Roberta Flack dies aged 88

'Killing Me Softly' singer was soul great and ‘proud educator'

- ROISIN O'CONNOR

Roberta Flack, the legendary singer behind global hit "Killing Me Softly with His Song", has died aged 88. She is widely considered to have been one of soul and R&B's greatest voices. A statement from her representative said that she died at home yesterday morning.

“We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away,” the statement read. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.” Flack announced in 2022 that she had motor neurone disease and could no longer sing.

Flack demonstrated a rare ability to cross between genres with ease, whether on her tender cover of Ewan MacColl’s ballad “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” or on the meltingly smooth “Feel Like Makin’ Love”.

Friends of the singer posted warm tributes online. Dionne Warwick remembered her “dear friend” in an emotional statement yesterday. “We now say Rest In Peace and receive the loving award the Heavenly Father has for her,” she stated. “I’ll miss our conversation about the journey through music we would have, as well as the love of the music we have been able to share. You will be missed, dear friend.”

Singer and actor Kelly Rowland posted: “My heart just sank! Our Dear Ms Roberta Flack has ascended beyond but what beauty she has left us with!”