Roberta Flack, Who Won 5 Grammys and Released 20 Albums, Has Died at 88

Nationwide — Roberta Flack, the iconic singer, songwriter, and pianist who won five Grammy Awards and released over 20 albums, has passed away at the age of 88. Best known for timeless classics like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song, Flack’s unique ability to blend soul, jazz, and R&B made her one of the most celebrated artists of her time. Her contributions to music, both as a performer and an advocate for the arts, solidified her place as a cultural trailblazer whose influence will endure for generations.

Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on February 10, 1937, Roberta Flack demonstrated exceptional musical talent from an early age, earning a scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Though classically trained as a pianist, she found her true calling in jazz and R&B, seamlessly blending genres with an elegance that captivated listeners. She was discovered while performing in a Washington, D.C., nightclub, leading to her groundbreaking debut album, First Take (1969), which soared to fame after The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face was featured in Clint Eastwood’s Play Misty for Me.

Flack’s career was marked by historic achievements, including her unprecedented back-to-back Grammy wins for Record of the Year with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1973) and Killing Me Softly with His Song (1974). She also won Best Pop Vocal Performance for Killing Me Softly and a Grammy for Where Is the Love, her duet with Donny Hathaway. In 2020, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing her decades-long impact on the industry. With more than 20 albums to her name, including Killing Me Softly (1973) and Feel Like Makin’ Love (1975), she consistently pushed musical boundaries while staying true to her soulful roots.

Beyond her commercial success, Flack was a dedicated advocate for education and the arts. She devoted much of her time to supporting young musicians, launching initiatives to provide music education in underserved communities. As a Black woman who broke barriers in the music industry, she served as an inspiration for countless artists, from Lauryn Hill to Alicia Keys, proving that true artistry knows no boundaries.

In recent years, Flack faced health challenges, including a diagnosis of ALS, which prevented her from continuing public performances. Despite this, she remained a beloved figure in the industry, receiving tributes from artists and institutions who honored her contributions to music and culture. Her legacy extends far beyond the songs she sang—her voice was a force of change, love, and empowerment.

As the world mourns the passing of Roberta Flack, her music will continue to inspire and move generations to come. Her ability to tell profound stories through song, combined with her unmatched talent and dedication to her craft, ensures that her legacy will never fade. She may be gone, but her voice will forever echo in the hearts of those who were touched by her music.