Lori Lieberman comes to terms with Killing Me Softly

[@Trenchant468]

I believe she was deprived of credit and money on her creation. She has every right to be outraged by this and her treatment overall, and yet she displays grace and integrity. Her song and her voice are beautiful.

[@CatherineSTodd]

\How as she deprisved of "credit and money?" This is terrible, considering how popular the song was by two different singers.

[@thedarksideoftheforce6658]

So, you are not telling the current facts. She received 8 million dollars from the fugees for sampling her song. She also has been receiving month royalties for almost 30 years. She is very rich. Please stop.

[@micaKTM1290]

@@CatherineSTodd "...song composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Denied writing credit by Fox and Gimbel,"

[@booklover3959]

She deserves the credit for creating this special song. Yes Roberta did turn it into a brilliant interpretation and expression of art...that is true....but it still originally came from the imagination of Lieberman. To be the composer is vital and without it you have no song.

[@Wolferal]

Also, Charles Fox. He composed the melody and chords. Lori wrote the lyrics.

[@neilifill4819]

Lori Lieberman got screwed by the music people around her. The song was never licensed to her and the band leader and manager (if I recall correctly) were the ones who benefited. It’s sad, really. It’s a beautiful, memorable song.

[@natureclips5849]

Roberta Flack made the song her own tbh

[@neilifill4819]

@@natureclips5849 true. So did Al B. Sure and Lauryn Hill. Each version is classic in its own way, but Roberta Flack is the high bar.

[@thedarksideoftheforce6658]

So, you are not telling the current facts. She received 8 million dollars from the fugees for sampling her song. She also has been receiving month royalties for almost 30 years. She is very rich. Please stop.

[@annemander78]

Lori is a class act. She is a fan of Roberta and appreciated the cover of her song. She is right to feel envious because it was her song, but she was gracious in praising a terrific interpretation. I wish Lori had received more recognition during her career.

[@chambeet]

Great interview. She seems like a genuine, decent person.

[@gpentsas]

Very well said

[@isaacness2647]

I only knew of roberta's version my whole life, however lori's version sounds so different, almost frightening.

[@nathanwallace3337]

Just like Carl Perkins seeing Elvis shoot to superstardom with Blue Suede Shoes

[@G11713]

Whatever happens, she is the writer. Additionally, the royalties should keep her smiling beyond the fact that others have found her art inspirational enough to polish and spread it to others, even into several generations. I can't think of a higher praise. ;)

[@kimmillard9445]

Wow!! The voice is still gorgeous after all these years too!!

[@nessuno7510]

Kim Millard not to mention her face...

[@conllido916]

Lorie 's voice is quite a rare one. And with the song, "KILLING ME SOFTLY WITH HER SONG," the lyrics of which she wrote herself , one is raised to the highest heavens just by listening to her sing it.

[@Jackie.Bautista]

@@nessuno7510 Yes she is so beautiful. Almost thought she was Barbara Streisand

[@ChessboardMagician]

🙏👏👏👏

[@bagofchips8813]

agreed.

[@2300Kenzie]

She was beautiful in her youth and never lost it. Such a graceful and pleasant person. Oh yeah, she also had a good song - an important but not the best part of her.

[@Bardathe111]

She also had a style.

[@joecaroselli5858]

I love your word "pleasant." It is an apt word to describe this wonderful, sensitive artist. I get what you are saying here. Excellent. Lori Lieberman has such heart.

[@hansel2001]

A.million people can sing a song. Only 1 person can write it. To make something from nothing…that’s the definition of creativity and that’s the greatest gift a human can give to humankind. If you can talk, you can sing. But to write an iconic song? That’s a gift. Thank you, Lori, for this gift.

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

nonsense man....

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Agreed, thank you, Lori.

[@mallikabalu2032]

You said it🙇‍♀️

[@missayawk]

Exactly 💯

[@DavidHalChester]

Fascinating. All versions of the songs had their strong points. But it is always fascinating to hear the original version by the artist that created it.

