Washington, D.C., USA – Grammy-winning singer Roberta Flack, known for timeless hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly,” passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, February 24th. A statement from her spokesperson confirmed her peaceful passing, although the official cause of death was not disclosed.

Flack, born in Black Mountain, North Carolina, on February 10th, 1937, had a profound impact on the music industry with her soothing vocals and mastery of the “quiet storm” style. Her career began after being discovered at a Washington, D.C. nightclub by jazz legend Les McCann and signing with Atlantic Records.

A classically trained pianist, Flack’s musical journey led her to release her debut album, “First Take,” in 1969. This album included her first chart-topping hit, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” which also earned her a Grammy for record of the year in 1972. Her success continued with hits like “Killing Me Softly With His Song” and collaborations with fellow musician Donny Hathaway.

Throughout her illustrious career, Flack garnered a total of 18 Hot 100 hits and won three Grammy awards. Beyond her music, she was known for her philanthropy work and dedication to education, establishing the Roberta Flack Foundation in 2010 to support young people in achieving their dreams through mentorship and education.

Despite facing health challenges in her later years, Flack’s legacy continued to shine through expanded album editions, a children’s book, and collaborations with other artists. Her impact will forever be felt in the music industry, as her timeless voice and contributions to various genres leave a lasting impression on listeners worldwide.