Flack’s Music Was Introduced to a New Generation Thanks to the Fugees and Lauryn Hill, Whose Cover of Killing Me Softly With His Song Topped the Charts in 1996
Legendary singer Roberta Flack, known for her timeless hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, has passed away at the age of 88. A representative confirmed her passing, stating she died peacefully surrounded by family. Flack’s influence on music spanned decades, breaking boundaries and inspiring generations.
In 2022, it was revealed that Flack had been diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which made it impossible for her to sing and difficult to speak. Despite her health struggles, her music remained a beacon of inspiration, touching the hearts of fans worldwide.
The Making of a Musical Icon
Born on February 10, 1937, in North Carolina, Flack was immersed in music from an early age. The daughter of a church organist, she developed a love for classical piano and, by 15, earned a scholarship to Howard University in Washington, D.C.
Her big break came when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her performing at a Washington, D.C., nightclub. He was captivated by her voice, describing it as one that “touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion.” With McCann’s help, Flack secured a record deal with Atlantic Records, launching her into stardom.
Her song The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, originally released on her debut album First Take in 1969, gained widespread recognition after being featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1973.
Chart-Topping Success and a Lasting Legacy
Flack continued to dominate the charts with hits like Killing Me Softly With His Song and Feel Like Makin’ Love, both of which became No. 1 hits. Her collaborations with Howard University classmate Donny Hathaway produced several beloved songs, but tragedy struck in 1979 when Hathaway died in what was ruled a suicide.
Despite the loss, Flack carried on, later teaming up with Peabo Bryson in 1980 for a successful run, including the 1983 hit Tonight, I Celebrate My Love. She remained active through the ’80s and ’90s, returning to the Top Ten in 1991 with Set the Night to Music, a duet with Maxi Priest.
Her music found a new audience in the mid-’90s when the Fugees, featuring Lauryn Hill, reimagined Killing Me Softly With His Song, making it a global sensation in 1996.
A Life of Influence Beyond Music
Flack’s impact extended beyond her own recordings. In 1999, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and later that year performed for South African President Nelson Mandela. In her later years, she dedicated herself to education, founding the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underprivileged students.
Though she faced health challenges, including a stroke in 2016 and hospitalization in 2018, Flack remained committed to performing. She made her final stage appearance in October 2018, singing at a Jazz Foundation of America event.
Tributes Pour in for a Musical Legend
Following her passing, fellow musicians and celebrities took to social media to honor Flack’s contributions to music. Singer-songwriter Carole King shared a heartfelt tribute, while Jennifer Hudson called her “one of the greatest soul singers of all time,” celebrating the legacy she leaves behind.
Roberta Flack’s voice may have been silenced, but her music continues to resonate across generations. Her ability to convey deep emotion through song ensures that her legacy will live on, inspiring artists and music lovers for years to come.
