(FreePressBeacon.com) – Roberta Flack, a legendary force in music, has passed away at 88, leaving behind a legacy that transcends time and genre.
See the tweet below!
Known for her soulful hits and evocative performances, her impact on the musical landscape endures.
As the world mourns, fans remember the profound, emotional connections she forged through her songs.
On February 24, 2025, the world said farewell to Roberta Flack, the iconic singer behind timeless numbers like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
Her career, spanning decades, marked a journey filled with rich melodies and heartfelt lyrics that touched generation after generation.
From humble beginnings in Black Mountain, N.C., Flack’s gift for music became apparent at an astonishingly young age.
Discovered while she was teaching music by day and performing in a Washington, D.C. nightclub at night, Flack’s rise to fame was nothing short of extraordinary.
Her collaboration with Donny Hathaway produced chart-topping hits, cementing her status as a musical giant.
Despite her success, she often found herself undervalued by mainstream institutions.
Diagnosed with ALS in 2022, Flack’s singing ability was tragically affected, yet her passion for music never waned.
She continued to inspire from behind the scenes, producing under the pseudonym Rubina Flake.
Roberta’s devotion to her craft and dedication to living out her ideals left an indelible mark on music history.
“I don’t want to be just the standard kind of commercial artist. The thing that really makes you successful is your dedication to your art,” Flack once said, cited by The LA Times.
A trailblazer for artists to come, Flack received the Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020, a recognition she richly deserved.
Her influence extended to artists like Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys, and her work often focused on themes of civil rights, storytelling, and genuine love.
Her 25-album discography and outstanding achievements, including four Grammys, remain a testament to her artistry.
Beyond her records, she engaged with projects like a children’s book and a documentary, emphasizing her lifelong love for education and music.
As we remember her today, her legacy remains alive in the countless artists following in her footsteps. Her belief in transcending genres and eras forever changed the American songbook.
“What I consider myself is a soulful singer, in that I try to sing with all the feeling that I have in my body and my mind. A person with true soul is one who can take anybody’s song and transcend all the flaws, the technique and just make you listen,” Flack once said.
Grammy-winning singer and legend, Roberta Flack, dies at the age of 88 🙏🏾🕊️
Known for classics like, 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' 'Killing Me Softly With His Song,' plus much more, her impact spans across the genres of Soul, R&B, Pop and beyond.
A true display and… pic.twitter.com/N4tAp2lykh
— Okayplayer (@okayplayer) February 24, 2025
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