In a profound loss for the music world, the legendary singer Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88. Flack, known for her soulful classics such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” had been living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disease. Her publicists confirmed her death earlier today.
Born in 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was raised in a musical family before relocating to Arlington, Virginia, where she honed her talents singing in church and showcasing her exceptional piano skills. At just 15, she earned a scholarship to Howard University, becoming one of the youngest students in the institution’s history. During her time there, she served as assistant conductor of the university choir and even directed a production of Verdi’s famous opera Aida. Reflecting on her journey, Flack stated in a 2020 interview, “For the first three decades of my life, I lived in the world of classical music. I found in it wonderful melodies and harmonies that were the vehicles through which I could express myself.”
After completing her studies, Flack juggled a teaching career in public schools with night performances, first accompanying opera singers in Washington, D.C., following her father’s death. She gained prominence at a local club, Mr. Henry’s Restaurant, which caught the attention of record executives, leading to her first major recording contract.
Her debut album, released in 1969, showcased Flack’s unique blend of classical and gospel influences, establishing a signature sound that captivated audiences. Throughout her illustrious career, she released a series of groundbreaking albums filled with folk covers, Broadway songs, and original compositions. Flack’s approach combined meticulous musical structure with profound emotional depth, as she once described her classical training as a way to remain involved with music both “scientifically and soulfully.”
Launching her recording career at 32, Flack quickly became a musical icon, producing unforgettable hits that resonated deeply with fans. Her remarkable tracks, including “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” dominated the charts, earning her back-to-back Record of the Year Grammy Awards. Flack remains the only artist in history to achieve this landmark success.
