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'Killing Me Softly' singer Roberta Flack passes away, 88

Entertainment | Celebrities

'Killing Me Softly' singer Roberta Flack passes away, 88

By Robert Requintina

At A Glance

The demise of Roberta was announced by her representative. No cause of death was cited in the statement.

Roberta Flack (Facebook)

Roberta Flack, the singer behind the No. 1 songs "Killing Me Softly," "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," and "Feel Like Makin' Love," has passed away. She was 88.

The demise of Roberta was announced by her representative. No cause of death was cited in the statement, according to multiple reports in the US on Feb. 24.

“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025. She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator," the statement read.

Born on Feb. 10, 1937, Roberta debuted as a recording artist in 1969 with the single "Compared to What."

But it was only in 1972 that her career took off after actor Clint Eastwood used her two-year-old song "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" for his directorial debut "Play Misty For Me" in 1971.

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" went to No. 1, followed by another chart-topper, "Killing Me Softly," in 1973. Both songs were awarded back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year.

In 1974, Roberta hit No. 1 for the third time with "Feel Like Makin' Love." Other chartbusters were "The Closer I Get To You," "Making Love," "Jesse," and "Set the Night to Music."

Filipino music fans will never forget Roberta for her love songs "If Ever I See You Again," "Maybe," and "Tonight, I Celebrate My Love," both tracks performed with Peabo Bryson.

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