Farewell to Roberta Flack: A Soulful Icon Who Changed Music Forever
In a heartbreaking blow to the music community, the legendary Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88, as confirmed by her representative. Flack, celebrated for timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face,” died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family. The news has sent ripples of sorrow through the entertainment world, with tributes pouring in from fans, artists, and fellow musicians alike.
Roberta Flack was not just a singer; she was a groundbreaking artist. Her incredible achievements in music are unparalleled, with her sweeping the Grammys in the early ’70s. Flack became the first artist to win the coveted Record of the Year award in two consecutive years, thanks to the monumental success of “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly.” This record went on to storm the Billboard charts and make history, a feat echoed only by U2 decades later.
But let’s not just recall her chart-topping singles. Flack was beloved not only for her music but also for her fierce dedication to social issues. A vocal advocate for civil rights, she used her platform to shed light on systemic inequalities. In a poignant 2020 interview with AARP, Flack expressed her dismay that many of the themes in her music—like poverty and hunger—resonated just as strongly today, pointing to the ongoing relevance of her songs amid modern-day struggles, including the Black Lives Matter movement.
Despite battling ALS, a condition that had compromised her speech and singing ability, Flack continued to inspire and engage with her fans, expressing her desire to remain active in the musical sphere. Her childhood upbringing in Washington D.C. laid the groundwork for her passion and advocacy, as she often weaved social commentary into her soul-stirring performances.
Roberta Flack leaves behind a legacy that transcends music; she’s survived by her son, Bernard Wright, and a legion of heartbroken fans who are sharing their favorite memories and songs as they celebrate her life and career. From her chart-topping duets with Donnie Hathaway to her impact on modern artists like The Fugees, she truly set a bar that few could ever hope to reach. As we mourn her loss, we also celebrate the indelible mark she left on the world of music and activism.
Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and E! News, AARP, Billboard, Rolling Stone
