Roberta Flack, Legendary R&B Singer, Passes Away at 88

Roberta Flack, the iconic R&B and jazz vocalist renowned for her heartfelt ballads, has died at 88, leaving a profound mark on the music industry and the hearts of her fans.

In a poignant message, representatives confirmed the news of Flack's passing, stating, "We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family." Flack, who had been battling motor neurone disease since 2022, touched the lives of many through her powerful music and dedication to education.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack began her career as a classical pianist before transitioning to vocals. Her breakthrough came in her 30s when her rendition of Ewan MacColl's **“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”** gained international acclaim after being featured in Clint Eastwood's 1971 film, **Play Misty For Me**. This track won the Grammy for Song of the Year, a feat she would replicate the following year with her rendition of **“Killing Me Softly With His Song.”**

Flack continued to enchant listeners with hits like **“Feel Like Makin’ Love”** in 1974 but later shifted her focus to recording and philanthropy. Throughout her illustrious career, she collaborated with notable artists such as Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis and even released an album featuring Beatles covers in 2012.

Flack's contributions to music earned her a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys in 2020, and she reflected on this honor with gratitude, saying, **“It’s a tremendous and overwhelming honour. I’ve tried my entire career to tell stories through my music. This award is a validation to me that my peers heard my thoughts and took in what I have tried to give.”** Her legacy as a boundary-breaking artist and a cherished educator will forever resonate in the hearts of music lovers around the world.