White country boy I was, yet this was the first soul tune I fell in love with. I was 17, I had just joined the US Army during the Vietnam conflict, away from home, Drill Sergeants screaming at me, and no energy left at the end of a long soldier's day, yet Roberta singing and driving this tune deep in me, something to hold on to. She has haunted me with this tune ever since... A nice weeping blessed haunting of wonderful vocal mystery and also drama. Almost like she was setting the tone for many more trying times ahead of me. Thank You Roberta, even though you didn't know me, you were right on time. To be honest... Roberta nailed it!!! This is soul... like it has never been nor will be.
Lori Lieberman, one of the two lyricists for this song, went to a Don McLean (American Pie, Vincent) concert at the Troubadour. The notes she wrote down about his performance eventually became this song. Lori Lieberman recorded it first. Roberta Flack's version was recorded second a year later, and is the one that introduced the world to the song. The Fugees and Lauryn Hill did a version in the 90s.
Thank you for reminding me :D I knew it was about a folk singer of that era (and was born in 1972, so before my time). But couldn't put my finger on who it was about. Obviously, not Bob Dylan, nobody would think he was "Killing them softly", his voice is harsh. And couldn't be Harry Chapin, because he was slightly later. I forgot about Don McLean... Thank you again :D
If you look up Lori Lieberman she had origins to this song. It related to seeing Don McLean playing at the Troubadour. th-cam.com/video/R16NEK8Gmsg/w-d-xo.html
I agree. But good luck hearing them on the radio now. Radio stations now , only want 80's or newer music on the radio now. Give me 50's 60's and 70's music again. Sucks that you can't hear music like this, on the radio anymore.
Some time around 1971 I went to a Washington DC nightclub in DuPont Circle. We had a few drinks then Roberta Flack walked out under the spotlight, sat down at the piano accompanied by a guitar player and she sang this song. Tears began flowing from my eyes as the vibe Roberta gently handed out to us caused the room to become hushed. I have never had such an emotional response to a song. Ms. Flack. I will never forget this. I am now 70 years old and this song and her voice still move me. I am so lucky to have been there at that time.
Lori Leibermen in late '71 and released it in '72. Roberta's version was released in '73, though she did do a live version in late '72 when she opened for Marvin Gaye.
1973 I was11 yrs. old. First time I ever went roller skating. The boy I had a crush on was there with another girl and broke my little heart. On the way home this song came on the radio and I felt and heard the pain of the song. I cried all the way home. Music makes an impact. It did on this 11 yr old girl.
I was 6 years old girl who had emotional impact connection to the song. Just not romantically , I was wishing my biological father was loving Dad who would be gentle and nice instead of emotional and physical abuser. During my childhood and adulthood , I have turn to music for calmness and peaceful oasis amongst stressful times.
It's just another tool. Technologically changing voices has been going on since the 60's. The electric guitar was seen as an abomination back in the 50's by purists, ditto the electric keyboard, the drum machine in the 60's 70's 80's etc. There are still artists that sing pitch perfect just as there are still artists that play the piano and play the drums and acoustic guitar. Just because others don't it doesn't mean the music is any less good or lost.
@@chrisbarlow2131 Well thank you for your well written explanation, I'll be sure to to take your detailed comments into consideration. Or I might just ignore it. Probably the latter.
I will reply Steve.... I totally agree that auto-tune has destroyed music. It is a totally false comparative, with electric guitars and keyboards. Too many people who can't carry a tune in a bucket are making money because of auto-tune. Very few people can rely on electronics in the same way with any other instrument.
I LOVED watching your reaction to Roberta's magical vocals, her incredible interpretation of a musical masterpiece. The Fugees have nothing on Roberta; she'll forever be the master of this song and many others. I just wish I could see her live! I've loved her since I was a lad of about eight.
Loved her from the first time I heard this on my car radio. No hype, no pretense, just letting her big, gentle voice, and the song tell the story. Then I heard "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". And she had me cold.
@@stevealdrup9359 I agree. The Fugess version was okay for Lauryn Hill's generation. Roberta's version (although not the first) had a lot of sensual feelings.
This was my father's favorite song. (RIP Dad, 1937-2012.) He was able to meet her once! I learned to play this on the piano when I was 9. It's a very deep and emotional lyric, with a beautifully cozy sound. The combination is dynamite. I love your reaction videos!
MrJapanApan - No one really knows what exactly she contributed except that it is most likely inspired by her experience of seeing Don McLean performing. She gave them some words she had written but their claims are not the same as theirs... The lyricist credited says he came up with all his lyrics... A newspaper article from the early 70s seems to back up at least some of her version, especially the part about seeing McClean in concert and being inspired by it... Which the credited writers had denied... Its complicated and the lesson should be to document and make sure your name is on the sheet music if you contributed in a legal way to the composition. General ideas are not necessarily copyrightable.
