Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose intimate, sophisticated style defined hits like Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, died on Monday at the age of 88. Her publicist, Elaine Schock, confirmed that she passed away at home, surrounded by family.
Flack, whose velvety vocals and classically trained musicianship made her a standout in the 1970s, was among the most influential recording artists of her era. She won multiple Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in 1973 and Killing Me Softly with His Song in 1974, making her the first artist to win the honor in consecutive years.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Virginia, Flack was a musical prodigy who earned a college scholarship at 15 and initially pursued a career in classical piano before shifting to jazz and soul. Her breakthrough came in 1969 when she was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann, leading to her signing with Atlantic Records. Her smooth blend of R&B, folk, and jazz earned her widespread acclaim.
Flack’s influence extended far beyond her peak commercial years. Her collaborations with Donny Hathaway produced beloved duets like Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, while later works, including a tribute to The Beatles, showcased her continued evolution as an artist. In 2022, she revealed she had been diagnosed with ALS, a progressive neurological disease that left her unable to sing.
Her impact on music remains profound, with artists across genres citing her as an inspiration. Whether through the haunting depth of her ballads or the quiet power of her voice, Flack’s legacy endures as a defining force in contemporary music.