Roberta Flack, the legendary R&B singer known for timeless hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song, has passed away at the age of 88. A statement from her representatives confirmed that she died peacefully on February 24, 2025, surrounded by family.

Flack, a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., was not only a groundbreaking artist but also an educator who dedicated her life to music and learning. Born on February 10, 1937, she was a classically trained pianist who earned a full music scholarship to Howard University at just 15 years old, making her one of the youngest students in the university’s history.

Her musical contributions shaped the landscape of R&B, particularly influencing the quiet storm subgenre. She was the first artist to win the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in two consecutive years, with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face in 1973 and Killing Me Softly with His Song in 1974.

Flack’s career was marked by elegance, innovation, and an ability to connect deeply with audiences. Despite announcing in 2022 that she had motor neurone disease, which ended her ability to sing, her legacy continued to inspire.

Her passing marks a profound loss for Black Greekdom and the music world, but her influence will live on through her recordings, achievements, and the many lives she touched. Delta Sigma Theta and the broader community celebrate her remarkable contributions and enduring legacy.

We at Watch The Yard ask that you keep Roberta Flack’s family, friends and sorority sisters in your thoughts. We also ask that you leave your condolences and memories of her so that her family can see how much she meant to all of us.