India, you might like Phorbe Snow. Especially the songs "Poetry Man'" and "Harpo's Blues". I do get a kick out of younger folk discovering and appreciating the music I have loved for years. Enjoy.
I went to see a Jackson Brown concert, Phoebe was his opening act. Nobody knew who she was. She came out in this Mexican dress that looked like a mou mou with embroidery o it. I had a couple of those myself living down here in Tucson. You could tell Phoebe was very uncomfortable on stage. But when she opened her mouth that whole music hall was stunned. Phoebe stole that concert from Jackson Brown. He sounded so boring and repetitive. I never played his album again. But I did run out and buy Phoebee’s album when it dropped. She had a 5 octive voice. 🥰 R.I.P. Phoebe.
The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. In 1973 it became a number-one hit in the United States, Australia and Canada for Roberta Flack, also reaching number six in the UK Singles Chart. In 1996, Fugees recorded the song with Lauryn Hill on lead vocals, their version became a number-one hit in twenty countries. The version by Flack won the 1974 Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and the version by Fugees won the 1997 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
I actually lost a relationship over this song. The guy was a musician and said that this is a weak song whereas I think It's amazing. Never, ever trust a man that can't appreciate this song!!! 🤣
No one even tried to touch this song for so long, such a classic, such emotion, so deep, so beautiful. Robert Flack is a legend. Until the Fugees put their spin on it, Lauren Hill, who is a legend in her own right.
The height of 70s sophistication and soul. this is the first song I ever remember hearing on the radio--I was in preschool... and even then I could feel the emotion. Whitney Houston sings Roberta Flack in the movie Waiting to Exhale. You can't get a better tribute than that. Respect!
i'm a hard rock guy because I love the power. This is power through soul. Something about the 70s and the songwriting back then. I really don't know what to say. This is the kind of song that you just don't want to hear come to an end. Precious
I remember hearing this around the same time you did. It was raining very hard one morning and I was in tears because I didn't want to go to school. I wanted to stay warm and dry in the house with my mom. :( That memory kept me from loving this song as much as it deserved.
Actually she covered the song. It was originally done by Lori Lieberman. She attended Don Mclean's concert. And when he sang Empty Chairs. She took notes. Then collaborated with two others. Completing this song.
I was four when this came out, and remember sitting in the back seat of the car absolutely weeping whenever it came on the radio. Later, I realized it was due to the absolute beauty of the chords and their progression. It still brings a tear to this day. AMAZING!!!
I love the time I grew up... We had music from the 50's, 60's and my era 1970's... With all styles of music from jazz, R&B, Rock, soft Rock, Folk, ballads,...etc... We got to listen to real talented musicians/singers/songwriters...
This is one of the absolute greatest songs of all time, and she's one of the greatest singers of all time. We had this 45 when I was a kid & it first came out.
I agree with you, and wish she would do some research first, so the stories behind the songs or singers would be told to a wider audience, especially a sad story like Minnie's - there is a great Wikipedia article about her if anyone is interested enough.
Now that you discovered Roberta Flack, would be nice to see your reactions to "The closer i get to you" and "Where is the love" ( both duets with Donny Hathaway) mand "I´d like to be Baby to you". Love them both.
@@noladarling1597 OMG!! Your screen name! 💕💗💕💗💕 I LOVE(D) KoKo, I had the amazing privilege of seeing her perform twice. And yes KoKo Taylor ANYTHING! Love me some Etta too but KoKo will always be the Queen of the Blues to me.
Effortless. Today, singers seem to try so hard, and still don't seem to get anywhere. Roberta's music, her groove, her voice; it was her stage. Smooth and easy and we are still captivated. She let herself love and express that love in music, so we could feel it too.
Effortless! That's how it used to be with gifted artists. The industry used to shovel them out to us...a buffet of excellence. It all ended once 2001 hit...for some reason; and most of them tend to be connected with one person in particular. After that, only the same 8 or so artists were pushed/marketed (and are still being pushed) for the last 18 years. Robbery to all of the great artists who deserve the air time to share their gift/talents with the world. Keep it up India. You are too cute and when your eyes go big or when you start shifting in your chair, it cracks me up every time. :-)
Please, don't ever feel badly or apologize for your kids entering the room while you are recording. They are a joy, and I am happy to know you have that love in your life.
