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.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May),...
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Authorities in California have identified the dismembered body discovered in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd as 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, who had been missing from Lake Elsinore since April 2024.
International superstar Taylor Swift has revealed her 12th studio album, 'The Life of a Showgirl', during a podcast appearance with her partner, U.S. football star Travis Kelce, and his brother Jason.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
A centuries-old floral tradition is being prepared in the English village of Castleton, where the Garland King will lead a ceremonial procession through the Peak District wearing a large flower-covered structure weighing up to 40 kilograms.
The trial of a 21-year-old accused of planning an Islamist attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna entered its final day on Thursday (28 May), with a verdict expected later in the evening.
Thousands of visitors flocked to Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau island on Sunday for the annual Bun Festival, as crowds gathered to watch the famous “floating children” parade and prepare for the traditional midnight bun-scrambling competition.
Spanish police in Catalonia have detained Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango fashion group founder Isak Andic, as part of an ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his father’s death in December 2024, authorities said.
Spain’s High Court has cleared Colombian pop star Shakira of tax fraud and annulled a €55 million ($64 million) penalty imposed by Spanish tax authorities in 2021, according to a court document.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment