4 hours ago
2 ARTICLE AD
RecommendedReads
The music world is mourning the loss of R&B singer Roberta Flack.
The iconic American singer known for her soulful, velvety voice and timeless hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.” Flack passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by her family.
ABstatement from her representatives, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025.”
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
With a career spanning over five decades, Flack’s music transcended genres, blending elements of soul, jazz, and folk to create a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide.
Her music was not only a reflection of her incredible talent but also a testament to her perseverance and dedication to her craft.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack’s rise to fame began in the 1960s, performing in Washington, D.C. clubs and eventually signing with Atlantic Records.
Her debut album, “First Take,” was released in 1969, featuring a blend of gospel, soul, flamenco, and jazz. The album’s success was fueled by the hit single “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which won the Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.
Throughout her illustrious career, Flack collaborated with renowned artists, including Donny Hathaway, Miles Davis, and Peabo Bryson.
Tributes have poured in from the music community, with Sean Ono Lennon, son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, describing Flack as “an incredibly kind woman” and “uniquely talented”.
Singer Jennifer Hudson hailed Flack as “one of the great soul singers of all time,” while veteran radio DJ Tony Blackburn remembered her as a talented artist who “gave us so many beautiful songs”.
