**Roberta Flack, Iconic R&B Singer, Passes Away at 88**

**Roberta Flack, the celebrated R&B singer who brought timeless classics like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Killing Me Softly With His Song" to life, has passed away at 88, surrounded by family, leaving a profound impact on the music world.**

Roberta Flack, the renowned R&B singer famous for her heartfelt ballads, has died at the age of 88. Her representatives announced her passing on February 24, 2025, conveying their sorrow in a statement that noted she died peacefully surrounded by loved ones. “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator,” they added.

Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Flack initially studied classical piano. A scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old reflected her exceptional talent, which she combined with a love for popular music, often accompanying opera singers at night while also performing in jazz clubs.

Her groundbreaking career began to take off later in her life. Flack's first major hit, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," climbed to fame when it was featured in Clint Eastwood's iconic 1971 film "Play Misty for Me." The track earned her a Grammy for Song of the Year, and she won again the following year for "Killing Me Softly With His Song," a poignant testament to her emotive vocal style.

Over the years, Flack produced numerous hits, including "Feel Like Makin' Love" in 1974. She devoted considerable time to charity work and education, establishing the Roberta Flack School of Music in New York after her marriage to jazz musician Stephen Novosel. Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable artists like Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis.

Flack's voice and artistry transcended generations, gaining renewed recognition in 1996 when The Fugees covered "Killing Me Softly," introducing her music to a new audience. In 2020, after battling health issues and receiving a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys, she reflected on her career with deep gratitude. Flack once remarked, “A person with true soul is one who can take anybody's song and transcend all the flaws,” encapsulating her deep connection with music and its emotions.