Roberta Flack, legendary voice behind 'Killing Me Softly,' dies at 88
Photo: Roberta Flack (Getty Images)
Legendary singer Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88 on February 24, 2025, according to ABC News.
Flack, known for her soulful voice and timeless hits like "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," died peacefully surrounded by her family, her representatives confirmed. The cause of death was not disclosed, but Flack had been battling ALS since 2022, which had affected her ability to sing.
"We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning February 24, 2025,” the statement said, “She died peacefully surrounded by her family."
Photo: Roberta Flack (Getty Images)
Flack’s music career soared in the 1970s with chart-topping hits including "Feel Like Makin’ Love," "Where Is the Love," and "The Closer I Get to You." She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in back-to-back years with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in 1973 and "Killing Me Softly with His Song" in 1974. The latter gained renewed popularity decades later with a cover by the Fugees.
In total, Flack received 14 Grammy nominations, winning five, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020. Her influence continues to resonate across generations, making her one of the most distinctive voices in pop music history.
Beyond her music career, Flack was also an advocate for education and founded the Roberta Flack Foundation in 2010 to support music education. She was known for her commitment to philanthropy and her influence extended beyond the stage.
Roberta Flack's passing follows the recent deaths of other prominent figures in the entertainment industry, including Marianne Faithfull, Paul Danan, and Liam Payne.
