A detailed look at the life and career of Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for hits like ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘Killing Me Softly.’
Roberta Flack, a legendary figure in pop and R&B music, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her representative confirmed that she died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Flack’s career broke boundaries and set records, and she was also a dedicated educator.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Flack spent her formative years in Arlington, Virginia. She displayed musical talent early, beginning piano studies at age nine. At just 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., showcasing her prodigious abilities.
Early Training and Career
Flack’s early musical training was in classical piano. She initially considered gospel music, inspired by Mahalia Jackson, but felt she couldn’t match Jackson’s vocal power. She pursued piano, eventually studying at Howard University. After a singer was unable to perform at a freshman talent show, Flack sang Henry Nemo’s “Don’t Take Your Love From Me,” winning the competition and shifting her focus to singing. She became the assistant conductor of the university choir and directed a production of Aida.
Before achieving mainstream success, Flack performed in Washington D.C. nightclubs after graduation. Les McCann, a jazz pianist, discovered her and was deeply moved by her voice. McCann helped bring her to Atlantic Records, where she signed in 1968.
Breakthrough and Success
Her debut album, “First Take,” was released in 1969. While the album didn’t initially gain traction, it contained “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a song that would later become her signature hit. Clint Eastwood featured the song in a love scene in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me,” catapulting Flack to stardom. The song topped the charts and earned her a Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.
Flack followed this success with “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973, which also won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1974. This achievement made her only the second artist to win the award in consecutive years, a feat later matched by U2.
Her 1974 hit, “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” further solidified her position as a leading R&B vocalist.
Collaborations and Later Career
Flack collaborated with several artists throughout her career, most notably Donny Hathaway. Together, they recorded hits such as “Where Is the Love,” which reached the top of both the pop and R&B charts in 1974. They also released a collaborative album, “Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway,” in 1972.
The death of Donny Hathaway in 1979 deeply affected Flack. Later collaborations included Peabo Bryson, with whom she recorded “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” in 1983.
While her chart presence diminished in the late 1970s, Flack continued to record and perform. She released “Let It Be Roberta,” an album of Beatles covers, in 2012. In 2022, it was announced that ALS had taken her voice, preventing her from performing.
Musical Style and Impact
Roberta Flack’s music blended soul, jazz, and folk influences, creating a distinctive and sophisticated sound. As Peter Shapiro noted in “The Rough Guide to Soul and R&B,” her urbane and jazzy style appealed to a broad audience. Her songs often featured lush arrangements, sensuous vocals, and impeccable diction.
Flack’s impact on music is undeniable. She paved the way for future generations of soul and R&B artists. Her ability to connect with audiences through her heartfelt performances and socially conscious lyrics cemented her legacy as one of the most important voices in American music. She received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.
Legacy
Roberta Flack’s contribution to music remains significant. Her work earned her numerous awards, including multiple Grammys. Her songs continue to resonate with listeners worldwide. She will be remembered for her unique voice, her dedication to music education, and her profound influence on popular culture.
Sources: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgr2wl819pwo
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2025/feb/24/roberta-flacks-performances-softly-burned-with-the-fire-of-life-itself
https://variety.com/2025/music/news/roberta-flack-singer-killing-me-softly-dead-1236318888/