First Time

The words of her representative say a sad truth so well...

"We are heartbroken that the glorious Roberta Flack passed away this morning, February 24, 2025,” the statement reads. “She died peacefully surrounded by her family. Roberta broke boundaries and records. She was also a proud educator.”

Roberta Flack won Grammy Awards in the early 70s with “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song." Considered a musical prodigy by age 9, she entered Howard University in Washington, D.C., at 15 on a full scholarship.

She taught music in public schools before beginning her performing career, recording her first album "First Take" in 1969.

But, as happens with many first records, it went nowhere until Clint Eastwood, scouting songs for his movie-directing debut "Play Misty For Me," heard her two-year-old version of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and deemed it just right for his picture. 

The record that went nowhere for two years won the Grammy for Record Of The Year.

And not only that, she won the same prize the next year for "Killing Me Softly With His Song." Not until U2 in 2001-2002 did an act win that award in consecutive years.

Roberta went on to have hit duets with Donny Hathaway, and more solo success. She'll be remembered for singing gentle songs and sweetening many moments on the radio.