[@xorahigh945]

That song was written by Charles Fox.

[@demartin975]

I totally agree.

[@rakuranhawke8600]

@@xorahigh945 Except, notably and stated and cited on Wikipedia; Lori Lieberman was not credited with her part of her collaboration with Charlie Cox. So, she released her version after not being credited. Might be a 4 year old comment but still to help correct the record.

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

Fugees "version" is an over-rated piece of wanna be r&b rap trash...Lauren Hill even cant sing propperly, man !

[@williamwhite9923]

Lori's version is so natural, its obvious that it was her own creation. Just beautiful.

[@kathyh.648]

I heard her original not long ago for the first time. It gave me chills. I am so glad to have found it and its great to see here she stayed true to herself and is proud of the woman she was than. Rightly so! Her pure natural version is authentic and goes straight to the heart. Thank you for this great song and for your example and honesty Lori Lieberman!

[@AndyGalvan-of1wl]

Hi Kathy💐💐

[@vaibanez17]

She deserves way more recognition. Killing Me Softly IMO is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@sebasdebordeaux8347]

Sure it is !! one of the 10 best to me ..

[@lordbyron9172]

I can't imagine how it must feel when you write a poem about a personal experience, make a song about it, and then see the song become a hit when sung by another singer which didn't experience what was so fundamental to the song. I guess it must have been rough. Imagine that you make a small indie movie about some short love story you had when you were a teenager, the movie has a good but limited reception, but then, some years after, someone makes a big rom-com movie out of it and hits the jackpot. You are doomed to watch people connect with your story, except it's not your story, and neither is it the story of the person who made that film.

[@nataliepar9245]

Thought the same thing, great analogy

[@stephenhanson3647]

Although you do make money when someone covers your song.

[@lordbyron9172]

@@stephenhanson3647 It's true, but my comment wasn't about money. My point was about seeing people connect with the story of the song and the singer. In a way of course it doesn't matter, because it's just about how the words themselves connect, but still...

[@TheSup3rboi]

Doesn't she get royalties for it or did she not secure the song

[@roberthimself7813]

@Mirijam schön Nobody, absolutely no one brought race in to this. Says a lot about you.

[@kuboman]

Beautiful woman - inside and out - and profoundly humble. Thank you, Lori, for your beautiful spirit and music!!

[@mikemorey1606]

Me and several friends were lucky enough to see and hear Lori Lieberman sing "Killing Me Softly" back in the 70's (and several of her other songs) in an intimate concert one night at SDSU. She was fantastic! A great talent. We were so lucky!!! I have not forgotten the "magic of that night and concert" even after all these years. Thank You so much, Lori. It was a privilege.

[@BrandonSmith-rb1bf]

Wow!

[@IKEOyerzhan]

It's a pleasure to listen to her even when she talks :)

[@whitelighttrainwreck3021]

Amen! Also, it is wonderful to hear a woman speak about her growth. Mature women are amazing.

[@thomase13]

@@whitelighttrainwreck3021 Agreed! I bet you would appreciate Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s new podcast, “Wiser Than Me”. Amazing interviews, starting with the incredible Jane Fonda!

[@ThePsho]

I love Lori's version, Roberta's version, and the Fugees version. Each style has a unique feel that fits a certain mood. Different applications, each equally amazing really. The fact that three different styles of the same song can be so incredible is a testament to the songwriter. That's what is so incredible to me. This song is so well written, from the lyrics to the chord progression and melody. In that sense, 100% credit to Lori. Absolutely beautiful song regardless of who performs it.

[@davidpeterson144]

I get a little Gordon Lightfoot out if that... She has some great lows and terrific higher notes superb quality. Love it.. The fudges f#@ked it up bringing the ghetto crap , fighting and messed up a really great song. Bozos. Never will I ever listen to their version. It's disgraceful pathetic disturbing.. Thank you Lori For a beautiful song, keeping it real is true to you, and so many others who get past by. Again great admiration.

