R&B, Pop Legend Roberta Flack Dies at the Age of 88
By Mona Austin
(TSN): Something remarkable happened at the White House Kennedy Center Honors ceremony last December before then President Joe Biden entered the room. A military ensemble was playing a jazzy interpretation of an R&B classic. Suddenly as if on cue, the room was filled with guests softly singing the familiar hook of the song, followed by sputters of knowing giggles: "Killing me softly with his song, killing me softly..."
In a space where visitors are instinctively reserved, the beautiful song made listeners untamed for a moment, bound by mutual appreciation for the music of Robert Flack. The Grammy winning "Killing Me Softly" topped the Billboard charts in 1973 and remained at the top of music lovers' minds for 50 years after. The inability to resist engaging with the tune is a testament to the significance of Roberta Flack's artistry and legacy in music.
Flack died on Monday at the age of 88.
"We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement from her rep Elainee Schock reads.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
The singer was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 and stopped performing,
Born on Feb 10, 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was a classically trained pianist who became a music professor at Temple University. Her parents wwre bith musicians. She Learned to play piano on a restored piano in Arlingto, VA where she was raised. Flack earned a full music scholarship to Howard University. She was discovered at the DC jazz club Mr. Henry's by musician Les McCann and signed to Atlantic Records in 1968.
While in her 30s the artist got a jolt that made her and overnight success. Clint Eastwood used “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” as the theme for the 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” Her song became popular by being featured in a big love scene.
Roberta Flack's effortless savory tone distinctly cradled melodies, making her voice instantly recognizable on some of the most memorable ballads recorded. Using a style that tended to be mid-tempo or slow and guided, Flack seemed to deliberately work to cause listeners to reflect on her words. In the 70s her career climaxed with six top 10 pop hits and ten top 10 R&B singles. Among them were duets with the late Donny Hathaway -- "Where Is the Love" and "The Closer I Get to You." But her music was embraced long after. In her best work, love was always the subject. "Feel Like Making Love " another number one single was a direct reflection of her passions. The moderately successful album Oasis, recorded in 1988 brought us the hit "You Know What It's Like" and garnered jazz air play.
She recorded her last album in 2012 entitled "Let It Be Roberta.'