Sound Talent Group’s Dave Shapiro among six killed in plane crash
Music agent Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, is among six people presumed dead after a private jet crashed in a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning.
New York, February 24, 2025 – Roberta Flack, the iconic singer known for her soulful renditions of classics such as “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died at the age of 88. Flack passed away Monday at her home, surrounded by family, according to a statement from her publicist.
Flack, whose career spanned decades, was celebrated for her smooth, emotive voice and her ability to interpret both romantic ballads and socially conscious songs. A recipient of 14 Grammy nominations and five wins—including a lifetime achievement award in 2020 - Flack left an indelible mark on the music industry. Her recordings, such as the chart-topping “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and her collaborations with Donny Hathaway, cemented her status as one of the defining voices of her generation.
Her death follows several years of declining health. In late 2022, Flack publicly revealed she had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a progressive neurological disorder that eventually forced her to retire from singing. Despite her health challenges, Flack’s influence on music and culture remained strong, inspiring younger artists like Lauryn Hill, the Fugees, Lizzo, Lady Gaga, and Ariana Grande.
Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack received classical music training from an early age. After earning a scholarship to Howard University, where she graduated with a degree in music education, she initially pursued classical music before embracing pop and soul - a transition that would define her storied career. Over the years, Flack not only delivered unforgettable performances but also used her platform to address issues such as racial injustice and social inequality, earning praise for being “socially relevant and politically unafraid.”
Tributes have poured in from across the music world. Questlove, drummer for The Roots and musical director for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” paid tribute with a throwback photo captioned “Thank You Roberta Flack. Rest In Melody.”
Roberta Flack’s enduring legacy as a trailblazer and a masterful interpreter of music will continue to resonate with fans and artists alike. Her contributions to music and culture will be remembered for generations to come.
Tensions flare in the India-France Rafale deal as France refuses to share the fighter jet’s source code, limiting India’s ability to integrate indigenous weapons and reducing its combat autonomy.
France has rejected India’s request to share source codes needed to integrate indigenous weapons into Rafale fighter jets. Despite repeated appeals, French manufacturer Dassault Aviation has refused to compromise on the issue
Anton Kobyakov, adviser to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claimed at the St. Petersburg International Legal Forum that the USSR’s dissolution was legally invalid and that the Soviet Union still exists under constitutional law, framing the Ukraine war as an “internal process.”
In a region long defined by conflict and complex history, AnewZ set out to hear the voices that matter most- those of the people.
AnewZ and Kazakhstan’s Jibek Joly/Silk Way TV channel co-hosted a special AnewZ Talks in Astana at Maqsut Narikbayev University (MNU), uniting global experts and young leaders at Silk Road Media Group’s journalism school to explore the growing intersection of media and diplomacy.
After two thrilling weeks of premieres and parties, the Cannes Film Festival prepares to close with the crowning of this year's prestigious Palme d'Or winner.
Music agent Dave Shapiro, co-founder of Sound Talent Group, is among six people presumed dead after a private jet crashed in a San Diego neighborhood early Thursday morning.
Billy Joel has canceled all upcoming concerts in North America and the United Kingdom following a diagnosis of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, a brain condition affecting his hearing, vision, and balance.
Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Türkiye, Fahad bin Assaad Abu al-Nasr, and his wife, Rana Abdullah Bahamdan—chair of the Ankara Asia-Pacific Group—hosted a cultural event called “Tea Journey in Asia and the Pacific” on Wednesday to celebrate International Tea Day on May 21.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival, now at its halfway point, has already delivered surprises, standout stars, and new regulations, making it one of the most talked-about editions in recent years.
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