Roberta Flack, Influential Singer, Dies at 88

Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer known for hits like 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' and 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' has died at age 88 after battling ALS. Born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, Flack was a classically trained piano prodigy who made history at Howard University and later gained fame performing at Mr. Henry’s in Washington, D.C. Her musical style uniquely fused soul, jazz, and folk, influencing future artists such as Alicia Keys and Erykah Badu. Flack's legacy extends beyond her music as she was also a proud educator and a cultural icon. Celebrities like Jennifer Hudson and John Lennon's sons paid tribute to her on social media, highlighting her enduring impact on music and culture. Flack's career, which began in the 1960s and was marked by her soulful voice and interpretive skills, remains influential, with her music continuing to resonate with audiences worldwide.