Bulelwa Hoala

American R&B singer and pianist Roberta Flack has died at the age of 88.
The Grammy Award-winning artist’s publicist announced the news of her passing on Monday.
“She died peacefully surrounded by her family,” the publicist said in a statement.
According to reports, Roberta Flack was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS) in 2022.
She had unfortunately lost her ability to sing as a result of the illness.
“Roberta Flack February 10, 1937 – February 24, 2025 “Remember: Always walk in the light. If you feel like you’re not walking in it, go find it. Love the light.” – Roberta Flack,” reads a tribute on her Instagram.
Roberta Flack was born in Black Mountain, North Carolina on 10 February 1937 and raised in Arlington, Virginia.
At 15, she earned a music scholarship to Howard University in Washington.
She was later discovered by jazz musician Les McCann and signed to Atlantic Records at 32.
Flack earned a Record of the Year Grammy for her song “The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” which was featured on the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood’s 1971 movie Play Misty for Me.
She also earned a Record of the Year Grammy for her hit song “Killing Me Softly With His Song”.
The track was later released as the popular remix “Killing Me Softly” by the Fugees in 1996.
With Lauryn Hill on the vocals, the song earned yet another Grammy.
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to musicologist Dr Sheldon Rocha Leal who looked back at her illustrious career.
Listen to the full conversation here:
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