Roberta Flack had two straight #1 songs on US Billboard pop chart early in her career with First Time Ever I Saw (1972) and this one in 1973. I actually remember this song as an instrumental several years later listening to my mom's easy listening radio station 😂
This song is written about Don McLean...."empty chairs" was the song that inspired this song...Roberta is only interpreting this song....it's a cover.. Charles fox wrote the words with Norman gimbel
My rough rugged hard rock oldest brother loved Roberta Flack and this song lol., I love it too. It makes me cry now. May he rest in peace😕 For more heart-felt songs maybe try some Carol King- she wrote and sang so many.
This song was written by Lori Lieberman after she went to see Don McLean perform at the Troubadour nightclub in Los Angeles. McLean's hit song "American Pie" was rising in the charts, but Lieberman was strongly affected by McLean singing another song: "Empty Chairs".
"Killing Me Softly with His 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. Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. In 1973 it became a number-one hit in the United States and Canada for Roberta Flack. After decades of confirming Lieberman's contribution, Fox and Gimbel changed their story about the song's origins to downplay her role. Gimbel threatened McLean with a lawsuit in 2008, demanding he remove from his website an assertion that McLean was the inspiration for "Killing Me Softly," but McLean responded by showing Gimbel his own words confirming the inspiration, published in 1973.
This was written by the songwriting team of Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, and first recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1972. The story goes that the song was inspired by Don McLean, singer/songwriter famous for his hit "American Pie' and 'Vincent'. The Fugees also covered it.
Love this reaction! I’m currently binging Minnie Riperton Les Fleurs! Carole King’s album Tapestry has sooooo many great songs Also may I suggest a reaction to Voodoo Woman by Koko Taylor! That’s a whole different sound and such a powerful voice! ❤️
A singer/songwriter called Lori Lieberman went to see Don Mclean at the L.A Troubadour. This song came out of his singing 'Empty Chairs'. She was so moved by the words that she went back to her publicists Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox and conveyed her feelings. Together they wrote 'Killing me softly with his song'. Lori Lieberman released it as a single, but wasnt successful. Roberta Flack heard it while flying home and the rest is history
your hair is so cute up like that- I remember this being on the radio when I was 14 -Everybody and I mean everybody fell in love with her voice--so beautiful
Roberta flacks version is the best,. When I heard the very first version by Lori Lieberman it was good , but when Roberta Flack sang it was and will be the best version... The rap version is just ok,. The song was written by a Jewish man Norman Gibel and Lori Lieberman..
This song is about Don Mclean and the girls reaction to his words singing Castles in the Sky. It was originally by Lori Lieberman before Roberta Flack covered it. You should listen to Lori's version as it's her words
As a 10 year old boy, this was the first song I heard that made me realize that relationships were complex .... now I had no idea what that meant at the time ... but I knew the fairytales were probably wrong.
d ragland .... that’s funny. We were in the car once and listening to “Mrs Jones” by Micheal Buble, and our 10 year old daughter says, “Mrs Jones ..... MRS JONES!!!!!!” We had to hold back from laughing out loud as this epiphany hit her 😛
My oldest son took me to Roberta's concert in 2002 on Mother's Day when she was much older (like me). I swear her voice was smoother and richer. Great concert! He got a kick out of me swaying and dancin'.
The young man referred to in this song is Don McLean, the original song was written by Lori Lieberman who attended one of his concerts, and the song she is talking about is the song "Empty Chairs." - th-cam.com/video/Vzq2fUuBtCE/w-d-xo.html Roberta Flack popularized the song later and was responsible for putting it on the charts. Here's the whole story: th-cam.com/video/N4B9TjDgb-U/w-d-xo.html
Roberta Flack and Dusty Springfield were two of the most beautiful voices and most under appreciated performers of a generation. This song still gives me chills when I hear her sing it...thanks, India, for including this track
![ผัวเถื่อน - ยูริ โตเกียวมิวสิค [ OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/P08ORRVDGl8/mqdefault.jpg)
White country boy I was, yet this was the first soul tune I fell in love with. I was 17, I had just joined the US Army during the Vietnam conflict, away from home, Drill Sergeants screaming at me, and no energy left at the end of a long soldier's day, yet Roberta singing and driving this tune deep in me, something to hold on to. She has haunted me with this tune ever since... A nice weeping blessed haunting of wonderful vocal mystery and also drama. Almost like she was setting the tone for many more trying times ahead of me. Thank You Roberta, even though you didn't know me, you were right on time. To be honest... Roberta nailed it!!! This is soul... like it has never been nor will be.
So glad you had this song to hang onto, during a horrific time
Well said. I hope you overcame those trying times and have lived a good life.
Beautiful sentiment.
Thank you for your service.
@@stevendeschaine4277 Tim, MLJ, Steven, Sally... thank you for being here with me!