[@renaniidepinheiroepereira4104]

@Jesus Christ , yes, his record is beautiful.

[@The22Jeanne]

And how about the 2022 version of Olivia Mason in her blind audition at TheVoice UK 2022. Also different and interesting and hip. (Even to a 50-year old like myself...)

[@stuartg7507]

@@davidpeterson144 I know we all have opinions here on the internet but I don't know what you mean by "ghetto crap"

[@madygr302]

​@@stuartg7507 he is just racist

[@007JHS]

I just love to hear Lori Lieberman singing this song... It has been an earworm for me for the last couple of weeks... in a good way... must listen to Takes Courage.

[@terrancetyrell6797]

I just happened on this. I've never given much thought, really, or just assumed all this time, Roberta Flack wrote "Killing Me Softly". Growing up in the late 70's/ early 80s, this song struck a chord. Since then, I have had a deeper appreciation for female songwriters,artists and composers. Thank you, Lori Lieberman for introducing me to..... I'll call it women in music. Thank you!

[@fernandoc.paezspont2218]

Dear Mrs Lieberman, I respect your talent and humble attitude, and yes, you are right to feel proud of the person you were when you composed Killing me softly. You made history in music. And you have a great voice and interpretation today too! Best regards!

[@cosmonapolitano4059]

I'm a senior guy, and I don't care. I loved the album American Pie, and now after seeing the Don McLean American Pie documentary on TV, which included Lori and her perspectives, I love her. I can watch the young Lori, and the Lori today, sing Killing Me Softly over and over. Now, it's SHE killing ME. I just love her.

[@LawrenceShemnje]

This is a big lesson of life Lori Lieberman the mother of KILLING ME SOFTLY and was so proud _8 years and more years after Roberta Flake , shooked the world accompnanied by the Fugees and many others came up with powerful lyrics of KILLING ME SOFTLY translated in more than 50 languages world wide . Lori u are the best incarnation of living musician ever . U touched the hearts of the people from West to East from North to the South all over the globe . U are all wonderful guys KILLING ME SOFTLY for live

[@bluebutterflywellness2273]

Kudos to Ms. Lieberman for creating a tune so beautifuly fluid and timeless that it carries across genres and generations. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 💕

[@joliearytravels]

Her voice is beautiful .❤️

[@nedscudder8850]

Lori was a local artist in Livingston, NJ and I was happy to play a couple of her songs on the now-defunct am/fm station WVNJ back in '72. I added both "Killing Me Softly" and "My Lover Do You Know" to our play list and as far as I am aware, we were the only NY metro station who knew she existed back then. The fact that Roberta Flack said she heard "Killing Me Softly" on a trip to NY still makes me smile.

[@hypnotherapycw]

then it is YOU who single handedly RUINED lieberman. kidding.

[@bunpeishiratori5849]

The story is that Roberta Flack heard it on an airplane flight.

[@hypnotherapycw]

@@bunpeishiratori5849 cite your sources?

[@bunpeishiratori5849]

@@hypnotherapycw I just saw a interview on KZbin with Charles Fox who explained it very clearly. I'm sure you can find it too.

[@Aranck-kcnarA]

