She was the prototype!
Roberta Flack’s voice was more than just sound—it was an experience. A force. A soft yet powerful storm that reshaped the landscape of R&B, pop, and soul music forever. On February 24, 2025, the legendary vocalist and pianist passed away at the age of 88, surrounded by her loved ones, Variety reports. Though she has transitioned, her music will forever sing in our hearts.
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning…She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator,” a statement from her rep reads.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began early. A child prodigy, she was inspired by Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. She mastered the piano and earned a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. While her classical training set the foundation, her soulful touch made her unforgettable. Before the world knew her name, she was an educator in D.C. Public Schools, getting her big break by playing at a nightclub called Mr. Henry’s in D.C.’s famed Capitol Hill neighborhood.
Her rise to fame came serendipitously when Clint Eastwood featured her hauntingly beautiful rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in his 1971 film Play Misty for Me. That two-year-old recording suddenly became a chart-topping sensation, winning her the Grammy for Record of the Year. And if one timeless classic wasn’t enough, she did it again the following year with Killing Me Softly With His Song, making history as the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year—an achievement unmatched until U2 repeated the feat nearly three decades later.
Flack’s voice was a warm embrace. Songs like Where Is the Love with Donny Hathaway and Feel Like Makin’ Love weren’t just hits—they were the soundtrack to love stories, heartbreaks, and quiet moments of reflection. Her duets with Hathaway remain among the most beloved in music history, a testament to their ethereal vocal chemistry. Even after his tragic passing, she carried their legacy forward, delivering music that resonated across generations.
Beyond her chart success, Flack’s impact was more profound. She was an artist who understood the power of storytelling. With every note, she conveyed emotion, depth, and truth. Her influence spanned decades, inspiring legends like Lauryn Hill, whose 1996 remake of Killing Me Softly with the Fugees introduced a new generation to Flack’s magic.
Though the world has lost a legend, we are left with a gift—music that transcends time, reminding us of love, loss, and life’s most intimate moments. Roberta Flack’s voice may have softly drifted away, but her songs will never stop singing.
Cover photo: Remembering Roberta Flack, Legendary Songstress, Educator, and Howard University Alumna/Photo credit: Michael N. Todaro/FilmMagic