Roberta Flack, ’70s R&B Vocalist Known for ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88

variety.com:

Chris Morris Music Reporter Legendary pop/R&B vocalist Roberta Flack, who was launched to stardom in the early ’70s by the Grammy-winning hits “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” has died, according to a statement from her rep.

No cause of death was cited; she was 88. “We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement reads. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family.

Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” The classically trained singer-pianist only belatedly found fame when Clint Eastwood employed her 2-year-old version of “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” in his 1971 directorial debut “Play Misty for Me.” That No.

1 pop smash was succeeded by a second chart-topper, 1973’s “Killing Me Softly.” Both performances were acknowledged in back-to-back years with Grammys as record of the year – a feat that wasn’t duplicated until U2 captured the same award in 2001-02.