Vintage SOUL Articles
OBITUARIES

Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song,' dies at 88
When Roberta Flack was asked the question, “Who Is Roberta Flack?” by SOUL Illustrated in 1971, she replied, “Roberta Flack is a sensitive, loving, fallible, feeling person, I don't know where I'm going in terms of my career, I guess as far as I can go.” Today this legend passed away at the age of 88.
Her unique blend of soul, jazz, and R&B would continue on to be instrumental in shaping the music landscape during the 1960s, 1970s and beyond.
The profound influence of Flack on modern music is undeniable; countless artists across various genres have drawn inspiration from her work. Her most iconic song, "Killing Me Softly with His Song," released in 1973, became a monumental hit and has since been covered and sampled by numerous artists, including the Fugees in 1996, which introduced the song to a whole new generation. Another notable track, "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," received widespread recognition and has been sampled in various songs, showcasing the ethereal vocal prowess that Flack possessed.