Roberta Flack, the iconic jazz and R&B vocalist renowned for timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has died at the age of 88. She passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by family, on February 24, 2025.

Flack’s publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed her passing, noting that the singer had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022, a condition that had made it impossible for her to sing and challenging to speak.

Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began early, influenced by her parents’ musical backgrounds.

A prodigious talent, she received a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15, initially aspiring to be a classical pianist. However, her soulful voice and unique interpretations of contemporary songs led her to a groundbreaking career in jazz, soul, and R&B.

Flack’s rise to fame was catapulted when Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The song soared to the top of the Billboard charts in 1972 and earned her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. She made history by winning the same award consecutively the following year with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” a feat unmatched for decades.

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. Her commitment to nurturing young talent and advocating for artists’ rights left an indelible mark on the community.

In 2022, New York City Mayor Eric Adams honored Flack with a Key to the City, recognizing her monumental contributions to music and her role as a trailblazer in the industry.

Reflecting on her passing, Mayor Adams expressed his sorrow:
“Heartbroken to hear of the passing of legendary Jazz and R&B vocalist Roberta Flack. In 2022, I was honored to give her a Key to the City for her iconic contributions to music and for being a trailblazer in the industry. Her legacy will live on at the ‘Roberta Flack School of Music’ in the Bronx, and through her beautiful music.”

Flack’s influence extended beyond her own recordings; her interpretations of songs by artists like Leonard Cohen and members of The Beatles showcased her versatility and deep emotional resonance. Her collaborations with peers, including the late Donny Hathaway, produced classics like “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” further cementing her legacy as a soulful storyteller.