We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Charles Fox - Norman Gimbel - Killing Me Softly With His Song
Which two legendary vocalists famously covered this song in different decades? Learn!
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a classic song that has been covered by various artists, but the version that gained widespread popularity was performed by Roberta Flack in 1973. Charles Fox, however, played a significant role in the song's creation.
Songwriting Collaboration: Charles Fox co-wrote "Killing Me Softly with His Song" with lyricist Norman Gimbel. The song was inspired by a poem written by Lori Lieberman, who had attended a Don McLean concert. Lieberman's poem described her emotional experience during the concert, and Fox and Gimbel used it as the basis for the song.
Adaptation from a Poem: Lori Lieberman's poem was titled "Killing Me Softly with His Blues," and she had written it after seeing Don McLean perform at the Troubadour in Los Angeles. The songwriters Fox and Gimbel adapted the poem into the lyrics of the now-famous song.
Original Version by Lori Lieberman: Before Roberta Flack's rendition, Lori Lieberman recorded the first version of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" in 1972. However, it didn't achieve the same level of commercial success as Flack's version.
Roberta Flack's Success: Roberta Flack's recording of the song became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1973. It also won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year.
Multiple Cover Versions: In addition to Roberta Flack, "Killing Me Softly with His Song" has been covered by several artists over the years, including The Fugees in 1996, whose version also became a major hit and won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Fox's Musical Legacy: Charles Fox is a prolific composer and has contributed to the music of numerous films and television shows. He has received several Emmy Awards for his work on television themes, including "Love, American Style" and "Happy Days."
Academy Award Winner: Charles Fox also composed the music for the film "The Other Side of the Mountain," earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score in 1976.
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" remains one of the most iconic and enduring songs in popular music, and Charles Fox's collaboration with Norman Gimbel played a crucial role in its creation.