​@@hypnotherapycw... Roberta Flack interview aired on PBS Masters - [Roberta] I had gone out to California to do a special, got on the plane in L.A. to come back to New York, by myself, and I opened the brochure that describes what music you can select, and there's a song, 'Killing Me Softly With His Song.' Hmm. ♪ I heard he sang a good song ♪ ♪ I heard he had a style ♪ - And I listened to it about five times before the plane landed. ♪ I came to see him, to listen for a while ♪ - When I got ready to do the song, I was hoping that I'd hear some little opening there say, 'Aha, you could do that, you don't have to do this,' and it would sound great. The whole section of, (sings wordless tune) that little thing that I do in the middle, Nowhere on Charles Fox, Norma Gimbel's music is that printed. That's mine. I also changed the chord structure. To my ears, it sounded better. I was not limited to just taking the song off of the page of music. (thoughtful music) Maybe about two weeks later, went on tour with Quincy Jones. We did our date at the Greek Theatre. And then when it was over, and they wanted an encore and Quincy said, 'Ro, do something.' I said, 'Well, I have this new song I've been working on.' So I started in, ♪ Strummin' my pain with his fingers ♪ ♪ Singing my life ♪ (thoughtful music) (faint cheering) After I finished, the audience would not stop screaming. (crowd cheering) And Quincy said, 'Ro, don't sing that daggone song no more until you record it.' And I said, okay. That was it... Roberta Flack

[@pamelaruben4644]

So cruel to write a magical, iconic song like that and not get the credit. Undoubtedly it is one of the most beautiful songs ever written. What happened to Copyright? What a charming, graceful lady. I love her version and think she is a brilliant composer and poet and a beautiful singer. ❣

[@David-y8m8z]

She has such aura of class about her. truly a giant in her own right. very humble and down to earth. cheers.

[@jasonlynn1017]

Madame Lori you have written one the greatest songs ever written, and you should be proud of it: your version is intoxicatingly sublime: I cannot hear this music without crying, and would guess this happens for many people. But I would this IS so serious; this is life and death. For so many lonely, unloved, unlaid people, every day is a living death, and the stellar relief and expression is hearing a song as astral and profound as yours.

[@kingsleyseow4715]

Her voice is so soothing. I could listen to her talk all day

[@floydthebarber9956]

Lori... Singer-songwriters will never go out of style. It's beauty and simplicity is timeless.

[@chrisnystrom8466]

Special song...special lady. My first time hearing Lori sing it. Absolutely lovely.

[@aisl6190]

That opening line is up there with Jane Austin... Lori is a natural genius of a lyric writer... Lovely to hear her acknowledge Roberta... and the melody is wonderful, and original. Every creative person knows that original is difficult, if not impossible... and that to love something is to let it go. Thank you for that song, it will last - in many versions perhaps, but a few will go looking for its origin and find something wonderful.

[@seayak]

Well her performance on this video beats all others as the best version of her own song I have ever heard. More from Lori please!,,

[@mmurph617]

😂😂😂🧢🧢 I love how the internet pretends to root for underdogs.

[@letmetalkabout....1275]

What a beautiful song. Only a person with a lovely heart could write such a song! Love you Lori !

[@davestreatfield2527]

What a lovely lady , and as somebody said , inside and out ! She still has a voice that is stunning , and I could listen to her singing for hours ! Thanks for posting , and please Lori , try and make it over to Cambridge , England before too long ! Good wishes ! Dave

[@SpinSpin2020]

WHAT A CLASSY LADY! "Small acts of courage" yes indeed! I loved learning of this back story. We know mostly what is in our faces (no wonder history is a mess lol) I stumbled on this because of the new Beale Street movie. Can't get the song out of my head. So glad I found Lori's story. What a fantastic, from the heart, song. She should be beyond proud!

[@mar-shagazorpazorp6431]

It’s so important to mention how humble she is being. Underplaying the effect all of this really must have had, ESPECIALLY given just how much of a negative impact her affair with Norman Gimbel probably had on her, and the likelihood that ‘Killing Me Softly’ associated & connected all of those bad memories, becoming this huge, tangible embodiment of just so much pain that took many years for her to move on from. Fortunately she seems to have moved on where she could finally reclaim this song that was always hers to begin with. She deserves that. Good for you, Lori Lieberman.

[@bish0p2004]

1:28 I love the way she brings that part up, because everytime I hear her original version, I keep expecting her to sing it. Really a class act.

