We have lost another music icon—Roberta Cleopatra Flack passed away this week at the age of 88.

Born in North Carolina, Flack’s musical genius was evident early on. At just 15, she earned a full scholarship to Howard University, making her the youngest freshman in the school’s history. Though she started as a classical pianist and teacher, her talent led her to jazz and pop, performing in Washington, D.C. clubs in the late 1960s.

Les McCann discovered her at Mr. Henry’s restaurant, leading to her record deal with Atlantic Records. From there, Flack delivered some of the most timeless and soulful music of our generation. Her hits like “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love” topped the Billboard Hot 100, and she became the first artist to win back-to-back Grammys for Record of the Year.

Though Clint Eastwood’s use of her song in Play Misty for Me catapulted her into mainstream fame, her collaborations with Donny Hathaway and others defined the soundtrack of our lives.

After being diagnosed with ALS, Flack retired from performing but remained active in philanthropy, supporting music education and animal rescues. Reports say she passed at home, though her manager stated she suffered cardiac arrest on her way to the hospital in Manhattan.

Roberta Flack leaves behind a legacy of groundbreaking music and timeless artistry. May she rest in peace and power.

For more on her life and legacy, follow @TanyaHollywood and visit @aurnonline.

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