Legendary Singer Roberta Flack Passes Away at 88
Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning soul and R&B icon known for timeless hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” passed away on Monday at the age of 88. Her representative, Elaine Schock, confirmed that the celebrated artist died of cardiac arrest.
“Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator,” a statement announcing her passing read, highlighting her profound influence on music and beyond.
A Musical Legacy That Defined Generations
Flack’s impact on the music industry was immense. In 2022, she was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that ultimately took away her ability to sing. At the time, her representative stated that the condition had made singing “impossible” and speaking difficult, marking a heartbreaking moment for fans worldwide.
Journalist Mikal Gilmore, reflecting on Flack’s legacy, described her voice as one that could “electrify the soul” despite its soft and measured delivery. “She sang reveries as much as exclamations, and yet her stillness electrified the soul,” he wrote. He also noted that her distinctive style helped shape what became known as “quiet storm,” a genre of smooth, jazz-infused R&B.
“If Roberta Flack was unlike singers who came before her, there were many who would emulate her in her wake. In fact, her influence has never stopped reverberating,” Gilmore added.
From Classical Prodigy to Global Superstar
Born February 10, 1939, in Asheville, North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began with classical piano. A gifted child, she played in her church choir and earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, where she studied classical music. Unlike the gospel-rich sound of many of her R&B peers, Flack’s early influences leaned toward the compositions of Handel and Bach, which shaped her refined, emotive musical approach.
“For the first three decades of my life, I lived in the world of classical music,” Flack shared in a 2020 interview with NPR. “I found in it wonderful melodies and harmonies that were the vehicles through which I could express myself.”
Her academic journey was cut short when her father’s passing forced her to leave school and pursue a teaching career in North Carolina. However, music remained her true calling. She began performing at jazz clubs in Washington, D.C., where her talent quickly attracted the attention of industry legends like Burt Bacharach and Johnny Mathis.
A Swift Rise to Stardom
By her early thirties, Flack had secured a record deal with Atlantic Records, which led to the release of her debut album, First Take, in 1969. Recorded in just 10 hours at Atlantic Studios in New York, the album showcased her exceptional ability to interpret a diverse range of songs.
Among its standout tracks was “Compared to What,” a powerful protest anthem written by her close collaborator Gene McDaniels, and “Angelitos Negros,” a haunting ballad originally composed for a 1948 Mexican film. She also delivered what many consider to be the definitive version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hey, That’s No Way to Say Goodbye.”
Her breakthrough came when “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song became a No. 1 hit, earning Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and propelling her into superstardom.
A Lasting Influence
Flack’s music transcended generations, inspiring countless artists with her emotional depth, masterful musicianship, and storytelling prowess. Her influence shaped the careers of Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill, and countless other vocalists who admired her smooth, soul-stirring style.
Even after ALS took her ability to sing, Flack’s legacy remained untouchable. Her groundbreaking contributions to music, education, and cultural expression ensured that she would forever be remembered as one of the greatest voices in history.
Roberta Flack’s voice may have fallen silent, but her music will continue to resonate for generations to come.
