Roberta Flack, the legendary American singer renowned for her soulful renditions of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 88.
Her publicist confirmed that she died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family. Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022, a condition that had previously rendered her unable to sing.
Roberta Flack was a musical prodigy who earned a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15. Initially aspiring to be a classical pianist, she transitioned to vocal performance, captivating audiences with her unique blend of soul, jazz, and folk influences.
Her breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me,” propelling the song to the top of the charts and earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973.
Flack made history by becoming the first artiste to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years, achieving this feat with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song.”
Her collaboration with Donny Hathaway produced memorable duets such as “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” further solidifying her place in music history.
In 2020, she was honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recogniding her enduring contributions to the music industry.
Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was a dedicated educator and philanthropist. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students.
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