Lori Lieberman Reflects on the Legacy of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ in Tribute to Roberta Flack
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Lori Lieberman, the original artist who first sang ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song,’ has shared her heartfelt reaction to the passing of the iconic singer Roberta Flack. Lieberman, now 73 years old, reminisced about how Flack’s rendition of the song, which was recorded in 1973, had a profound impact on her. Flack, who recently passed away at the age of 88, garnered two Grammy awards for her version of the song in 1973. Decades later, ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ was reimagined by The Fugees, breathing new life into the emotional ballad.
In a recent interview with The New York Post, Lieberman revealed the intimate story behind the creation of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song.’ She recounted how the song was inspired by a performance of Don McLean’s ‘Empty Chairs,’ which deeply resonated with her during a personal breakup. Lieberman vividly recalled writing a poem on a napkin after hearing McLean sing, feeling as though his lyrics mirrored her own experiences. With the help of lyricist Norman Gimbel and composer Charles Fox, Lieberman transformed her emotional poem into the hauntingly beautiful ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song.’
Flack, who discovered the song while Lieberman was featured as an artist on an American Airlines flight, was moved by its poignant lyrics. She went on to perform the song live in 1972 and recorded it the following year for her album entitled ‘Killing Me Softly.’ This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of a lasting musical legacy that touched the hearts of audiences around the world.
Despite their significant impact on the music industry, Lieberman and Flack only met in 2019 during the production of a documentary about Flack’s life and career. Lieberman described the momentous occasion as profoundly moving, with Flack acknowledging their shared musical journey with touching words. Lieberman spoke admiringly of Flack’s exceptional talent as a musician and singer, highlighting her as one of the greatest artists of their generation.
In a poignant tribute to Flack, Lieberman expressed her endless gratitude for the way Flack’s interpretation of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ had elevated the song and touched the lives of many. Flack’s passing at the age of 88, after a battle with ALS, has left a void in the music world. However, her legacy lives on through timeless classics like ‘The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face’ and ‘Feel Like Makin’ Love,’ which continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
As fans and fellow musicians mourn the loss of Roberta Flack, her enduring impact on the music industry serves as a reminder of the power of artistry to transcend time and connect people on a profound emotional level. The legacy of ‘Killing Me Softly with His Song’ stands as a tribute to the remarkable talents of both Lori Lieberman and Roberta Flack, whose collaboration produced a timeless masterpiece that will be cherished for generations to come.