Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist who captivated audiences with her soulful hits "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," died Monday at her home surrounded by family. She was 88.
The renowned artist, who had announced her ALS diagnosis in 2022 that left her unable to sing, rose to prominence in the early 1970s after Clint Eastwood featured her rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" in his film "Play Misty for Me."
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina in 1937 to musician parents, Flack showed exceptional musical talent from an early age. At just 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University, where she initially pursued her dream of becoming a classical pianist.
Her breakthrough came when jazz musician Les McCann discovered her in the 1960s. Flack went on to achieve remarkable success, becoming the first artist to win consecutive Grammy Awards for Record of the Year - in 1973 for "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and in 1974 for "Killing Me Softly with His Song."
Throughout her career, Flack masterfully blended soul, jazz, rock, and pop, creating a distinctive sound that transcended musical genres. Her interpretative skills earned her comparisons to legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Beyond her recording career, Flack devoted time to scoring films, music publishing, and record producing. In 2023, she co-authored a children's book, "The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music," sharing the story of her early musical journey.
Flack's legacy extends beyond her Grammy awards and chart-topping hits. Her innovative approach to music helped shape the "quiet storm" R&B movement and influenced generations of artists in various genres.