Iconic singer/songwriter Roberta Flack has passed away. She was 88-years of age.
On Monday (2.24,) a formal statement released by her representative read:
“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement began. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
After working as an educator, Flack launched her music career in 1969 with First Take, her debut full length that catapulted her into super stardom with the release of ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ that was featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 directorial debut, ‘Play Misty for Me.’
Following the massive success of ‘ … First Time …’ Flack followed up with her #1 charting ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song,’ which spent five weeks atop of the Billboard Hot 100.
Setting a never-before-achieved feat at the time, Roberta was the first artist to win Record of the Year at the Grammys in two consecutive years, and she also took home another Grammy for her 1972 chart-topping hit ‘Where Is the Love.’
In addition to the pop melodies of her compositions, a number of Flack’s songs tackled complex issues such as ‘Tryin’ Times,’ that addressed racial injustice, and ‘Ballad of the Sad Young Men,’ which dealt with the challenges faced by the LGBTQ community.
It was during the latter part of 2022, that Roberta’s manager announced the iconic songstress had been diagnosed with ALS that ultimately led to her retirement, and in a statement at the time, the singer’s manager said the disease had made it “impossible” for Flack to sing, adding that it was “not easy” for her to speak.
In 2016, Roberta Flack suffered a stroke, and though no specific cause of death has yet been announced, it was previously revealed that she had been battling amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Roland Godefroy