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Roberta Flack

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Grammy Award-winning vocalist Roberta Flack has died at the age of 88.

The iconic soul singer, whose voice was one of the most popular in the 70’s, was best known for hit records like “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” “The Closer I Get To You” with Donny Hathaway, and “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.”

Flack was surrounded by family in her home at the time of her passing.

According to reports, she battled health challenges for several years. In 2022, her diagnosis of ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was revealed. Fans learned that the legendary artist could no longer sing.

Roberta Flack

Source: Gai Terrell / Getty

However, her voice is one that will never be forgotten.

Flack, a classically trained musician, earned a scholarship to Howard University at just 15-years-old. She was later discovered while singing in a DC nightclub, which led to a record deal with Atlantic Records Group. It was there she recorded her breakout song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” for her first album in 1969.

The record peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972 and Flack won Grammys for “Record of the Year” and “Song of the Year” in 1973.

Over her career, the legendary singer earned 14 Grammy noms, including five wins. She was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020.

Some of her other big moments in music included hits like “Feel like Makin’ Love,” “The Closer I Get to You” with the legendary Donny Hathaway, and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” which earned her two more Grammys in 1974 for Record of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Performance.

The iconic cover of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” performed by the Fugees and Lauryn Hill topped the charts in 1996 and reminded the world of Flack’s stardom.

She performed on stage for decades, even in her later years, and went on to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The beloved singer wasn’t just about the fluff of the music industry — making audiences dance and sing-a-long to love songs. She was also committed to social activism through her art, which was another reason she was so beloved.

Her records like “Tryin’ Times,” “Compared to What” and “Ballad of the Sad Young Men” all addressed issues from racial injustice to economic inequality and LGBTQ discrimination. 

 

 

Her legacy as an entertainer and icon was cemented early and transcended generations. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and worldwide fans of Roberta Flack. May she Rest in Power.

Roberta Flack

Source: United Archives / Getty

Grammy Award-Winning Soul Sensation Roberta Flack Dies at 88  was originally published on tvone.staging.go.ione.nyc