By michael vivar
The world of music suffered a crushing blow with the death of legendary singer/pianist Roberta Flack. She passed on Feb 24, 2025 at the age of 88 after battling ALS.
She was born in 1937 in Farmville, NC, and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was an inspiration as a church organist who taught Flack piano.
While the future icon accompanied her church choir performing traditional hymns and spirituals, her interest was also piqued by contemporary gospel artists like Mahalia Jackson.
The precocious Flack continued to excel at the piano. Her singular talent won her a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15.
She spent years as a sought-after accompanist in classical and jazz circles. She had her breakout single in 1972, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," which won a Grammy.
She didn't rest on her laurels. The following year came the hit album, Killing Me Softly. In 1974, the rising starlet won another Grammy performing, "Killing Me Softly With His Song."
1975 rounded out a triple crown of success. Her single, "Feel Like Makin' Love," earned the songbird a Grammy nomination for Best Female Pop Performer.
Flack worked consistently through the late 2010s, notably collaborating with Peabo Bryson on the chart-topping duet, "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love."
Roberta Flack influenced younger generations of Black artists. She found a resurgence when The Fugees covered, "Killing Me Softly" to massive acclaim and popularity.
Her full life was also highlighted by activism as a booster for the South African anti-apartheid movement and spokesperson for the ASPCA.
RIP Roberta Flack, music icon.