[@PearlJamAndBiscuits]

Wow what a beautiful and insightful woman and her voice is still just as lovely today

[@frankbrinkmann2510]

This Song from Lori Lieberman can't be demolished by anyone. It is a piece of common cultural heritage and it always will be her work

[@lydiahanke]

One of the greatest songs ever written. What a feeling to have made it!

[@mayakronfeld4617]

Absolutely beautiful dialogue between the three versions of this special song

[@007JHS]

When I listen to Lori Lieberman's recording of 'her' song... It does take me back to the early days of Don McLean.

[@thirsty_dog_4_god484]

Don’t down play your version. We all have our styles of expressions. I think your version captures the soft intimate emotion. This song is yours for others to use, it’s a very well written song that is so real and relatable. It’s a honor to written a song so many artists have sung.

[@stansmad]

I lost a baby nephew (Jay ) during Roberta's '72 version of this. Cannot listen to it today without crying deeply. Time sure escapes us doesn't it ?

[@rwcats]

You have plenty to be proud of, Lori. Thank you for all that you have given us and continue to give us. We are forever in your debt.

[@KevinForbes]

It's great hearing the history behind this song. The beauty of having the recordings by Robert and the Fugee's is that this song will be in rotation forever.

[@denisem9407]

What a beautiful voice and what a beautiful person.

[@artkaboom]

Wow! I never knew who wrote this beautiful song, one of my favorite of all time! So I just want to say thank you a million times! I love your voice with this song, and also Roberta Flacks. The song runs through my head quite often for years and years, it still kills me, softly.

[@pcallas66]

I say thank you to her for writing this. It takes me way back.

[@kevinpowell7435]

To be honest, I've never heard of Ms. Lieberman or her ORIGINAL version before, but I LOVE IT! She has an incredible voice! I wonder how she feels about The Fugees version.

[@TitusLennon]

Lol did you watch the video you commented on to hear her thoughts?

[@rbailey3309]

While Roberta Flack's version was my favorite and the one I remember from my childhood, as a poet, I have mixed feelings about it; now that I know the song's history. I am grateful for Lori's song as it resonated with me as a teenager; it evoked feelings that I was trying to come to terms with at that stage in my life. Goosebumps!

[@ImoldsoIknowstuff]

Dear Lori. I feel ashamed that I didn't know, this was yours. After hearing you sing it, I don't think I'll ever listen to Roberta, without thinking of you. You sing it with sweetness and vulnerability. It's the first time I've ever listened to it, without thinking it was a love song. Now I've realised that it is a LIFE song. Just beautiful. Thank you. Sincerely, James

[@jaleo_117]

I loved this interview because you didn't asked a lot of questions. But yet you asked the right ones and she opened up with a beautiful story of the origin of a classical song. I thank you and I thank Lori for creating a master piece.

[@RPRosen-ki2fk]

I think they MISSED the biggest question. Why are two other people credited with writing this song, and what role did they each play? Inquiring minds ... want to know.

[@freddflungston2698]

She has such a gorgeous voice, and the song is so perfect when she sings it.

[@rimdas1825]

Exactly, like all the words express perfectly rather than the mesmerizing tune only ♡

[@LinReed_Shukla]

At the end, about courage, I’m so happy she said “human beings,” instead of “women.” Every living individual needs courage.

[@cmartinmusic]

Classy lady. I can relate to walking away from the "biz". So rare to see and hear someone so balanced in this electrified plastic metaverse.

[@lorrainegatzke1048]

Excellent songwriting, magnificent voice, a true artist

[@AndyGalvan-of1wl]

Hi Lorraine💐💐

[@MakeSomeNoisePlaylists]

Nope. A true songwriter

[@demartin975]

Each person brought something totally special and unique to the song, which to me, shows how versatile and great the actual song is. Al B Sure also has a version which is also unique in its presentation.

[@fedoramcclaren4294]

Oh wow...I thought I was the only person to mention Al B. Sure's version!!!

