Grammy Award-winning singer Roberta Flack dead at 88
On February 24, 2025, Roberta Flack, the well-known American singer known for her soulful ballads, died at the age of 88. In the company of her loved ones, she passed away quietly.
Flack, who was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on February 10, 1937, first sought a career as a classical pianist before switching to singing. She became well-known throughout the world because to hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.” Donny Hathaway and her collaborated on hits including “Where Is the Love” and “The Closer I Get to You.”
Flack has experienced health issues recently, including as a stroke in 2016 and a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, which has impacted her speech and singing abilities.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Flack was a committed teacher and philanthropist who established the Roberta Flack School of Music to give impoverished youngsters free music instruction.
Her philanthropic and educational contributions, as well as her significant influence on the music industry, have left a lasting legacy.
Roberta Flack was known for her soulful and emotionally powerful songs. Some of her most popular hits include:
Solo Hits:
🎵 “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1972) – A chart-topping ballad that won the Grammy for Record of the Year and catapulted her to fame.
🎵 “Killing Me Softly with His Song” (1973) – Another Grammy-winning classic, later covered by the Fugees.
🎵 “Feel Like Makin’ Love” (1974) – A sensual R&B track that became a No. 1 hit.
Duets with Donny Hathaway:
❤️ “Where Is the Love” (1972) – A Grammy-winning duet with Donny Hathaway.
❤️ “The Closer I Get to You” (1978) – A romantic slow jam that became a big hit.
❤️ “Back Together Again” (1980) – A smooth groove that remains a favorite among R&B fans.
Other Notable Songs:
🎶 “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” (1983) – A duet with Peabo Bryson, popular at weddings.
🎶 “Set the Night to Music” (1991) – A duet with Maxi Priest that reached the charts.
Her music blended jazz, soul, R&B, and folk, making her one of the most influential voices of her time. Do you have a favorite song of hers? 😊
According to a statement from her representative, Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning soul singer best known for her acclaimed renditions of love ballads like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” as well as her business partnerships and social activism, passed away.
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” is one of Roberta Flack’s most iconic songs. Released in 1973, it became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks and winning Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Song Background:
🎶 Originally written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, it was inspired by singer Lori Lieberman’s experience at a Don McLean concert. Lieberman first recorded it in 1972, but it was Flack’s version that became legendary.
Roberta Flack’s Version:
💜 Her soulful, smooth vocal delivery, combined with lush instrumentation, gave the song a deeply emotional feel.
💜 She first heard the song while flying and immediately decided to record her own version, which became a defining moment in her career.
Legacy & Covers:
🎤 The Fugees revived the song in 1996, with Lauryn Hill’s stunning vocals giving it a hip-hop twist.
🎤 It remains one of the most covered and beloved songs in music history.
Would you like to know more details, like lyrics or interpretations of the song’s meaning? 😊
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