Grammy Award Winner Roberta Flack Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer and pianist, has passed away at the age of 88. The news of her death was confirmed by CBS on February 24, 2025.

Known for her soulful and intimate vocal style, Flack rose to fame in the 1970s with iconic hits such as “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Her voice and musical influence made her one of the most celebrated recording artists of her era.

A statement from her publicist revealed, “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.”

Though the cause of her death was not disclosed, it was known that Flack had been battling ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) since 2022.

Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia. Her musical journey began early, with her mother being a church organist. By the age of nine, she started playing the piano, and her talents were recognized when Howard University awarded her a full music scholarship.

Her career took off in the late 1960s, and Flack’s legacy as one of the greats in the music world will continue to resonate for years to come.