In what would become her final post, Roberta Flack paid tribute to a fellow singer, expressing gratitude and admiration. Two days later, the world lost the voice behind some of music’s most timeless ballads.
The music world is mourning the loss of Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for timeless ballads like “Killing Me Softly.” Flack passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, February 24, at her home, surrounded by family, according to her publicist, Elaine Schock.
Roberta Flack attends Black Girls Rock! 2017 backstage at NJPAC on August 5, 2017, in Newark, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images
Her death follows years of health challenges, including a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive condition that was publicly revealed in late 2022. The disease, often called Lou Gehrig’s disease, had taken away her ability to sing.
Just two days before her passing, Flack shared a heartfelt post on social media. She posted a short clip of Celine Dion performing her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.”
In the caption, she expressed gratitude, saying she was “touched and thrilled” by the tribute. She thanked Dion for her “love” and praised her for adding a “luminous shine” to the song.
Flack’s influence stretched beyond music, as she was also known for her collaborations and social activism. Her voice may have been silenced by illness, but her legacy continues to resonate through her songs.
Roberta Flack plays piano at a tribute concert for Joel Dorn at Lincoln Center, New York City, on August 13, 2008 | Source: Getty Images
Several public figures have expressed shock over Flack’s passing, with many sharing tributes online. Questlove, drummer and record producer, honored the late singer with a heartfelt post. He shared a throwback photo of Flack and wrote, “Thank You Roberta Flack,” before adding, “Rest In Melody.”
Singer Jennifer Hudson also honored Flack, “So sad to hear of Roberta Flack’s passing. One of the great soul singers of all time. Rest well, Ms. Flack. Your legacy lives on!!!”
Reverend Al Sharpton, a Baptist minister and civil rights activist, expressed his grief, “I’m deeply saddened by the passing of the legendary #RobertaFlack, one of the greatest musicians and vocalists of all time.”
Roberta Flack in the press room at the 52nd GRAMMY Awards at Staples Center, Los Angeles, on January 31, 2010 | Source: Getty Images
Sharpton reflected on Flack’s lasting influence, describing how her voice and music became a cornerstone of American culture, bringing depth and meaning to generations. He highlighted her impact extended beyond her artistry, recognizing her as a devoted activist and freedom fighter.
Al Sharpton and Roberta Flack at the “Lennon” Broadway opening at the Broadhurst Theatre, New York City, on August 14, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
Sharpton recalled first meeting Flack at age 12 during a rally for Operation Breadbasket, where she actively supported the movement and Rev. Jesse Jackson. He also noted her long-standing commitment to social justice, mentioning her 25-year friendship with the National Action Network and her consistent advocacy for civil rights.
Roberta Flack shows her support during Al Sharpton’s speech at a community event, posted on February 24, 2025 | Source: Instagram/real_sharpton
He also posted photos capturing their moments together at various events over the years. In one image, Flack—wearing sunglasses and a black headscarf—warmly engages with Sharpton and other attendees, reflecting her enduring spirit and strong community ties.
Roberta Flack, wearing sunglasses and a black headscarf, shares a moment with Al Sharpton and others at a public event, posted on February 24, 2025 | Source: Instagram/real_sharpton
Another photo features Sharpton standing beside a large cake at a celebratory event, surrounded by friends and supporters, emphasizing Flack’s deep connection to social movements and activism.
Al Sharpton stands beside a celebratory cake at an event honoring community leaders, surrounded by friends including Roberta Flack, posted on February 24, 2025 | Source: Instagram/real_sharpton
Sharpton concluded his post, “May she rest in peace and power. Her music will live on forever❤️🕊️.”
Remarkably, Flack had just celebrated her 88th birthday earlier this month. She took to Facebook to thank her fans for their warm wishes, expressing her gratitude and optimism for another year filled with love, music, and joy.
The post featured a historic photo of Flack performing at the piano, alongside an image of a museum tribute showcasing her grand piano, a vibrant stage outfit, and a screen playing one of her iconic performances—a visual testament to her lasting legacy.
Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, to Irene Council and Laron LeRoy Flack. However, she spent most of her childhood in Arlington, Virginia. Her musical journey began early—she started piano lessons at age nine and displayed exceptional talent.
By 15, she had earned a scholarship to Howard University, where she pursued a degree in music education, graduating in 1958.
Flack’s career cemented her as one of the defining voices of her generation. She was celebrated not only for her ability to interpret songs but also for her original compositions. Her catalog of hits spanned decades, earning her widespread recognition and numerous accolades.
Over the years, she received 14 Grammy nominations and won five, including back-to-back Record of the Year awards. In 2020, her contributions to music were honored with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, further solidifying her legacy.
Before she became a star, Flack spent time teaching music and initially aspired to pursue a career in classical music. However, the genre in the 1960s was not particularly welcoming to Black female musicians. She once revealed that people often tried to box her into soul music, limiting her artistic freedom.
Encouraged by a voice teacher to explore pop music instead, Flack began performing in Washington, D.C. clubs at night. Her breakthrough came at Mr. Henry’s, a local venue where jazz musician Les McCann discovered her.
He arranged an audition with Atlantic Records, and Flack seized the opportunity—performing more than 40 songs over three hours. Reflecting on that moment years later, she admitted she may have sung too many songs but recalled being overwhelmed with excitement.
Roberta Flack onstage at Madison Square Garden for the Atlantic Records 40th anniversary concert, New York, New York, May 14, 1988 | Source: Getty Images
She released her debut album, “First Take,” in 1969. Among its tracks was “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” a folk song written by Ewan MacColl. Though initially a lesser-known recording, the song found new life when Clint Eastwood featured it in his 1971 film “Play Misty for Me.”
The exposure propelled it to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 the following year, where it held the No. 1 spot for six weeks. In 1973, the song earned Flack her first Grammy for Record of the Year, marking the beginning of a legendary career.
Her impact extended far beyond her recordings. Flack’s influence shaped generations of artists, inspiring Lauryn Hill and the Fugees, whose 1996 version of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” became a massive hit.
Flack’s musical legacy can also be heard in the work of contemporary stars like Lizzo, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande—proof that her voice, though now silent, continues to resonate through time.
