Roberta Flack Passes Away at 88; Here’s All You Need to Know About Killing Me Softly Singer’s Life and Career

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Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death. 

88-year-old music legend Roberta Flack, famous for hits like “Killing Me Softly with His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has sadly passed away. Her passing was confirmed by a representative who said she died tranquilly, in the presence of her loved ones, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

Yet, the statement failed to reveal what led to her demise. Over time, Flack’s health showed signs of instability. In 2016, she endured a stroke, and two years after that incident, she lost consciousness onstage during a performance and was subsequently wheeled off in a wheelchair.

In November 2022, it was revealed that the singer received a diagnosis for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), often known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – a serious neurological condition that led to her retirement from singing. Suzanne Koga, her manager, subsequently issued a statement detailing the gravity of her health situation.

Koga disclosed that the advanced illness was causing significant trouble for Flack in speaking, and it was even more challenging for him to sing.

1937 saw the birth of Flack in North Carolina, to a church organist for a family. Her love for music blossomed early, and at 15 years old, her extraordinary musical abilities earned her a scholarship to Howard University. Later on, her skills attracted the notice of jazz musician Les McCann, who facilitated her signing with Atlantic Records. There, she released The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, which skyrocketed to popularity almost instantly.

During the course of her professional life, Flack put out almost two dozen albums, achieved eight number one singles, and garnered multiple awards and praise, including four Grammys. In discussions, she often attributed her accomplishments to music, stating, “I owe everything 100% to music.”

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Throughout the span of her career, Flack produced almost two dozen albums, secured eight chart-leading hits, and was honored with a variety of awards and accolades, including four Grammy Awards. In interviews, she frequently acknowledged that music was the key to her success, asserting “I owe it all 100% to music.

Throughout her lengthy profession, she unwaveringly held onto her values and beliefs. As she expressed in an interview with The Washington Post, “I remain firm in my identity, and I see no reason nor necessity for me to alter myself just to fit in.

Flack is survived by her son, musician Bernard Wright.

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2025-02-24 19:38