Lori Lieberman, one of the two lyricists for this song, went to a Don McLean (American Pie, Vincent) concert at the Troubadour. The notes she wrote down about his performance eventually became this song. Lori Lieberman recorded it first. Roberta Flack's version was recorded second a year later, and is the one that introduced the world to the song. The Fugees and Lauryn Hill did a version in the 90s.
I remember when this was all over the radio. Can't do it any better than that!
The one she’s singing about is Don McLean.
you nailed it
i love three versions of this song. Don McLean, Roberta, and Lauren Hill. But Roberta was my favorite version.
Thank you for reminding me :D I knew it was about a folk singer of that era (and was born in 1972, so before my time). But couldn't put my finger on who it was about. Obviously, not Bob Dylan, nobody would think he was "Killing them softly", his voice is harsh. And couldn't be Harry Chapin, because he was slightly later. I forgot about Don McLean... Thank you again :D
If you look up Lori Lieberman she had origins to this song. It related to seeing Don McLean playing at the Troubadour. th-cam.com/video/R16NEK8Gmsg/w-d-xo.html
@@jhoang861 Don McClain sang a song someone wrote about him?
Roberta Flack is so beautiful. I was in high school when this came out. It sounds as magical now as it did back then. What a talent she is!
It’s timeless.
She has a beautiful voice.
I love this cover version of lori liebermans song,beautiful
@@leerobinson6017t's always funny when you find these things out years later. Hopefully she got credited for it as the sole songwriter.
When I’d hear Roberta Flack sing it was like the world would just stop for a few minutes. Amazing.
EVERYONE, black white or brown LOVED Roberta Flack.
Yes
di butler yes we did! And do!
...True story!
Facts
I certainly did..
She gives me chills. I'm in my 60's and I love watching your reactions to the best music ever. Try some Phobe Snow.
Same here 51 in UK I personally always knew this song. I'm amazed how many youngsters don't know real music Xx
Roberta Flack and Gladys Knight, two voices that will never be matched
I agree. But good luck hearing them on the radio now. Radio stations now , only want 80's or newer music on the radio now. Give me 50's 60's and 70's music again. Sucks that you can't hear music like this, on the radio anymore.
@@josephvalenzuela311 The Fugees did a great version.
Absolutely true!
I was working at the airport and I JUST broke up with my boyfriend and Gladys sang HE'S leaving midnight train to Georgia BEAUTIFUL LADY
Never Again 🕊🌹
Some time around 1971 I went to a Washington DC nightclub in DuPont Circle. We had a few drinks then Roberta Flack walked out under the spotlight, sat down at the piano accompanied by a guitar player and she sang this song. Tears began flowing from my eyes as the vibe Roberta gently handed out to us caused the room to become hushed. I have never had such an emotional response to a song. Ms. Flack. I will never forget this. I am now 70 years old and this song and her voice still move me. I am so lucky to have been there at that time.
What a wonderful memory of an incomparable woman! I'm envious of that experience but can't complain, having been to my share of shows.
Lori Leibermen in late '71 and released it in '72. Roberta's version was released in '73, though she did do a live version in late '72 when she opened for Marvin Gaye.
It was the Fugees that covered this song in the early 90's.
... and what a pile of crap that was! :)
You mean it was the Fugees that murdered it in the early 90's?
It was recorded by Flak in early 70s as I got pregnant listening to her album:)
@@geoffos42 thank you!
@@Hondadctrider murdered as in clubbing a seal to death yea
1973 I was11 yrs. old. First time I ever went roller skating. The boy I had a crush on was there with another girl and broke my little heart. On the way home this song came on the radio and I felt and heard the pain of the song. I cried all the way home. Music makes an impact. It did on this 11 yr old girl.
I was 11 too that year! I must have crooned that song to myself through my entire puberty
I was 6 years old girl who had emotional impact connection to the song. Just not romantically , I was wishing my biological father was loving Dad who would be gentle and nice instead of emotional and physical abuser. During my childhood and adulthood , I have turn to music for calmness and peaceful oasis amongst stressful times.
@@pamjarvis8653 I understand. For me, it was my mother... Much love, prayers, and a warm hug of solidarity.
Boo Kitty I was that age also! It totally blew me away. People tell me when they hear this song, it reminds them of me.
Amazing story Boo 😭
You might like “Poetry Man” by Phoebe Snow.
And At 17.
Queen Latifah did a nice cover.
Here you go loving another song over 40 years old. You have really good taste.
The thing about Roberta’s voice that always captivated me was the clarity and power throughout the entire vocal range. Never a strain
Notice how pure her voice is? Autotune has destroyed the soul of music today.
