How Did Roberta Flack Die?
Roberta Flack died of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) on February 24, 2025, at age 88.
What was Roberta Flack's cause of death?
Roberta Flack was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) in 2022, which her representative announced had made it impossible for her to sing. She died on February 24, 2025, in New York City, at the age of 88. Her death was confirmed by her publicist. She had lived with the disease for approximately three years.
How old was Roberta Flack when they died?
Roberta Flack was 88 years old at the time of death.
When did Roberta Flack die?
Roberta Flack died on February 24, 2025.
Roberta Flack Biography
Roberta Cleopatra Flack was born on February 10, 1937, in Black Mountain, North Carolina. A piano prodigy, she received a full scholarship to Howard University at the age of 15. She worked as a music teacher in Washington D.C. before being discovered by jazz musician Les McCann in 1968. Her debut album First Take, recorded in one day, launched her career. She became the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in back-to-back years — for The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in 1973 and Killing Me Softly with His Song in 1974. The latter song was famously covered by The Fugees in 1996.
Personal Life
Who are Roberta Flack's parents?
Laron Flack, Irene Flack
Was Roberta Flack married?
Roberta Flack was married once, to Steve Novosel (1966–1972).
Did Roberta Flack have children?
Roberta Flack had no children.
What religion was Roberta Flack?
Roberta Flack was Christian.
What was Roberta Flack's ethnicity?
Roberta Flack was of African American heritage.
Career Highlights
Albums
- First Take (1969)
- Chapter Two (1970)
- Quiet Fire (1971)
- Killing Me Softly (1973)
- Feel Like Makin' Love (1975)
- Blue Lights in the Basement (1977)
- Roberta Flack (1978)
Awards
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year — The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (1973)
- Grammy Award for Record of the Year — Killing Me Softly with His Song (1974)
- Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance — Tonight I Celebrate My Love (1984)
- Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)
Facts About Roberta Flack
- She was the first artist to win Grammy Record of the Year in back-to-back years (1973 and 1974)
- She received a full scholarship to Howard University at age 15
- She was diagnosed with ALS in 2022 which prevented her from singing
- The Fugees sampled Killing Me Softly for their 1996 hit Killing Me Softly
- She taught music at a junior high school in Washington D.C. before her music career took off
Roberta Flack Quotes
"Music is the universal language. It doesn't need translation."
"I just try to be honest about what I feel and what I see."
Legacy
Roberta Flack was one of the most distinctive voices in R&B and soul music. Her back-to-back Grammy Record of the Year wins remain a record unmatched for decades. Killing Me Softly is considered one of the greatest pop ballads ever recorded. The Grammy Recording Academy awarded her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2020 in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to music.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05