Famed “Killing Me Softly” Soul Singer, Roberta Flack, Dead at 88

While once performing in the church choir, Roberta Flack watched her musical talents take her to new heights when she received a full music scholarship to Howard University. That was just the start surrounding the stardom of Flack. Eventually gaining the spotlight after being discovered in a nightclub, the singer landed hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” and most notably, “Killing Me Softly.” Those hits made her the first singer to win Record of the Year at the Grammys for two consecutive years. Holding a rich history in music, Flack sadly passed away at 88. 

Passing away on February 24th, a representative discussed how Flack was surrounded by family at the time. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

For years, Flack struggled with her health as she suffered a stroke and was even diagnosed with ALS in 2022. Retiring from the stage, Flack left behind a legacy that continues to entertain and inspire. Although thrilled about the success that followed “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”, she once told the Associated Press that the song’s popularity came from Clint Eastwood’s film Play Misty for Me. “The record label wanted to have it re-recorded with a faster tempo, but he said he wanted it exactly as it was. With the song as a theme song for his movie, it gained a lot of popularity and then took off.”

[RELATED: 50 Years Since Roberta Flack Turned the Don McLean-Inspired “Killing Me Softly with His Song” Into a Hit]

Roberta Flack Goes From Studio To Publishing

Outside of her time on stage, Flack also turned her life into a book for children. Having a background in teaching, the singer teamed up with Tonya Bolden to produce, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music.

Making yet another dream of hers a reality, Flack insisted, “I have long dreamed of telling my story to children about that first green piano that my father got for me from the junkyard in the hope that they would be inspired to reach for their dreams. I want them to know that dreams can come true with persistence, encouragement from family and friends, and most of all belief in yourself.”

While passing away, Flack’s contributions to the music industry and future performers continue to showcase the singer’s amazing talent and passion.

(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)