American Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack, known for the classic ‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ and one of the most distinctive voices of the 1970s, has passed away on Monday at 88.
Flack’s publicist confirmed her passing but did not disclose the cause of death.
In recent years, the influential pop and R&B star lost her ability to sing due to ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family,” the statement from the publicist said.
The classically trained musician, known for her tender yet confident voice, crafted several early rhythm and blues classics. She often referred to her style as “scientific soul,” a fusion of precision and refined artistry.
Her remarkable talent played a crucial role in shaping the “quiet storm” radio format, known for its smooth, sensual slow jams that helped popularise R&B and influence its evolving sound.
“I’ve been told I sound like Nina Simone, Nancy Wilson, Odetta, Barbra Streisand, Dionne Warwick, even Mahalia Jackson,” Flack said in 1970 in The New York Times.
“If everybody said I sounded like one person, I’d worry. But when they say I sound like them all, I know I’ve got my own style.”
Jennifer Hudson hailed Flack as “one of the great soul singers of all time,” and Roots drummer Questlove wrote “Thank You Robert Flack. Rest in Melody.”
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on 10 February 1937 in Black Mountain, North Carolina, and grew up in Arlington, Virginia.
Her mother, a church organist, influenced her early love for music. As a child, Roberta sang in churches of various denominations, including the historic Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, simply for the joy of music. She started playing the piano at nine, and by her teenage years, her exceptional talent earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University.
Flack graduated from Howard University at 19 and went on to teach music in the Washington, D.C. area.
She started performing in clubs during weekends and evenings, accompanying opera singers on piano while privately singing blues, folk, and pop standards in the back room during intermissions.
Following the advice of her voice teacher, Frederick “Wilkie” Wilkerson, Flack shifted her focus from classical music to pop. In 1968, she started performing at Mr. Henry’s Restaurant on Capitol Hill.
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