Singer Roberta Flack – famous for her love song “Killing Me Softly With His Song” – has died at the age of 88.

Roberta Flack performing “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in 1973. Video: YouTube Rhino

According to CNN , the singer’s representative announced that she passed away surrounded by her family at her home on February 24, without disclosing the cause. In recent years, the famous singer had many health problems, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) which was discovered in August 2022. The condition became increasingly severe, making it impossible for her to sing as before.

Many artists posted tributes on social media. Actress Jennifer Hudson wrote: “So sad to hear. She was one of the greatest voices in soul music. Rest in peace, Mrs. Flack. Her musical legacy will live on forever.”

Singer Kelly Rowland said her “heart sank” when she heard the news. She wrote on X : “Our beloved Roberta has left this world with such beauty. Thank you for your gentle and graceful gift. Thank you for being part of the soundtrack to some of my most tender moments. I am eternally grateful.”

Singer Roberta Flack at a concert in Calvia in 2006. Photo: Reuters

Roberta Flack, born in 1937 in North Carolina, is one of the greatest soul and R&B singers of all time. Her mother was an organist in her church choir, so she was exposed to classical music early. The singer began studying piano at the age of nine and received a full scholarship to study music at Howard University at the age of 15. She was one of the youngest students in the school’s history.

In 1958, Flack graduated with a bachelor’s degree in music education and worked as a music teacher for a while. She wanted to be an opera singer but found the genre unwelcoming in the 1960s. “One of the problems with being a black female singer is that people are always pushing you to sing soul music,” she said in a 1975 interview with Time .

In addition to teaching, Roberta Flack sang in nightclubs every evening and on weekends. Gradually, she was invited to perform at many stages in Washington DC. In 1968, jazz musician Les McCann discovered Flack’s talent and invited her to audition for Atlantic Records – where she recorded more than 40 songs in three hours. Speaking to Philadelphia Weekly more than 10 years later, the singer said she was both nervous and happy at the time. “It was a completely new experience and I probably sang too much at that time,” she told the news agency.

Roberta Flack’s debut album, First Take , was released in 1969. However, her name entered the ranks of stars after The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – a ballad from the album – appeared in the Clint Eastwood film Play Misty for Me in 1971. A year later, the song topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for six weeks, winning Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 1973 Grammys. She also won Best Collaboration for her duet with Donny Hathaway on Where Is the Love .

Also in 1973, Roberta Flack continued to make waves when she released the album Killing Me Softly , making her mark with the title song Killing Me Softly With His Song . The song dominated the Billboard charts for five weeks, bringing her two awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance at the 1974 Grammy Awards. Throughout her career, the singer was nominated for 14 Grammys, winning five trophies including the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Singer Roberta Flack at the 1974 Grammy Awards. Photo: AP

She also covered songs by other artists such as Leonard Cohen and The Beatles. For her fifth solo album, Feel Like Makin’ Love , the singer took on the role of producer – a position usually held by men in the music industry – and called herself Rubina Flake. CNN noted that she left a strong legacy as one of the defining voices of the previous generation – both as a cover artist and a talented songwriter.

Although her repertoire is largely love songs, the artist is not afraid to address social issues. She has written about racial injustice in Tryin’ Times (1969), social and economic inequality in Compared to What (1969), and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in Ballad of the Sad Young Men (1969). In addition, Roberta Flack is a philanthropist, having established a foundation to support education and animal protection. During the Covid-19 period, she helped raise funds for the Feed The Children organization and participated in activities to raise awareness about the epidemic.

Roberta Flack’s music has inspired many young artists such as Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande, Lizzo, Lauryn Hill and the Fugees. The Guardian commented that she has an elegant style, a voice that conquers all genres and the ability to fully convey the ups and downs of love.

In her personal life, the singer married jazz musician Steve Novosel in 1966, divorced in 1972, and had no children. According to Times Now , she was single before her death.