Which R&B singer known for 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' passed away in 2025?

The acclaimed R&B singer Roberta Flack, renowned for her soulful rendition of "Killing Me Softly with His Song," passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Flack's distinctive voice and intimate style made her a dominant force in music throughout the 1970s, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and establishing her as an influential artist across R&B, jazz, folk, and pop genres.

Her iconic song, "Killing Me Softly with His Song," became a global phenomenon after its release in 1973. The track itself has an interesting origin story, initially written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel in collaboration with Lori Lieberman, who was inspired by a Don McLean performance. Flack discovered Lieberman's version on an in-flight audio program, and after being deeply moved, she sought out the songwriters to record her own interpretation. Her masterful performance, which included changes to the chord structure and a unique ending, transformed the song into a number-one hit and earned her the 1973 Grammy Award for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

Roberta Flack's career was marked by her ability to blend classical training with contemporary sounds, contributing to the development of the "quiet storm" radio format. Beyond "Killing Me Softly with His Song," she also achieved massive success with other hits like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Feel Like Makin' Love," and notable duets with Donny Hathaway. Her profound musicality and emotive delivery left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing generations of artists.