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Roberta Flack: The Voice Behind “Killing Me Softly”
Roberta Flack, the renowned singer best known for her soulful renditions of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has passed away at the age of 88. She died peacefully at her home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family.
Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack’s musical journey began early, influenced by gospel music and classical training. She attended Howard University on a full music scholarship and initially pursued a career in education before transitioning to professional music.
Flack’s breakthrough came with her 1972 hit, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which earned her a Grammy Award and topped the charts. She made history by winning the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years: for “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1973 and “Killing Me Softly with His Song” in 1974.
In 2022, Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which led her to retire from performing. Despite her health challenges, her legacy as a pioneering artist in soul and R&B music remains influential.