In 2022, it was revealed that she had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease, a condition that affects the nerves controlling the body's muscles, progressively leading to loss of mobility, speech, chewing, and breathing functions.

Roberta Flack was born in North Carolina and raised in Arlington, Virginia. She started her career as a classical pianist and initially worked as a music teacher. Her recording career began after Jazz musician Les McCann discovered her singing in a nightclub. Impressed by her talent, he later wrote "Her voice touched my heart; it resonated with every emotion I had ever felt."

However, she did not achieve widespread recognition until her thirties when her song *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face*, written by Ewan MacColl, was featured in the romantic sequence of Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film Play Misty for Me.

Following its success, the song won the *Song of the Year* award at the Grammy Awards. Flack won the same award again the following year with *Killing Me Softly With His Song*, making history as the first artist to win in consecutive years.

In 1974, she again topped the charts with Feel Like Makin’ Love. After that, she took a break from touring to focus on recording music and engaging in philanthropic activities.

Throughout her career, Flack collaborated with notable artists such as Donny Hathaway and Miles Davis. In 2012, she released an album featuring covers of songs by The Beatles.

In 2020, a year after suffering a stroke, she received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to music. Upon receiving the award, she expressed her gratitude, saying "It is a tremendous honor and a great joy."

She added "I have spent my life telling stories through my music. This award is proof that my peers have heard my message and embraced what I have tried to share."

Roberta Flack released numerous albums and songs throughout her musical journey. By the time of her passing, she had recorded over 30 albums and more than 100 songs across various genres, including jazz, soul, and R&B. Some of her most famous works include *Killing Me Softly with His Song*, *The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face*, and *Feel Like Makin' Love*.