[@yvonneprimeau5475]

Lori, your type of music is for all ages. Poetry to music.

[@johnclemente9168]

Beautiful song. Lieberman's voice is incredible! Why didn't she fight to get her name on the writing credits? I understand that this often happens, but why was this never rectified? She certainly had a good case!

[@s3rj81]

She was denied any credits, I don't know why.

[@Statuslock]

Because of two dudes she was co writting with.

[@SparrowStockwell]

Oh, how beautifully she sings her song.

[@kivawyandotte6941]

I had never heard of you. Tonight I stumbled on the info of who wrote it, your first recording of the Killing Me Softly. I LOVED your version. So deep and pretty!!!!!!

[@robertdowson832]

She still has a wonderful voice. Thanks for the memories

[@williamevans9426]

Written by Charles Fox, who also wrote many other pieces including a number of well-known TV themes.

[@tmcge3325]

Beautiful Lady and what a song! 50 years and when we hear the song, we stop to listen! Amen!

[@dynodish]

Her version is absolutely as good as any other version and better than most. As it should be. It's lovely, Lori. I still get requests around the old camp fire. Just today a man ( my nurse) told me this was his favorite song. I hope I do it justice, it's a blast to do. Very show offy.

[@Enigma-Sai]

She should be proud that Flack and the Fugees thought that this song was so beautiful, it needed to be recreated. Now she’s “cool” to her children. 😅

[@manikaliqi9666]

Omg . Found out today it s your song . Clicking through jackson 5 Version then landed here . Giant song and over 370 cover / versions i looked just . Hpoefully you got at least much money for the versions . Close 50 years this song and still one of the greatest. My respect and good you Made this Interview . Now i know you and i never will forget it's your song .

[@h2xxx160]

I have always had a theory that the first version of a song that you hear is the version you will always like best. Well, I heard Roberta's version back in the '70s, and I liked it fine. I never heard Lori's version until about 15 minutes ago. This is definitely an exception to my theory. Lori wins hands down!!

[@maestrobjwa90]

I guess my experience is an exception to that theory too...See, the first version I heard was Lauren Hill (the video is kinda burned into my mind because I may have only been about 5 or 6 at the time). I never connected to the song that much until a few days ago when I heard it on a commercial...But after hearing Lori's version? Yeah I like her's a littl better! (and I don't like Lauren Hill's version that much, lol)

[@johnbrady1211]

@h2 xxx > I'm of the same mind. I first heard Roberta's STUDIO version and it was ingrained in my brain. I had no idea Lori co-wrote it and sang it first. I didn't even know who Lori Lieberman was. And I'm a child of the sixties. Roberta's studio version came out and just overpowered Lori's, being more of the times. Lori sounded kind of like Judy Collins to me. Anyway, after hearing Lori sing it, I kind of like it. A little more mellow, but it retains the sad, gut wrenching feeling to it. I can't believe Roberta hooked up with the Fugees, after Lauryn Hill, to turn this into a hip hop version. Yuk... But... a Russian singer named Alyona Yarushina does a cover that is somewhere in between Lori and Roberta's. It's the best cover of this song I have heard. She really pulls the the sad, anguish out of this song and makes you feel it.

[@joecaroselli5858]

Wonderfully said!

[@jerometaperman7102]

I’m of an opposite frame of mind. I usually like the author’s version best. I really can’t stand Lauryn Hill’s version of this song.

[@BrandonSmith-rb1bf]

Yeah it sounds like her

[@briancarter9053]

I think they were all great songs and it is amazing to see how you can do the same song same lyrics and make them sound better. I just genuinely love the lyrics as well. The lyrics were written in such a way that can be relatable to millions. That is usually the reason people sample, or other write songs for specific people and etc. Some people may not like that this song was remade multiple times but what better way to have someone’s legacy go on than to remake this song under a new generations the would have never hear these beautiful lyrics had nobody sampled it or re did it. A lot of people say they would have been mad or handled it a different way but the way she handled it almost guarantees that she will forever be remembered.

