Updated: March 12, 2024
Roberta Flack, the iconic singer and pianist known for her smooth, soulful vocals and timeless hits such as The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song, passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Her passing marks the end of an era for music lovers worldwide, as she was a trailblazer in soul, jazz, and pop music.
Funeral Arrangements
A Celebration of Life service was held Monday, March 10, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time, at The Abyssinian Baptist Church, located at 132 West 138th Street, New York, NY 11030. The service was live-streamed at RobertaFlack.com.
See the recorded live stream of her funeral here:
The service featured heartfelt tributes and performances from notable artists. Lauryn Hill delivered moving renditions of Flack’s classics, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” the latter popularized by Hill’s group, the Fugees. Stevie Wonder honored Flack with performances of “If It’s Magic” and “I Can See the Sun in Late December,” a song he wrote for her.
Reverend Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy, highlighting Flack’s significant contributions to music and culture. Actress Phylicia Rashad reflected on Flack’s humble genius and dedication to her craft. The service also included video messages from music industry icons such as Clive Davis, Dionne Warwick, India Arie, Peabo Bryson, and Alicia Keys, each acknowledging Flack’s remarkable career and influence.
The church was adorned with white and yellow bouquets, and a screen displayed images of a young Flack at the piano, celebrating her legacy that seamlessly blended soul, jazz, and gospel.
Her Illness and Final Weeks
In November 2022, it was revealed that Flack had been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. This progressive neurodegenerative disease affected her ability to sing and made speaking increasingly difficult. As her condition worsened, she withdrew from public performances but remained engaged in her artistic and philanthropic efforts.
Despite her illness, she continued to advocate for music education and creative expression. Her final weeks were spent surrounded by close family and friends, reflecting on a legacy that spanned over five decades. Flack died of cardiac arrest on February 24, 2025, on her way to a hospital in Manhattan.
Her Legacy and Achievements
Roberta Flack’s influence on the music industry is immeasurable. She was a pioneering artist who broke barriers in multiple genres and paved the way for future generations of musicians. Some of her most notable achievements include:
- Multiple Grammy Awards: She won the prestigious Grammy Award for Record of the Year two years in a row—first in 1973 for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and again in 1974 for Killing Me Softly with His Song. This rare achievement solidified her status as a musical powerhouse.
- Collaborations with Donny Hathaway: Her duets with Donny Hathaway, including Where Is the Love and The Closer I Get to You, became legendary within the R&B and soul genres.
- Induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame: Her groundbreaking work was recognized when Killing Me Softly with His Song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
- Educational Contributions: Beyond performing, Flack was committed to nurturing young musicians. She founded the Roberta Flack School of Music at the Hyde Leadership Charter School in the Bronx, providing free music education to underserved children.
- Cultural Influence: Her ability to blend classical, jazz, and R&B influences created a distinctive sound that continues to inspire artists across multiple generations.
See more at Wikipedia
Recent Achievements
Even in her later years, Flack continued to receive accolades and contribute to the arts:
- Honorary Doctorate: In January 2025, Berklee College of Music awarded Flack an honorary doctorate in recognition of her lifetime contributions to music and education.
- PBS Documentary Feature: In 2023, her life and career were celebrated in the American Masters documentary Roberta Flack, which showcased her journey and impact on modern music.
- Autobiographical Book: She co-authored a children’s book, The Green Piano: How Little Me Found Music, published in January 2023. The book shared her early experiences with music and was aimed at inspiring young readers.
What She is Best Known For
Roberta Flack is best known for her ability to tell deeply emotional stories through song. Her biggest hits remain cultural touchstones, including:
- The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face – A career-defining song that topped the charts and earned her widespread recognition.
- Killing Me Softly with His Song – A hauntingly beautiful ballad that became one of her signature songs.
- Feel Like Makin’ Love – A sensual, jazz-infused R&B track that showcased her versatility.
- Where Is the Love (with Donny Hathaway) – A Grammy-winning duet that remains a classic.