Roberta Flack: Legendary Singer and Songwriter Leaves Lasting Legacy

Image credits: Harold Filan/AP

Roberta Flack, the renowned American singer and musician, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music and activism that continues to inspire generations. With a career spanning over five decades, Flack's unique voice and style have become synonymous with the soul and R&B genres. Her classic hits, such as "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Killing Me Softly With His Song," and "Feel Like Makin' Love," have become an integral part of music history.

Flack's journey to stardom began at a young age, with her taking up the piano and earning a music scholarship to Howard University at just 15. She was discovered by jazz musician Les McCann while playing clubs in Washington and signed with Atlantic Records at the age of 32. Her big break came when Clint Eastwood used her romantic ballad "The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face" on the soundtrack of his 1971 movie "Play Misty for Me." The song earned her the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1972, a prize she won again the following year for "Killing Me Softly With His Song," making her the first artist to win the honor two years in a row.

Some of Roberta Flack's notable works include:

• "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" (1972)
• "Killing Me Softly With His Song" (1973)
• "Feel Like Makin' Love" (1974)

Flack's influence extends beyond her music, as she was a prominent figure in the mid-20th century's social movements. She was friends with Reverend Jesse Jackson and activist Angela Davis and sang at the funeral of baseball icon Jackie Robinson. Her music and message of love and positivity continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike.

Flack's legacy has been recognized with numerous awards and accolades, including a lifetime achievement honor from the Recording Academy in 2020. Her music has also been rediscovered by new audiences, with a remixed rendition of "Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees, featuring Lauryn Hill, reaching the top of the charts worldwide in 1996. As a testament to her enduring impact, Flack's music remains a staple of soul and R&B playlists, with her timeless classics continuing to evoke emotions and inspire new artists.

Roberta Flack's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the music industry and beyond. Her legacy serves as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and inspire positive change. As we remember her life and career, we are also reminded of the importance of preserving and celebrating the history of soul and R&B music, and the contributions of pioneers like Roberta Flack who have helped shape the genre into what it is today.

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