[@edwardlee6516]

what a great melody fantastic lyrics and to me is real heart felt music no can stuff here they are hard to find anymore and ive studied and played for a small 50 years from the masters to the little people just beautiful

[@micheleshelley6156]

Roberta Flack had a certain majestic quality to her voice, and matched with this melody, was unforgettable. Glad to put a voice and a face to the song writer.

[@lazysingledaisybronwyn8105]

WOW! WHERE IS THS LOVELY LADY TODAY! She's a 🏆 WINNER! GREAT EXAMPLE OF "WHAT" GOD IS! I'm 56 years old and NEVER HEARD OF LORI LIEBERMAN until right now .... I guess THE WALLS will be the only thing pained when the truth requires for the Truth to take FRONT SEAT PRECEDENCE. Who is hurting the worst? THE WALLS. The pain of ARTHRITIS in the walls ... One can hear it. Can you? ❤

[@lavoniamonroe4995]

I had no idea of Lori Lieberman. The first time hearing her song was when sung by Roberta Flack. Lori has a really good voice! But, I understand how she would feel jealous. This is a normal human emotion. I would be down right angry. There is so much to be heard of Lori. I am so sorry that I am just hearing this. I hope her heart has healed. I really do.

[@KaylasMusicalDigest545]

This was a cool interview! I'll always consider Killing me softly as one of the greatest songs ever written! I just love the song so much!

[@tfking10]

I believe this woman is owed credit for the creation of the song if it was derived from a poem. She probably felt like she wasn't in a position to make an argument for the credit. The other writers are probably keeping quiet. Even if there was no poem and she simply conveyed the feelings (which appear would be detailed) to the credited writer she deserves some writing credit in my book.

[@toyaex9950]

She has so much grace. Grateful for her creation and Roberta’s and Lauryns artistic additions. ❤

[@VocalEdgeTV]

She looks and sounds amazing.

[@marshabailey1121]

Anyone who's ever heard Don in concert can relate to this.

[@teacherlisa163]

I am so grateful for the backstory. I was extremely young at that time but had older siblings. I guess that's why I listened to it. And then... it became my own. Thank you. I'm glad I finally got the truth behind this beautiful ballad. And btw, Don McLean was also a favorite - and James Taylor. That whole era - we are all so amazingly lucky to have been alive during this time when music like this graced our breath and lives.

[@josereyescastillo1273]

ES SENCILLA Y HUMILDE, FÁCIL DE ENTENDER, POR QUE TUVO EXITO, AL ESCRIBIR SU POEMA, HECHO CANCIÓN.❤

[@1kinut800]

I heard this when it first came out, I was already a big Don McLean fan, and I LOVED Lieberman's voice. She has an amazing voice. I don't know what her relationship is with Fox-Gimbel, but in my mind she'll always get credit for this song because the boys would never confess to have these deep feelings. I'm glad he continued to record, although I don't think her albums have the same facets as this particular song. Lieberman is one of those people you are so glad she was born and grew to do what she does simply because she added her "color" to this world. She may not get the residuals or copyright payments for this song, but she owns this song. It's her heart (at least at the time) in this song.

[@MoMoMyPup10]

It's funny because I never knew who wrote it till just now watching this video. Then I clicked on the link to the right where it says "Charles Fox discusses writing Killing Me Softly" and I was like 'what the heck'? Clicked back here because I figured someone would bring it up in the comments to clarify it (there were zero comments on that one), and now I'm mad. She got ROBBED! Pisses me off. Thanks for saying your piece.

[@sciccotti135]

A quick Wikipedia search turns up her name only as a "collaborator" with others (if at all). She should get FULL CREDIT; enough is enough. She's so humble about the origins and the remakes of her tune ("small acts of courage we all display every day" are most important). There is no doubt a lovestruck, young woman wrote this beautiful song. Another person got a Grammy for it too. How did that happen?

