Legendary Singer Roberta Flack Has Died at 88 After ALS Battle

Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for her soulful voice and timeless ballads like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” died on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. She passed away after a long battle with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a progressive neurodegenerative disease that had limited her ability to sing in recent years.

Flack’s death marks the loss of one of the most influential vocalists in modern music. Her distinctive voice, emotional delivery, and elegant musical style left a lasting impact on soul, pop, and R&B across several generations.

Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack was a gifted pianist who began her musical journey through classical training. She earned a music scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, becoming one of the youngest students to ever enroll there.

Flack first rose to fame in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Her breakthrough came with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which became a No. 1 hit after being featured in the 1971 film Play Misty for Me. The song won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1973 and catapulted her into the spotlight.

Her next major success, “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” became her signature track and won two Grammys in 1974, including Record of the Year. The song later found new life through covers and samples, particularly by The Fugees in the 1990s, introducing her artistry to a new audience.

Flack’s career was defined by her emotive ballads, musical precision, and collaborations with artists like Donny Hathaway, with whom she recorded several duets including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.” Their partnership remains one of the most celebrated in soul music history.

Beyond music, Flack made occasional appearances in film and television and was deeply involved in music education. She established The Roberta Flack Foundation, which focused on promoting the arts among children and underserved communities.

In 2022, it was publicly revealed that she had been diagnosed with ALS, a condition that eventually made it impossible for her to sing. Despite her declining health, Flack remained engaged in creative work and oversaw several archival and legacy projects to preserve her music.

Tributes to Flack have come from artists across genres and generations. Musicians, fans, and cultural institutions have praised her for her artistry, grace, and contributions to music history.

Roberta Flack is survived by her family and close loved ones. A memorial celebration of her life and music is expected to be held in the coming weeks.

She leaves behind a powerful legacy of love, vulnerability, and beauty through song—music that continues to comfort, inspire, and resonate around the world.