Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack has died at 88. Known for hits like *Killing Me Softly*, she shaped 1970s music with her intimate style

Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist renowned for her soulful voice and timeless hits, has died at the age of 88.

The Grammy-winning artist, best known for *Killing Me Softly with His Song* and *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face*, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025.

CBS confirmed her passing, while a statement from her publicist expressed deep sorrow over the loss. “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,” the statement read.

Although the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, Flack had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2022. The disease had significantly impacted her ability to sing and perform.

**A Legacy of Music and Influence**

Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia.

Her musical journey began at an early age, influenced by her mother, a church organist. She sang in various churches and started playing piano at just nine years old.

Her prodigious talent earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University at only 15, making her one of the youngest students to attend the prestigious institution.

After graduating at 19, Flack taught music in Washington, D.C., while pursuing a career as a performer. She sang in clubs during evenings and weekends, often accompanying opera singers on the piano.

Under the mentorship of her voice teacher, Frederick “Wilkie” Wilkerson, she transitioned to a more contemporary style, blending blues, folk, and pop.

Her big break came in 1968 when she began performing at Mr. Henry’s, a popular restaurant on Capitol Hill.

Her deep, emotive voice and masterful piano skills quickly gained attention, leading to a record deal and an illustrious career that spanned decades.

Flack’s unique ability to blend genres and convey deep emotion through her music made her one of the most celebrated artists of the 1970s and beyond.