ROUTES Magazine bids farewell to an icon —ROBERTA FLACK
Originally published in October 1978, ROUTES Magazine‘s in‐depth feature on Chris Albertson Interview: Roberta Flack (READ IT HERE.) captured the emergence of a rare musical talent — one whose soulful voice and innovative blend of jazz, pop, and R&B were already beginning to redefine the soundscape of an era. Today, as we update that story, we bid farewell to an icon. On February 24, 2025, Roberta Flack passed away at the age of 88, peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Diagnosed with ALS in 2022 after overcoming earlier health challenges, Flack’s later years were marked by both quiet resilience and a continued dedication to music and education. As we look back on her record-breaking hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” we celebrate her enduring legacy—a legacy that not only transformed popular music but also inspired generations through her role as an educator and trailblazer in an industry still learning to value diverse voices.
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