Legendary Singer Roberta Flack, Known for 'Killing Me Softly,' Passes Away at 88

Roberta Flack, the iconic singer whose music blended soul, jazz, rock, and pop, passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

A representative did not disclose the cause of death, but Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Born with immense musical talent, Flack earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15, initially aiming for a career as a classical pianist. "My real ambition was to be a concert pianist," she shared in a 2012 NPR interview, recalling her love for composers like Schumann, Bach, and Chopin. However, in the late 1950s, her teachers discouraged her from pursuing the predominantly white world of classical music. Instead, Flack turned to teaching and performing in clubs, eventually catching the attention of Atlantic Records, which released her debut album, First Take, in 1969.

Her breakthrough came in 1971 when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his film Play Misty for Me. The song became a massive hit, propelling her to superstardom. Throughout the 1970s, Flack released a series of successful albums, including Chapter Two, Quiet Fire, Killing Me Softly, and Feel Like Makin’ Love. She also recorded acclaimed duets with Donny Hathaway.

Flack made history as the only solo artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row—first in 1973 for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and again in 1974 for Killing Me Softly With His Song.

Despite her fame, critical reception varied. NPR's Ann Powers noted that Flack’s success came at a time when songwriting was highly valued, overshadowing the contributions of performers. "She stands with Sinatra, with Ella Fitzgerald—interpreters who made every song their own," Powers said.

Beyond her chart-topping hits, Flack remained deeply involved in music education, film scoring, and record production. She continued releasing albums into the 2000s, including collaborations with Peabo Bryson and Donny Hathaway.

In 2022, Flack publicly revealed her ALS diagnosis. The following year, she co-authored The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, a children’s book inspired by her childhood piano, lovingly restored by her father.

Flack's legacy transcends genres, influencing the evolution of R&B, quiet storm, and neo-soul. She seamlessly incorporated elements of rock, folk, jazz, classical, and Latin music, challenging racial and musical conventions.

“My main interest is in telling my story through a song—whether mine or someone else’s,” Flack said in a 2020 interview. “Tell the truth with clarity and honesty so the listener can feel their story.”

Her voice, artistry, and storytelling will continue to inspire generations.