Roberta Flack, Legendary Singer of “Killing Me Softly,” Dies at 88

The music world has lost one of its most iconic voices. Roberta Flack, the legendary American singer and pianist known for hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has passed away at the age of 88. The news was confirmed by her representatives on Friday (24), though the cause of death was not disclosed. The artist leaves behind an immortal legacy in music history, with a career that spanned decades and influenced generations.

Born on February 10, 1937, in Asheville, North Carolina, Roberta Flack began playing the piano as a child and quickly stood out for her exceptional talent. With a degree in music, she started her career as a teacher before becoming a professional singer in the 1960s. Her unique style, blending soul, jazz, and R&B, won over audiences and critics alike, cementing her as one of the greatest interpreters of her generation.

International success came in the early 1970s with the song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973. That same year, Flack repeated the feat with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” one of the greatest classics in pop music, later famously covered by the group Fugees in 1996. Throughout her career, Roberta Flack won four Grammy Awards and received numerous nominations, solidifying her status as one of the most awarded artists in history.

Beyond her powerful and emotive voice, Roberta Flack was known for her activism and commitment to social causes. She used her platform to advocate for civil rights and racial equality, becoming an important voice in the fight for justice and inclusion. Her music, often filled with poetry and sensitivity, touched on profound and universal themes such as love, loss, and hope.

The news of her death sparked a wave of tributes on social media and across the music industry. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Alicia Keys have publicly expressed their admiration for Roberta Flack, highlighting her influence and pioneering role in the music industry. “Roberta Flack was a true legend. Her voice and her music will continue to inspire millions of people around the world,” wrote a fan on social media.

Roberta Flack leaves a legacy that goes beyond her songs. She was an artist who knew how to blend technique and emotion, creating works that stand the test of time and continue to move listeners of all ages. Her death marks the end of an era, but her music will remain alive, echoing in playlists, radios, and hearts around the world.

As the world says goodbye to Roberta Flack, her soft yet powerful voice continues to play, reminding everyone of the transformative power of music and art. She is gone, but her legacy is eternal.