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

The R&B singer renowned for her iconic rendition of 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' was Roberta Flack, who passed away on February 24, 2025, at the age of 88. Flack's publicist confirmed she died peacefully, surrounded by her family. Her death was attributed to cardiac arrest, which was a result of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a diagnosis she had received in 2022 that had previously made it impossible for her to sing.

Flack's distinctive voice and intimate musical style made her one of the most celebrated recording artists of the 1970s. She was a classically trained pianist, having received a full scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old. Her interpretation of 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' became a global phenomenon, earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1974. This achievement followed her win in the same category the previous year for 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' making her the first artist to win consecutive Grammys for Record of the Year.

The song 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' itself has an interesting origin, initially recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1972 after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance. However, it was Flack's soulful and measured rendition that truly brought the song to prominence. Her ability to blend R&B, jazz, folk, and pop contributed to the emergence of the "quiet storm" radio format and influenced generations of artists. Beyond her musical prowess, Flack was also a proud educator and a significant figure in both the music world and the social and civil rights movements of her time.