the way for the rise of neo-soul. Her music transcended racial and genre boundaries, blending elements of rock, folk, jazz, classical, and Latin music to create a sound that was uniquely her own.

A Life Beyond Music

In addition to her musical achievements, Flack was a passionate advocate for education and the arts. She earned graduate degrees in education and linguistics and worked in music publishing and production. In 2022, she co-authored The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, a children’s book inspired by her childhood and her father’s restoration of an old piano for her to practice on.

Despite health challenges in her later years, including her ALS diagnosis, Flack remained dedicated to her craft and her fans. Her final album, Running, was released in 2020, showcasing her enduring talent and commitment to storytelling through music.

A Lasting Impact

Roberta Flack’s legacy is one of innovation, resilience, and timeless artistry. Her ability to connect with listeners through her music—whether her own or someone else’s—left an indelible mark on the industry. As she once told NPR, “My main interest is in telling my story through a song—whether mine or someone else’s. Tell the truth with clarity and honesty so that the listener can feel their story.”

Her passing marks the end of an era, but her music and influence will continue to inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack.