Roberta Flack, Grammy Legend Passes, Fans Send New Heartfelt Tribute
Grammy-winning soul singer Roberta Flack, renowned for her iconic rendition of romantic ballads such as ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song,’ has passed away at the age of 88.
What a powerful, synchronized, beautiful instrument you were…Thank you, #RobertaFlack. pic.twitter.com/htwkpXwkoD
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) February 24, 2025
Her death was confirmed by her publicist, Elaine Schock, in a statement to CNN. Flack passed away on Monday at her home, with her family by her side, after a long and courageous battle with health issues, including a diagnosis of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which she made public in late 2022.
The progressive disease had gradually robbed Flack of her ability to sing, and her representatives shared that it made it difficult for her to speak as well. Despite these physical challenges, Flack’s spirit and legacy endured, and she remained an inspiring figure until the end. Her manager, Suzanne Koga, reflected on her indomitable spirit, “The world has lost an incredible talent and a compassionate, groundbreaking woman.”
NEW YORK (AP) — Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer known for 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' and other intimate hits, dies at 88. pic.twitter.com/xoaSLbwlvd
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 24, 2025
Representatives for Flack expressed being “heartbroken” by her passing.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family,” Koga and Mikel Gilmore released in the statement. “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
Her contributions to music are unparalleled. She broke barriers in the music industry, becoming the first African American woman to win a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973 for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Over the course of her career, she earned numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. She was a beloved figure not only for her powerful voice and unique style but also for her deep commitment to activism and social justice. Flack was known for her involvement in causes that supported civil rights and education, particularly advocating for the arts in underserved communities.
Her legacy as both an artist and an activist is lasting, and her influence will continue to be felt for generations to come. Flack’s passing is a tremendous loss to the music world, but her music, activism, and spirit will forever live on.