[@sharonsOff]

Beautiful song. Glad she embraces it all now.

[@hyharmon]

Thank you Lori for the song. I've become a FAN. GOD BLESS

[@megibug]

Such a truly gorgeous voice❤️

[@willkirkoff1333]

There is absolutely no question about it. Lori singing her song is the best version out of any others hands down!

[@arnoldusrichard3888]

Never leave us dear Lori

[@Neicoman]

I didn't know the story, Love the song, Lori you certainly deserve some of the royalties but thank you for the music.

[@daveZ4143]

what a great interview with this uber talented beautiful person. i could. listen to her sing, or speak, forever. THIS is the voice and face of an angel.

[@natalieps2387]

Then the same thing happened in 96 when the fugees covered it. That was when I was in high school I had no idea it was done by Roberta flack until everyone on tv kept saying a cover of Roberta flack poor lori it was her song first but everyone only thinks of the fugees & Roberta . The writer was a man by the name of fox he must be rich 3 versions 2 enormous hits.

[@BrandonSmith-rb1bf]

I know right?

[@adelaferreira4575]

Songs have this way of discovering our souls,every version counts especially when it is a well written beautifully sang by the author’s song ,yes Roberta Flack version was the popular one but it is the creators baby and you should be so proud to bring this into the world ,and there’s public for slow beautiful songs I can account for that ! ( retired singer)

[@pimukrak8316]

I learned this song lyrics as part of external readings and I was and am glad that my teacher showed me such a nice piece of English lesson/song. Oh, and I have Lori's CD somewhere at home.

[@flobrez2470]

She had and still has such a beautiful voice.

[@jamesgeis]

"Courage is the small things we do every day" is one of the best quotes I've heard in a long time.

[@007JHS]

Lori... your kinda music is everyone's kinda music... it pulls and tugs at a very deep level.

[@joejones9520]

fascinating, she is very wise and thinks deeply about things, so cool to see her playing it on guitar finger style, I like her version by far the best.

[@b.i.s.o.n.bristolscreenwri305]

Lori Lieberman is a living legend!! I didn't know that she could play the guitar

[@kartranr7737]

Most beautiful voice....anyone can say Lori is original with true emotions

[@nizk1817]

What an incredible story and what an amazing voice. Best version in my opinion 😊

[@barrygioportmorien1]

Lori has one of the best version's, of this song, and there are so many here on KZbin, I only became enamoured with this song, when I recently saw the movie "About A Boy' which I loved, starring Hugh Grant, and an 11 year actor By the name of Nicholas Hoult, an amazing young actor, who is now about 32 years old. Interesting that it was written about Don McLean. There should be no embarrassment, no matter what. I have checked out many versions and I always go back to hers.

[@robotypist]

Dolly Parton wrote I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, but the song is connected with Whitney Houston.

[@kellianne17]

Yet Dolly's is the one that brings me to tears.

[@natalieps2387]

Yea but dolly wrote it & made a lot of money. I like dolly's in a different way. Of course whitney just killed it on that and iiiiiiiiiiiii e iiiiiiiii part nobody can do that but houston. But dolly got her prophets whitney thanked her & e everyone knows dolly wrote it. Poor lori when the fugees recorded this at first I thought it was theirs than the radio & tv said the fugees covering Roberta flack. So I had no clue 24 years after the fugees til now lori did this song first.

[@BrandonSmith-rb1bf]

@@natalieps2387 Agree 100%

[@chinemeremudoh3732]

Forever! Dolly's was country/country-oriented. It was about moving on without a lover, a best friend. It was heavy, it was beautiful, it would make you cry. But Whitney brought it to the world! Whitney made it a love song- in the "love" sense of the word.

[@erad67]

At least Dolly got the writing credit and cut of royalties. Lori didn't.