It's just another tool. Technologically changing voices has been going on since the 60's. The electric guitar was seen as an abomination back in the 50's by purists, ditto the electric keyboard, the drum machine in the 60's 70's 80's etc. There are still artists that sing pitch perfect just as there are still artists that play the piano and play the drums and acoustic guitar. Just because others don't it doesn't mean the music is any less good or lost.
Classy song by a classy lady
@@jedislap8726 Wrong on every level.
@@chrisbarlow2131 Well thank you for your well written explanation, I'll be sure to to take your detailed comments into consideration. Or I might just ignore it. Probably the latter.
I will reply Steve.... I totally agree that auto-tune has destroyed music. It is a totally false comparative, with electric guitars and keyboards. Too many people who can't carry a tune in a bucket are making money because of auto-tune. Very few people can rely on electronics in the same way with any other instrument.
I LOVED watching your reaction to Roberta's magical vocals, her incredible interpretation of a musical masterpiece. The Fugees have nothing on Roberta; she'll forever be the master of this song and many others. I just wish I could see her live! I've loved her since I was a lad of about eight.
She and Donny Hathaway had a big hit as a duo in the 70s with "Where is the Love?". She's an incredible, timeless talent.
I love her duets with Donny Hathaway
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway
Great Album
"Where is the Love" can't be duplicated or topped by anyone!
She and Donnie were the stuff when they released it.
I loved that song. I think I was 5 when that came out.
@Scorpio Way Well, Marvin and Tammi....
There will never be one like her again. This is perfection. Stunning.
Musicians used to play musical instruments and perform their songs live. Hopefully we’ll get back to that kind of artistry.
The band who played with Dean Martin were stunning. So tight they sounded like a single instrument.
I doubt it. Kids nowadays only care about the bass. Oldies had stories and musicians had so much talent back then.
Check out Josh Turner and his friends.
Loved her from the first time I heard this on my car radio. No hype, no pretense, just letting her big, gentle voice, and the song tell the story. Then I heard "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face". And she had me cold.
This version by Roberta Flack is the best for this song she has such a great voice.
The Fugues with Lauren Hill did a cover of this song
It's really good too, but not with this same feeling.
I can't tell the difference between Flack and Hill.
One of the all time great singers, such a voice.
Roberta is AMAZING! The Fugees covered this and Lauren Hill did a great job with it.
Much prefer the original. Fugees version, imo, was OK not great.
@@stevealdrup9359 I agree. The Fugess version was okay for Lauryn Hill's generation. Roberta's version (although not the first) had a lot of sensual feelings.
Just beautiful! One of the best girl singers, ever.
Her and Karen Carpenter... :)
Without a doubt. Just awesome. Remember being played on radio almost every day when I was a kid
This was my father's favorite song. (RIP Dad, 1937-2012.) He was able to meet her once!
I learned to play this on the piano when I was 9. It's a very deep and emotional lyric, with a beautifully cozy sound. The combination is dynamite.
I love your reaction videos!
The song is about Don Maclean, about a performance she saw of his song "Vincent".
except it was Lori Lieberman and the song was "Empty Chairs"
except it was Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel who wrote it for Lori Lieberman
@@jpatherton2415 The song is based on a poem by Lori and she wrote one of the verses. Fox and Gimbel wrote the melody and the rest of the lyrics.
I heard it was Don McLean "American Pie".
MrJapanApan - No one really knows what exactly she contributed except that it is most likely inspired by her experience of seeing Don McLean performing. She gave them some words she had written but their claims are not the same as theirs... The lyricist credited says he came up with all his lyrics...
A newspaper article from the early 70s seems to back up at least some of her version, especially the part about seeing McClean in concert and being inspired by it... Which the credited writers had denied...
Its complicated and the lesson should be to document and make sure your name is on the sheet music if you contributed in a legal way to the composition.
General ideas are not necessarily copyrightable.
Roberta Flack had one of the GREATEST voices in music!! The voice of an angel, just like you said. Soothing, soulful, and powerful
The one and only... Roberta Flack. What an incredible woman.
Best voice of her time. Loved this tune when it came out, also "The first time ever I saw your face"
India, you might like Phorbe Snow. Especially the songs "Poetry Man'" and "Harpo's Blues".
I do get a kick out of younger folk discovering and appreciating the music I have loved for years. Enjoy.
I went to see a Jackson Brown concert, Phoebe was his opening act. Nobody knew who she was. She came out in this Mexican dress that looked like a mou mou with embroidery o it. I had a couple of those myself living down here in Tucson. You could tell Phoebe was very uncomfortable on stage. But when she opened her mouth that whole music hall was stunned. Phoebe stole that concert from Jackson Brown. He sounded so boring and repetitive. I never played his album again. But I did run out and buy Phoebee’s album when it dropped. She had a 5 octive voice. 🥰 R.I.P. Phoebe.
