Celebrated singer Roberta Flack, known for timeless hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song," passed away peacefully at age 88 on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family.

Photo Credit: Roberta Flack by annulla / CC by 2.0

Born in North Carolina in 1937, Flack was a musical prodigy who began playing classical piano at an early age. At just 15, her exceptional talent earned her a scholarship to Howard University. Her career took off after jazz musician Les McCann discovered her performing at Mr. Henry's nightclub in Washington, D.C.

Flack's breakthrough came with "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and won two Grammy Awards in 1973. Her other memorable hits included "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "Feel Like Makin' Love." The Fugees' 1996 cover of "Killing Me Softly" introduced her music to a new generation.

Her achievements include:

• Multiple Grammy Awards
• A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1999)
• Performed for Nelson Mandela in South Africa
• Founded the Roberta Flack School of Music in the Bronx

In November 2022, Flack was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), which affected her ability to sing. Despite health challenges, including a stroke in 2016, she continued performing into her 80s.

Artists including Carole King and Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Flack's lasting impact on music. Her legacy lives on through her timeless recordings and contributions to music education for underprivileged students.

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