Roberta Flack, Legendary Singer and Pianist, Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer and pianist whose timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” made her a defining voice of the 1970s, passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Flack, known for her intimate vocal style and masterful piano playing, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family, according to her publicist Elaine Schock.

Flack’s career skyrocketed after Clint Eastwood featured “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me, where the song became the soundtrack to one of cinema’s most memorable love scenes. The hauntingly beautiful ballad, paired with Flack’s soprano voice, went on to top the Billboard pop charts in 1972 and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Just a year later, she achieved the same honor with “Killing Me Softly,” becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Best Record.

Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Roberta Cleopatra Flack was a classically trained pianist who showed her musical talents early on. By the age of 15, she had earned a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C., where she was introduced to jazz and gospel music. Discovered in the late 1960s by jazz musician Les McCann, Flack’s rise to fame came relatively late, but she soon became a household name with a series of soulful and tender hits that captivated listeners worldwide.

In addition to her musical success, Flack was an influential figure in social justice movements. Her friendships with civil rights activists like the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Angela Davis reflected her deep commitment to equality. Flack also sang at the funeral of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play Major League Baseball, and was involved in projects such as Free to Be… You and Me, a feminist children’s album created by Marlo Thomas.

Flack’s powerful collaborations included two duets with her close friend and fellow Howard University alumnus Donny Hathaway, “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Their partnership was tragically cut short in 1979 when Hathaway died after a mental health crisis.

Despite her peak success in the 1970s, Flack continued to be a prominent figure in the music world, recording new material and performing well into the 1990s. Her work was rediscovered by a new generation when The Fugees recorded a Grammy-winning cover of “Killing Me Softly,” which led to a memorable performance with the group on stage.

Flack’s contributions to music earned her five Grammy Awards and a lifetime achievement award in 2020, further cementing her legacy as one of the most influential and versatile artists of her time. In recent years, artists like Beyoncé and John Legend have paid tribute to her, underscoring the lasting impact of her artistry.

In addition to her musical accomplishments, Flack was known for her philanthropy, particularly with the Roberta Flack School of Music, which provides music education to young children. Her dedication to teaching was apparent during her early years as a music educator in Washington, D.C., where she shared her passion for music with students in inner-city schools.

Flack is survived by her family, and her legacy will live on through her timeless music and enduring influence on generations of artists.