Additional Coverage:
Legendary singer Roberta Flack has passed away at the age of 88. She died peacefully at her home, surrounded by loved ones.
Flack’s publicist, Elaine Schock, released a statement celebrating the singer’s groundbreaking career. Schock described Flack as a boundary-breaking artist and proud educator whose unique style transcended traditional genres. She was known for her captivating stillness and soulful delivery, which became known as “quiet storm.”
Flack rose to fame in the early 1970s when Clint Eastwood featured her song “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his film “Play Misty for Me.” The song became a massive hit, earning Flack a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and topping the Billboard charts in 1972.
The following year, Flack made history again, becoming the first artist to win consecutive Record of the Year Grammys with “Killing Me Softly With His Song.” She continued to release numerous hits throughout the 70s, including “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Where Is the Love,” and “The Closer I Get to You.”
Later in her career, Flack released albums such as “Tonight, I Celebrate My Love” and “Set the Night to Music.” In 2022, she was diagnosed with ALS, which impacted her ability to sing and speak.
A native of North Carolina, Flack was raised in Arlington, Virginia. Her exceptional piano skills earned her a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15.
Before her recording career took off, she spent her twenties teaching music to middle school students in Washington, D.C. She signed with Atlantic Records in 1969 and released her debut album, “First Take,” the same year.