Yes good choice!! Very soulful song.
Mrs. Phobe was great indeed. But my personal favorite by her was "Rock Away". Can't tell you how soothing that song is to me even now. Classic love!
I saw that concert with Browne and Snow. It was great! And the song Killing Me Softly is like church.
OMG yes! Phoebe.
Another song that when it came out I thought it was the greatest thing I had ever heard.
Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway were golden together. Where is the love!
Yes, yes! Love that song.
Yes!!! Lol!!!
Yessss Lord have mercy
The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman after she was inspired by a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. In 1973 it became a number-one hit in the United States, Australia and Canada for Roberta Flack, also reaching number six in the UK Singles Chart. In 1996, Fugees recorded the song with Lauryn Hill on lead vocals, their version became a number-one hit in twenty countries. The version by Flack won the 1974 Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, and the version by Fugees won the 1997 Grammy for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
I actually lost a relationship over this song. The guy was a musician and said that this is a weak song whereas I think It's amazing. Never, ever trust a man that can't appreciate this song!!! 🤣
Yeah.. that's definitely a clue...
@@kens97sto171 ❤❤❤
Dawn mazarati... I agreed with with you , some people cant appreciate a really good singer, and yu said hes a musician, 😪😪😪
or woman
Kicked his dumbass to the curb
No one even tried to touch this song for so long, such a classic, such emotion, so deep, so beautiful. Robert Flack is a legend. Until the Fugees put their spin on it, Lauren Hill, who is a legend in her own right.
Here's a great one ' Taxi' by Harry Chapin. Harry was a great story teller. R.I.P. Harry.
Cats in The Cradle, anyone? David Gates from Bread is a great and under appeciated singer and writer. Same with Bill Withers.
The height of 70s sophistication and soul. this is the first song I ever remember hearing on the radio--I was in preschool... and even then I could feel the emotion. Whitney Houston sings Roberta Flack in the movie Waiting to Exhale. You can't get a better tribute than that. Respect!
i'm a hard rock guy because I love the power. This is power through soul. Something about the 70s and the songwriting back then. I really don't know what to say. This is the kind of song that you just don't want to hear come to an end. Precious
You must review “The closer I get to you” by Roberta Flack
With Donny Hathaway.
I’m 52 and I felt went back to my childhood when I was 6 or 7 in the mid 70’s
Cheers for 67 🍻
I remember hearing this around the same time you did. It was raining very hard one morning and I was in tears because I didn't want to go to school. I wanted to stay warm and dry in the house with my mom. :(
That memory kept me from loving this song as much as it deserved.
@@andreadeamon6419
68 is better....lol
@@armybeef68 nah - not really 😉
@@andreadeamon6419
LOL...Hey, you still in DFW?
Don McLean, who she's singing about.
I didn't know that! Thank you!
Makes sense....Don McLean songs were deadly emotional.
crimp creep The painter Vincent van Goeh.
Actually she covered the song. It was originally done by Lori Lieberman. She attended Don Mclean's concert. And when he sang Empty Chairs. She took notes. Then collaborated with two others. Completing this song.
Ok for some reason I thought was about "little" Stevie Wonder.
Roberta Flack was stunning! Her beauty and her voice! My God that voice!!
Wow, memories are overwhelming.
This song was HUGE when it first came out... so beautiful.. It brings to mind Poetry Man by Phoebe Snow...
Great Song!
Phoebe Snow was wonderful
Both songs were about Don McClean.
@@johnkelley5522 never heard that about Poetry Man.. There was a rumor it was about Jackson Browne that I think she said it wasn't..
The "hip hop" version was cool and sounded pretty good and everything but Roberta Flack doing the "ORIGINAL" is, was and will always be the best.
I was four when this came out, and remember sitting in the back seat of the car absolutely weeping whenever it came on the radio. Later, I realized it was due to the absolute beauty of the chords and their progression. It still brings a tear to this day. AMAZING!!!
That was nice to hear again - I liked how she was feeling it so much at the end her left arm kept going up into the air!
Roberta's niece, Rory Flack, is a champion professional ice skater, and she skates to her aunt's songs a lot.
corvus13 wow!
You must do Minnie Ripperton and Deneice Williams! Old school music has been sampled to death! But those two are real DIVAS!!
I love the time I grew up... We had music from the 50's, 60's and my era 1970's... With all styles of music from jazz, R&B, Rock, soft Rock, Folk, ballads,...etc... We got to listen to real talented musicians/singers/songwriters...
This is one of the absolute greatest songs of all time, and she's one of the greatest singers of all time.
