Roberta Flack, the Grammy Award-winning singer known for her timeless 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. Her legacy as one of the most soulful and expressive voices in music history will continue to inspire generations.
A Trailblazer in Music History
Roberta Flack made history by becoming the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in consecutive years. In 1973, her emotional rendition of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face took home the honor, followed by Killing Me Softly with His Song in 1974. Her ability to transform folk songs into deeply personal and soul-stirring masterpieces cemented her status as a legendary vocalist.
From Teacher to Global Icon
Before her rise to fame, Flack began her career as a school teacher. A voice teacher encouraged her to explore pop music, leading her to perform in Washington, DC clubs. One fateful night at Mr. Henry’s, jazz musician Les McCann discovered her talent. This pivotal moment launched her into the spotlight, eventually leading to the release of her debut album, First Take, in 1969.
Her breakthrough hit, The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, gained widespread recognition when Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film, Play Misty for Me. The song climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidified Flack’s reputation as a once-in-a-generation artist.
Battling Health Challenges
In 2022, Flack publicly revealed her ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) diagnosis, a condition that made it difficult for her to sing and speak. Despite these challenges, she remained an influential figure in the music industry, leaving behind an extraordinary body of work that continues to resonate worldwide.
The Defining Voice of a Generation
Flack’s career spanned multiple decades, marked by numerous collaborations and iconic hits. Her duets with artists like Donny Hathaway (Where Is the Love, The Closer I Get to You) and Peabo Bryson (Tonight, I Celebrate My Love) remain beloved classics.
She also ventured into jazz and soul, proving her versatility as an artist. Her voice was described as a “blessed instrument,” effortlessly blending emotion and technical skill to create unforgettable performances.
Essential Songs from Roberta Flack’s Career
Here are some of her most iconic tracks:
- The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1969)
- Compared to What (1969)
- Let It Be Me (1970)
- Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow (1971)
- Freedom Song (1971)
- Where Is the Love (with Donny Hathaway) (1972)
- Killing Me Softly with His Song (1973)
- Feel Like Makin’ Love (1974)
- The Closer I Get to You (with Donny Hathaway) (1977)
- Tonight I Celebrate My Love (with Peabo Bryson) (1983)
- Angel Eyes (1994)
A Lasting Legacy
Roberta Flack’s impact on music is immeasurable. With 14 Grammy nominations and five wins, including a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, she carved out a space in history as a voice that could evoke deep emotions and tell stories like no other.
Her contributions to music will forever be cherished, and her voice will continue to “kill us softly” for generations to come. Rest in peace, Roberta Flack. Your music lives on.