Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Legendary Soul Singer Roberta Flack Dies at 88

The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like 'Killing Me Softly' and 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' passed away after battling ALS.

  • Roberta Flack, an iconic soul singer and pianist, passed away on Monday at the age of 88, surrounded by her family.
  • Flack was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2022, a condition that made it impossible for her to sing in her later years.
  • Her rendition of 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' became a global sensation, earning her a Grammy in 1974 and inspiring future renditions, including the Fugees' 1996 hit version.
  • Tributes poured in from celebrities like Oprah Winfrey, Celine Dion, Yoko Ono, and Jennifer Hudson, highlighting her profound influence on music and culture.
  • Flack's career spanned decades, blending classical training with soul, jazz, and gospel, and she received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy in 2020.
Hero image