We had this 45 when I was a kid & it first came out.
This was on the radio almost constantly back in the 70’s. It was almost like an IV.
YUP
Good times great tunes
Have you heard Janice Ian’s “At Seventeen”
Do “Minnie Ripperton - Loving You” for a real songbird!
She might not survive the experience...
I agree with you, and wish she would do some research first, so the stories behind the songs or singers would be told to a wider audience, especially a sad story like Minnie's - there is a great Wikipedia article about her if anyone is interested enough.
@@samolevski1119 She was taken too early.
Minnie had a great and versatile voice! Her daughter is famous too. Google Minnie, you'll be amazed!
Me personally I am not a fan of Ms. Ripperton, something about her vibrato, I think.. ♠ W.G.
Her voice is lovely! Do you happen to have heard of Minnie Ripperton's "Loving You"? That's another great voice!
Now that you discovered Roberta Flack, would be nice to see your reactions to "The closer i get to you" and "Where is the love" ( both duets with Donny Hathaway) mand "I´d like to be Baby to you". Love them both.
You don't have to be a star by Billy Davis and
It was so good growing up during the 60's, 70's and 80's listen to these fantastic artists. And so many. Hope to hear more.
She did an incredible job on this song.
Such a beautiful voice. Gosh, I'm so glad I grew up through these years and got to hear all these great voices.
You need to do Etta James' "At Last" or "I'd Rather Go Blind"
KoKo Taylor for "I'd rather Go Blind", IMO.
AK007 Campbell KOKO TAYLOR ANYTHING! lol 💕 I love Voodoo Woman.
I adore Etta James!
@@noladarling1597 OMG!! Your screen name! 💕💗💕💗💕
I LOVE(D) KoKo, I had the amazing privilege of seeing her perform twice. And yes KoKo Taylor ANYTHING! Love me some Etta too but KoKo will always be the Queen of the Blues to me.
and dinah washington's "a woman who knows."
Effortless. Today, singers seem to try so hard, and still don't seem to get anywhere.
Roberta's music, her groove, her voice; it was her stage.
Smooth and easy and we are still captivated. She let herself love and express that love in music, so we could feel it too.
I love Roberta Flack. Her music is ageless. Try her song "Oasis" which came out in the 80's.
Love love Miss Roberta Flack❤.....please react to Billy Preston and Syreeta's With You I'm Born Again👍👍
Effortless! That's how it used to be with gifted artists. The industry used to shovel them out to us...a buffet of excellence. It all ended once 2001 hit...for some reason; and most of them tend to be connected with one person in particular. After that, only the same 8 or so artists were pushed/marketed (and are still being pushed) for the last 18 years. Robbery to all of the great artists who deserve the air time to share their gift/talents with the world.
Keep it up India. You are too cute and when your eyes go big or when you start shifting in your chair, it cracks me up every time. :-)
Lauren Hill was probably not even born yet when Roberta Flack recorded this masterpiece in 1973.
But I have a feeling her mom played it every day of her childhood, she nailed it
You might remember Lauryn Hills version if you are old enough.
Please, don't ever feel badly or apologize for your kids entering the room while you are recording. They are a joy, and I am happy to know you have that love in your life.
She sings Like An Angel. She IS an angel. I love Roberta Flack.
Roberta Flack had two straight #1 songs on US Billboard pop chart early in her career with First Time Ever I Saw (1972) and this one in 1973.
I actually remember this song as an instrumental several years later listening to my mom's easy listening radio station 😂
This song is written about Don McLean...."empty chairs" was the song that inspired this song...Roberta is only interpreting this song....it's a cover.. Charles fox wrote the words with Norman gimbel
Are you sure? I had always heard that it was about American Pie
@@drdr76 positive
@@drdr76 the lyrics of this song don't reflect American Pie.
Lori Lieberman wrote the song after seeing Don McLean. You can here her original version on you tube.
THE SONG IS ABOUT DON SINGING VINCENT
My rough rugged hard rock oldest brother loved Roberta Flack and this song lol., I love it too. It makes me cry now. May he rest in peace😕
For more heart-felt songs maybe try some Carol King- she wrote and sang so many.
S.L. S.L. So sorry for your loss
@@beckygould7509 ty so much- i appreciate that❤
S.L. S.L. Absolutely! Carole king is an incredible singer!
This song was written by Lori Lieberman after she went to see Don McLean perform at the Troubadour nightclub in Los Angeles. McLean's hit song "American Pie" was rising in the charts, but Lieberman was strongly affected by McLean singing another song: "Empty Chairs".
Luther Vandross started out singing backup for Roberta.
PLEASE react to Luther Vandross, A House is Not a Home, live.!!!
