R&B pioneer Roberta Flack (88) passes away, leaving a legacy in soul music

The music industry lost one of its most distinctive and soulful voices today.

Roberta Flack, the legendary singer whose tender melodies have serenaded generations, has passed away.

Roberta Flack's voice was a soothing balm, a gentle force that could stir the deepest emotions with just a few notes.

Roberta Flack's publicist confirmed the news of her passing, which left fans and music industry giants to mourn the loss of an irreplaceable talent.

Flack was 88 years old and succumbed after a valiant battle with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Born on 10 February 1937 in North Carolina, Flack's journey into music began early.

compressed-Roberta Flack.jpeg
Roberta Flack was a bonafide musician and educator. Image Credit: Britannica


She grew up in Virginia, where she started classical piano lessons at nine years old.

By the age of 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University in Washington, DC.

She honed her musical skills and became the assistant conductor of the university choir.


Tragedy struck with her father's passing in 1959, which prompted her return to North Carolina.

However, her passion for music drew her back to the scene.

A year after her homecoming, she embarked on a journey once again to be a music teacher in Washington, DC.

It was during this time that she began accompanying opera singers at the Tivoli Opera Restaurant in Georgetown, and she eventually started playing at various clubs in DC and a residency at Mr Henry's.

Flack's recording career began at the age of 32, which became a testament to her unwavering dedication to her craft.

Her breakthrough came when Clint Eastwood chose 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' as a part of his movie's soundtrack, Play Misty For Me.


'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' catapulted Roberta Flack to stardom.

She won her first Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973 with the said single.

The following year, her rendition of Lori Lieberman's 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' landed her another Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

These songs showcased Roberta Flack's unique blend of soul, jazz, and folk influences, which listeners worldwide loved.

Watch Roberta Flack's live performance of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song' here:

Source: Rhino/YouTube

In 2020, the Recording Academy recognised her remarkable contributions to music with a Lifetime Achievement Award—a fitting tribute to an artist who had given so much to the world.

Roberta Flack's legacy was not just limited to the records she broke or the awards she won; it was in the way her music captured a moment, a feeling, and a memory.

More than a groundbreaking artist, Roberta Flack was also a proud educator who understood the power of music to inspire and teach.
Key Takeaways

  • Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88 after a long battle with ALS.
  • She was celebrated for timeless songs such as 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face' and her rendition of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song'.
  • Flack was a boundary-breaking artist and a proud educator, with her music career beginning after years of classical studies and teaching.
  • She was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement award by the Recording Academy in 2020.
Roberta Flack's music will continue to resonate, as it is a timeless reminder of her talent, grace, and the gentle power of song.

Let us come together to celebrate the life and artistry of a woman who, through her music, will forever be 'killing us softly'.
 

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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) appears to be a relative of multiple sclerosis and homocystinuria with their similar symptoms and both hereditary.

I had an ex who suffered from both MS and homocystinuria.
Such a cruel disease, known as MND here. A childhood friend of mine lost her daughter in her mid 40s to it.
 
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Reactions: Veggiepatch
So sorry she has gone. "The First time Ever" kept me entranced for many, many weeks when I was young, and I have never forgotten the effect it had on me. Sorry too, to hear of the dreadful disease which attacked her.
 
I will never forget hearing her sing "The first time ever I saw your face" back in the late 60s, and was blown away by her voice, that song and the emotions it engendered. RIP 💔
 
A great loss to the world. I loved her music and voice. Unfortunately talent like hers is rarely seen in these modern days.
 
What an Amazing voice she had.
I doubt there isn't anyone who hasn't heard her song Killing me softly.

Roberta Flack is definitely in the female Legends Club

RIP 🙏 and thank you for the Great Music


Wow ..... who can ever forget the film "Play Misty for Me" whenever you hear this song ..... ❤️ R.I.P. Roberta Flack ....
 
Another legendary singer has gone but she has left us with wonderful memories of her brilliant songs.
 
Loved all the lady's of songs in there heyday, and still do,Dionne Warwick, Dianna Ross, Roberta and many more. They don't make singers or songs like they did anymore. ❤️ 🌹.

I watched Dionne Warwick with my mum live a few weeks ago. Truly an amazing vocalist. 🙏
 

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