Renowned R&B singer and pioneering ally of the LGBTQ+ community, Roberta Flack, has passed away at the age of 88. Known for her iconic hits such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song”, Flack left an indelible mark on the music industry and the world at large.
On February 24, 2025, Flack's representatives shared the sad news with a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning. She died peacefully surrounded by her family.” The statement continued, highlighting Flack’s legacy, “Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”
No specific cause of death was provided, but it was known that Flack had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, which affected her ability to perform.
Born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia, Roberta Flack initially pursued a career as a classical pianist. She began her musical journey teaching music before being discovered by jazz musician Les McCann while performing in a jazz club. This discovery catapulted her into the limelight.
During the 1970s, Flack dominated the charts with a string of hits including “Feel Like Makin' Love”, “Where Is The Love”, and “The Closer I Get To You”. Her rendition of “Killing Me Softly With His Song” was so powerful that it was later famously covered by The Fugees.
Flack's career was decorated with numerous accolades, including 14 Grammy nominations and five wins. She made history as the first artist to win the Grammy for Record of the Year in consecutive years, solidifying her status as a musical titan.
The Legacy of an LGBTQ+ Ally
Beyond her musical achievements, Roberta Flack was a dedicated ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Her journey as an ally began early in her career when she performed at an opera restaurant in Georgetown, Washington D.C., a venue known for its LGBTQ+ clientele. This experience, as she recounted in a 1979 interview, “opened up a whole new world” for her.
Flack's commitment to the LGBTQ+ community was evident in her music. In 1969, she covered “Ballad of the Sad Young Men”, a poignant tribute to gay men, which became a significant piece in her repertoire. In her own words, Flack expressed how deeply the song resonated with her and her audience: “I sang [‘Ballad of the Sad Young Men’] about soldiers, then, later, about gay men. It touches me deeply every time.”
In 1982, Flack contributed the theme song to the film Making Love, one of the first mainstream movies to explore a romantic relationship between two men. This further solidified her role as a pioneer in supporting LGBTQ+ narratives through her art.
Flack's influence extended into recent years, with her music being featured in the soundtrack of FX's critically acclaimed series Pose. This series celebrated the lives and struggles of queer and trans communities in the 1980s, and Flack was honored to be part of it. On Instagram, she reflected on this significant moment: “Celebrating #Pride with a look back at this touching scene in the groundbreaking TV series Pose. I am thrilled to be featured in the soundtrack of a show that spotlights the triumphs and trials of ‘80s queer and trans communities and culture. #Love is beautiful in all forms!”
With her passing, Roberta Flack leaves behind a legacy not only of musical excellence but also of unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. Her life and work continue to inspire, reminding us that love truly is beautiful in all forms.
As we celebrate Roberta Flack's life, we remember her not only as a music legend but as a beacon of inclusivity and allyship, whose contributions have touched countless lives and will continue to do so for generations to come.
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