...and toured as part of Bowie's band. :)
Yes. He is one of the background singers on "Young Americans"
Really miss him.
"Killing Me Softly with His 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. Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. In 1973 it became a number-one hit in the United States and Canada for Roberta Flack.
After decades of confirming Lieberman's contribution, Fox and Gimbel changed their story about the song's origins to downplay her role. Gimbel threatened McLean with a lawsuit in 2008, demanding he remove from his website an assertion that McLean was the inspiration for "Killing Me Softly," but McLean responded by showing Gimbel his own words confirming the inspiration, published in 1973.
Robeta Flack's version of 'Bridge Over Troubled Water' is spectacular. I had to listen to it again and again, it was so good.
This was written by the songwriting team of Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel, and first recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1972. The story goes that the song was inspired by Don McLean, singer/songwriter famous for his hit "American Pie' and 'Vincent'. The Fugees also covered it.
Love this reaction!
I’m currently binging Minnie Riperton Les Fleurs!
Carole King’s album Tapestry has sooooo many great songs
Also may I suggest a reaction to Voodoo Woman by Koko Taylor! That’s a whole different sound and such a powerful voice!
❤️
I love Roberta's music. this song gets in your head and becomes part of the soundtrack of your life. she is amazing
This was a huge hit when I was in High School. Great song
The only artist in Grammy history to create the Record of The Year for two consecutive years. Glorious voice!
Not that it matters, but you do know that she did write KMS, but remixed it so to speak and took it to another level just like Whitney did with IWALY?
I love the duos between raberta flack and james ingram. Specially tonight i celebrate my love for you
Have you listened to anymore Roberta since this? If not, I have suggestions of songs.
She was perfection. So smooth. It came across so easy. I get chills when I hear her sing. She gets right into my heart and I get emotional. ❤️
I remember this song and at the time I was a rocker. Always appreciated her talent and enjoyed this cut. (Shhhh ! Don't tell my rocker friends).
React to The Carpenter's "They Long To Be (Close To You)"
A singer/songwriter called Lori Lieberman went to see Don Mclean at the L.A Troubadour. This song came out of his singing 'Empty Chairs'. She was so moved by the words that she went back to her publicists Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox and conveyed her feelings. Together they wrote 'Killing me softly with his song'. Lori Lieberman released it as a single, but wasnt successful. Roberta Flack heard it while flying home and the rest is history
Roberta Flack, beyond talent , given. But was that the three best backup singers ever? Unreal!
As far as I'm concerned this IS her song the changes she maid made it what it is...
your hair is so cute up like that- I remember this being on the radio when I was 14 -Everybody and I mean everybody fell in love with her voice--so beautiful
Roberta flacks version is the best,. When I heard the very first version by Lori Lieberman it was good , but when Roberta Flack sang it was and will be the best version... The rap version is just ok,. The song was written by a Jewish man Norman Gibel and Lori Lieberman..
Listen to Where is the love by Roberta flack and Johnny Hathaway!
This song is about Don Mclean and the girls reaction to his words singing Castles in the Sky. It was originally by Lori Lieberman before Roberta Flack covered it. You should listen to Lori's version as it's her words
As a 10 year old boy, this was the first song I heard that made me realize that relationships were complex .... now I had no idea what that meant at the time ... but I knew the fairytales were probably wrong.
For me it was, "Me and Mrs. Jones"
d ragland .... that’s funny. We were in the car once and listening to “Mrs Jones” by Micheal Buble, and our 10 year old daughter says, “Mrs Jones ..... MRS JONES!!!!!!” We had to hold back from laughing out loud as this epiphany hit her 😛
My oldest son took me to Roberta's concert in 2002 on Mother's Day when she was much older (like me). I swear her voice was smoother and richer. Great concert! He got a kick out of me swaying and dancin'.
She was the **** back in the day - just the complete package.
Do you remember the song she did with Donny Hathaway, Where is the love? Another favorite.
The young man referred to in this song is Don McLean, the original song was written by Lori Lieberman who attended one of his concerts, and the song she is talking about is the song "Empty Chairs." - th-cam.com/video/Vzq2fUuBtCE/w-d-xo.html Roberta Flack popularized the song later and was responsible for putting it on the charts. Here's the whole story: th-cam.com/video/N4B9TjDgb-U/w-d-xo.html
Roberta Flack and Dusty Springfield were two of the most beautiful voices and most under appreciated performers of a generation. This song still gives me chills when I hear her sing it...thanks, India, for including this track
I whole hearted AGREE.
Dusty and Roberta and Karen Carpenter are the top 3 G.O.A.T Female Singers for me personally.
I LOVE this girl! Straight from the heart, no “filter” present or required!