The world mourns the loss of Roberta Flack, the legendary Grammy-winning singer known for her timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly.”
Roberta Cleopatra Flack (February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025)/Image Wikimedia
The world has lost the unforgettable voice of the late Roberta Flack, who has passed away, as confirmed by multiple news sources. Her timeless hit “Killing Me Softly” struck a chord with romantics everywhere, making her a beloved figure in the global music community.
The Grammy-winning singer and pianist, celebrated for her distinct vocal style and musical talent, gifted us classics like “Killing Me Softly,” “Where Is the Love,” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Flack died at the age of 88, according to her publicist, Elaine Schock. She was at home, surrounded by family, when she passed. In 2022, Flack revealed her diagnosis of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, which had sadly taken her ability to sing.
A close friend of mine recently performed a rendition of one of her songs at karaoke and won first place, and has since moved to California to pursue a career in acting and singing. While Roberta Flack may not have been my personal favorite soul singer, there’s no denying her incredible talent and influence. She was a powerhouse in the music industry, adored by many, and collaborated with numerous artists throughout her illustrious career.
Here is what Blackdoctor.org has to say:
Little known before her early 30s, Flack became an overnight star after Clint Eastwood used “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” as the soundtrack for one of cinema’s more memorable and explicit love scenes, between the actor and Donna Mills in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.” The hushed, hymn-like ballad, with Flack’s graceful soprano afloat on a bed of soft strings and piano, topped the Billboard pop chart in 1972 and received a Grammy for record of the year.
Flack reached her peak with the 1974 pop and R&B smash “Where Is the Love,” which claimed the apex of both charts. The Associated Press reported the song topped the Billboard pop chart in 1972 and received a Grammy for record of the year. In 1973, Flack matched both achievements with “Killing Me Softly,” becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for best record.
In all, Flack’s smooth and sultry vocals made her one of the top recordings artists of the 1970s and an influential performer long after. Her singing style brought her six top-10 pop hits and 10 top-10 R&B singles, some of them in partnership with vocalist Donny Hathaway.
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Roberta Flack is known for her soulful voice and timeless hits. Here are some of her top songs:
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” – This iconic track, released in 1973, became one of her signature songs and won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” – Released in 1972, this song showcased her incredible vocal range and emotional delivery, earning her a Grammy for Record of the Year.
“Feel Like Makin’ Love” – A smooth and romantic ballad from 1975 that became one of her most popular songs.
“Where Is the Love” – A duet with Donny Hathaway, this song from 1972 explores themes of love and social issues.
“Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” – A romantic duet with Peabo Bryson, released in 1983, that highlights their vocal chemistry.
“Don’t Make Me Wait Too Long” – A popular track from her 1979 album “Roberta”.
“Back Together Again” – Another collaboration with Donny Hathaway, this song from 1972 is a soulful love duet.
“The Closer I Get to You” – A beautiful duet with Donny Hathaway, it was released in 1977 and is celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics.
“Jesse” – A hit from 1983, this song showcases her ability to convey deep emotion through her singing.
“The Love You Save” – A soulful track from her 1978 album “Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway”.
Roberta Flack’s music continues to resonate with fans around the world, showcasing her significant impact on the music industry.
Rest in peace, Robert Flack! We are blessed to have your music to carry us on.
Keyword: Roberta Flack, obituary, music legend, soul singer, Grammy winner, ALS, Killing Me Softly, music career, impact on music, musical legacy
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Disclaimer on image: This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published in the United States between 1930 and 1977, inclusive, without a copyright notice.
