Roberta Flack: The story behind 'Killing Me Softly'

On February 10, 1937, one of the legends of soul, R&B and quiet storm was born: Roberta Flack. Her affinity for music was prescribed from before her birth, since she was the daughter of the organist of the Nashville Baptist Church, which led her to have a close relationship with music from a very early age.

As a true music icon, Flack has been highlighted on several occasions thanks to her talented voice and admirable talent. An example of this is that she was the first artist to win two Grammy Awards for Best Record of the Year consecutively.

Among the hits that stand out throughout his career are: "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face", "Feel Like Makin' Love", "Where Is the Love", "The Closer I Get to You" and "Killing Me Softly with His Song." This latest single was one of the ones that most highlighted his commitment and talent in music.

To date, various artists have decided to pay tribute to this song by making their own versions.

This great success has a story behind it which demonstrates the impact music had on Roberta Flack and how her love and commitment to her career made her thrive.

Read also: Roberta Flack dies at the age of 88 Roberta Flack discovers the song

Although the singer managed to place the song in the top spots of hits in the history of music, it is worth noting that She was not the first artist to perform it.

This is Lori Lieberman, the singer who Flack discovered and fascinated with this single.

It was in 1972, while traveling by plane to Los Angeles, when Roberta heard the song performed by Lieberman on the radio Despite his fascination with the melody, he did not pay much attention to it until he read an article about the singer in the on-board magazine.

'I'd never heard of her before so I read it with interest to see what she had that I didn't,' Flack told The New Musical Express.

What is the story of “Killing Me Softly”?

'Killing Me Softly with His Song', a well-known ballad that hides several anecdotes, as well as being covered by numerous artists of different styles.

Such is the case of the hip-hop and rap group The Fugees (Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel), who released their own interpretation on the album The Score. It is worth noting that its success was so great that earned them worldwide recognition and two Grammy Awards.

At the 1974 Grammy Awards, Roberta Flack won three statuettes for 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'.

Farewell to Roberta Flack

On February 24, 2025, at the age of 88, Roberta Flack passed away peacefully , surrounded by her family. Her manager announced it in a statement:

"We are heartbroken by the passing of the glorious Roberta Flack. She broke barriers and records. She was also a proud educator."

So, Flack leaves an indelible legacy in the history of music, immortalized by her hit rendition of 'Killing Me Softly with His Song'.

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