On February 24, 2025, the music world mourned the loss of Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and pianist renowned for her soulful voice and timeless hits. She passed away at the age of 88, leaving behind a profound legacy in the music industry. In the wake of her passing, fellow artist Lauryn Hill paid a heartfelt tribute to Flack. Hill, who gained fame with the Fugees’ rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” expressed her deep admiration for Flack’s influence on her life and music.
Lauryn Hill Remembering a Musical Icon
She shared on Instagram, “I grew up scouring the records my parents collected, and her albums were among them.” Hill highlighted the profound impact Flack’s music had on her own artistic journey.
The bond between Hill and Flack is notably exemplified through the song “Killing Me Softly with His Song.” Flack’s 1973 rendition of the track earned her a Grammy Award and became a defining piece of her career. Decades later, Hill, as part of the Fugees, reimagined the song, bringing it to a new generation of listeners.
Reflecting on this connection, Hill shared, “Whitney Houston once said to me that Roberta Flack’s voice was one of the purest voices she’d ever heard.” This sentiment underscores the respect and admiration fellow artists held for Flack’s vocal prowess.
A Lasting Legacy
Beyond her musical achievements, Flack was celebrated for her intelligence, beauty, and sophistication. Hill emphasized these qualities, noting how they resonated with her personally and professionally. She described Flack as “cool and intelligent, gentle and yet militant,” highlighting the depth of her character.
Flack’s influence extended beyond her own performances. Her rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song” inspired numerous artists, including Hill, to reinterpret the classic. Lori Lieberman, who wrote the poem that inspired the song, also expressed her gratitude to Flack for popularizing it.