Explore 10 surprising facts about Roberta Flack, the late American singer behind "Killing Me Softly." From prodigy beginnings to Grammy history, uncover her incredible legacy.
10 Astonishing Facts About Late American Singer Roberta Flack
Roberta Flack, the soulful voice behind timeless hits like "Killing Me Softly With His Song" and "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," left an indelible mark on music before her passing on February 24, 2025, at age 88. Known for her emotive storytelling and genre-blending artistry, the late American singer Roberta Flack lived a life full of remarkable moments that shaped her into a legend. Here are 10 astonishing facts about her journey that reveal the depth of her talent and legacy.
1. A Child Prodigy Who Mastered Piano at Nine
Roberta Flack’s musical genius emerged early. Born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina, she began playing piano at age nine, guided by her mother, a church organist. Her natural talent earned her a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15—an astonishing feat that made her one of the youngest students ever enrolled there. This prodigious start laid the foundation for her future as a celebrated artist.
2. From Classroom to Stage: A Teacher Turned Superstar
Before her voice captivated the world, Flack spent years as a schoolteacher in Washington, D.C. After graduating from Howard at 19 with a degree in music education, she taught music and English, nurturing young minds by day while moonlighting at local nightclubs. It was at one such gig that jazz icon Les McCann discovered her, leading to a record deal with Atlantic Records in 1968. This astonishing career pivot transformed her from educator to global star.
3. First Artist to Win Back-to-Back Record of the Year Grammys
Roberta Flack made Grammy history with an astonishing achievement: she became the first artist to win the Record of the Year award two years in a row. In 1973, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" took the prize, followed by "Killing Me Softly With His Song" in 1974. This rare double victory—unmatched until U2 repeated it decades later—cemented her as a trailblazer in the music industry.
4. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" Skyrocketed Thanks to Clint Eastwood
Flack’s haunting rendition of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," recorded in 1969, didn’t hit the charts until 1972—thanks to an astonishing twist of fate. Clint Eastwood chose it for his film Play Misty for Me, propelling the song to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track’s slow burn to stardom, fueled by its cinematic debut, showcased Flack’s ability to turn understated beauty into a chart-topping sensation.
5. "Killing Me Softly" Was Inspired by a Live Performance
The story behind "Killing Me Softly With His Song" is as astonishing as the song itself. Originally written by Lori Lieberman after witnessing Don McLean perform, Flack heard Lieberman’s version and reimagined it with her soulful depth. Released in 1973, Flack’s take soared to No. 1, earning her a Grammy and becoming a defining anthem of her career—a testament to her knack for transforming songs into personal masterpieces.
6. A Duet Dynamo with Donny Hathaway
Flack’s collaborations with Donny Hathaway produced some of her most iconic work, an astonishing partnership that blended their voices seamlessly. Hits like "Where Is the Love" (1972) and "The Closer I Get to You" (1977) topped charts and won hearts, with "Where Is the Love" earning a Grammy. Their chemistry was so potent that it influenced the "quiet storm" R&B subgenre, leaving a lasting imprint on soul music.
7. She Overcame a Stroke to Perform Again
In 2016, Flack suffered a stroke that left her temporarily sidelined—an astonishing challenge for a performer of her caliber. Yet, her resilience shone through. By 2018, she returned to the stage, though a collapse during a concert that year forced her into a wheelchair. Despite these setbacks, Flack’s determination to connect with fans underscored her unbreakable spirit, even as ALS later silenced her voice.
8. A Beatles Tribute Marked Her Final Album
Flack’s final studio album, Let It Be Roberta (2012), was an astonishing tribute to The Beatles, showcasing her versatility. Reinterpreting classics like "Here, There and Everywhere" with her signature soulful flair, she bridged generations and genres. This project, released after decades in the spotlight, highlighted her lifelong passion for reimagining songs with emotional depth.
9. She Sang for Social Causes
Beyond her music, Flack’s activism was astonishing. She performed at benefit concerts for AIDS research, inner-city education, and civil rights, including a moving tribute at Jackie Robinson’s funeral. Her belief in music’s power to inspire change made her not just a singer but a freedom fighter, amplifying her legacy as an artist with purpose.
10. Diagnosed with ALS, She Left a Lasting Legacy
In 2022, Flack revealed an astonishingly brave truth: she had amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which robbed her of her ability to sing and speak. Passing away on February 24, 2025, in Manhattan from cardiac arrest, the late American singer Roberta Flack left behind a catalog of hits and a legacy of innovation. Her death marked the end of an era, but her influence endures in every note she sang.
The Enduring Roberta Flack Legacy
Roberta Flack’s life was a tapestry of astonishing moments—from her prodigy roots to her Grammy triumphs and unwavering activism. The "Killing Me Softly" singer didn’t just perform; she wove stories that resonated across decades, blending jazz, soul, and folk into a sound uniquely her own. As fans mourn her loss, these 10 facts illuminate why her voice remains a timeless treasure in American music.
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