Flack’s representative confirmed her peaceful passing, stating, “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” Her journey to stardom was marked by dedication, talent, and a voice that could, indeed, “kill you softly with his song”—or in her case, with her song.
While her initial foray into the spotlight came with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in 1971, famously featured in Clint Eastwood’s “Play Misty for Me,” it was “Killing Me Softly With His Song” that truly cemented her place in music history. This 1973 release wasn’t just a chart-topper; it became an anthem, a song that spoke to the soul and earned her back-to-back Grammy Awards for Record of the Year, a feat matched only by U2 decades later.
Roberta Flack DVD tombstone illustration
The impact of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” stems from its evocative lyrics and Flack’s emotionally charged delivery. Inspired by Lori Lieberman’s reaction to a Don McLean performance, the song, penned by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, tells a story of profound emotional connection with a performer’s song. Flack’s rendition transformed the tune into an intimate confession, her voice weaving through the melody with a gentle power that captivated listeners worldwide. It wasn’t just a song; it was an experience, a moment of shared vulnerability set to music.
Her sophisticated and soulful style, described as “urbane, genteel, and jazzy,” appealed to a broad audience. As Peter Shapiro noted in “The Rough Guide to Soul and R&B,” Flack was the “perfect soul act of the early ’70s,” bridging the gap between classic soul and a more contemporary, adult sound. Her music resonated with those who appreciated the craftsmanship of Burt Bacharach and the vocal harmonies of the 5th Dimension, while her polished delivery and shimmering keyboard work established her as a leading figure in what was termed “penthouse soul.”
Beyond “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” Flack’s discography is rich with hits that showcase her versatility and artistry. “Where Is the Love,” another chart-topping collaboration with Donny Hathaway, further solidified her position as a leading voice in both pop and R&B. Her duets with Hathaway were particularly special, their voices blending seamlessly to create magic.
Flack’s musical journey began in Black Mountain, N.C., nurtured by gospel influences like Mahalia Jackson and Sam Cooke. A musical prodigy, she started piano lessons at age 9 and entered Howard University at just 15 on a full scholarship. Despite early career shifts, including teaching, her passion for music led her to perform in Washington, D.C. nightclubs. A pivotal moment came when jazz pianist Les McCann discovered her at Mr. Henry’s club, leading to her signing with Atlantic Records in 1968.
Her debut album, “First Take,” released in 1969, initially didn’t gain traction. However, the inclusion of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in Eastwood’s film catapulted her to mainstream success. This song, originally a folk ballad, became a No. 1 pop hit, earning Flack her first Grammy for Record of the Year in 1973.
The accolades continued with “Killing Me Softly,” which garnered her two Grammy Awards in 1974, including Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in The Fugees’ 1996 cover, which also became a No. 1 R&B hit, proving its timeless quality and cross-generational impact.
Throughout the 1970s, Roberta Flack continued to dominate the charts with hits like “Feel Like Making Love” and “The Closer I Get to You,” again with Donny Hathaway. The tragic loss of Hathaway in 1979 was a significant blow, but Flack persevered, continuing to record and perform. Her duet with Peabo Bryson, “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love,” became another R&B hit in the 1980s.
While the musical landscape shifted towards funk, rap, and hip-hop in the late 70s and beyond, Flack remained true to her sophisticated, adult contemporary style. She continued to release music into the new millennium, with her final album, a Beatles tribute titled “Let It Be Roberta,” appearing in 2012. Her enduring presence was acknowledged with 13 Grammy nominations throughout her career, with her last nod in 1995.
Roberta Flack’s legacy extends beyond chart-topping hits and Grammy awards. She was a musician who connected with her audience on a deeply emotional level, especially through songs like “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” Her music provided a soundtrack to countless lives, filled with sophistication, soul, and a gentle power that will continue to resonate for generations to come. She will be remembered not only as a legendary vocalist but as an artist who truly knew how to “kill us softly” with her extraordinary song.
