Legendary Singer Roberta Flack Dies at 88
Roberta Flack, renowned for lending her golden voice to classics such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” has died at 88. The celebrated singer and classically trained pianist from North Carolina passed away in the early hours of Monday, surrounded by family at her home.
In a statement, a family spokesperson shared, “We are heartbroken by Roberta’s passing this morning. She left us peacefully, in the comfort of her family, having achieved so much in her groundbreaking career. Beyond her musical accomplishments, she was also a dedicated teacher with a generous spirit.” Although the exact location of her death was not disclosed, it is known that Flack had been facing serious health issues. After being diagnosed with ALS in November 2022, she gradually withdrew from her music career and, following a stroke two years later, formally retired.
Roberta Flack’s journey began with humble gigs as a nightclub singer in Washington, D.C., while working as a teacher. Her breakthrough came with a record deal from Atlantic Records and the release of her debut album, First Take, in 1969. Her personal life also saw its share of ups and downs—she was previously married to Stephen Novosel until their divorce in 1972, and she is survived by her son, Bernard Wright, a noted figure in music.
