"Killing Me Softly" by the Fugees is a well-known song with an interesting history:
Original Version: The song, "Killing Me Softly with His Song," was originally written by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel in 1971. It was inspired by a singer named Lori Lieberman, who was moved by a performance by Don McLean.
Fugees' Cover: The Fugees, consisting of Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras, covered the song in 1996 for their album "The Score." Their version was a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts in multiple countries.
Grammy Award: The Fugees' rendition of "Killing Me Softly" won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1997.
Sampling: The Fugees' version heavily samples the song "Strumming My Pain with His Fingers" by Lori Lieberman, which is a reference to the original inspiration for the song.
Lyrical Changes: The Fugees made some lyrical changes to the song, and Lauryn Hill's powerful and soulful vocals brought a unique touch to the track, making it their own.
Legacy: The Fugees' cover of "Killing Me Softly" remains one of the most iconic and recognizable songs in hip-hop and R&B music. It introduced a new generation to the classic tune and remains popular to this day.
This song is a great example of how a cover version can take on a life of its own and become a classic in its own right.