Yep. All the money from the coverd went to the two producers who were very manipulative and didn't even want to let her go when she wanted to leave them.
Lori Lieberman is the author of that song. She was at that club that night, hearing Don MacLean and writing the words to that song on a napkin because she had been overwhelmed with emotions by MacLean's performance (hence, "killing me softly"...). Obviously, she did not have the fame Roberta Flack enjoyed at the time. Her record was ignored because people are told what they should like and as she did not publicly exist, people just assumed she was just another one of those misunderstood writer trying to make it. Roberta Flack heard that song on a plane. She immediately knew this was a great song. She called Quincy Jones, because she had a career going on and knew people, made a few chord changes here and there and made millions of dollars. People bought that version of the song because they had been told that was Roberta Flack's latest record. As for Lieberman, the author? She found out she wasn't even credited as lyricist. To the record company, she was just an embarrassment jeopardizing the sales of Roberta Flack's record. And that's how people today are listening to that song with a weepy eye, remembering how Roberta Flack made a difference in their life, and how Lori Lieberman fell into oblivion.
Yeah. Someone in the comments tried to tell me she didnt write it and that Charles Ira Fox did but never confirmed it. I went on to find out more about this song. It's sad how she was discredited for so long. Lori wrote it as a poem, on her tear stained napkin.. Norman Gimbel (her lover and lyricist) formed the lyrics and Ira Fox the music, in collaboration with Lori. Only after talking about it a lot, basing it entirely on Lori felt and wanted (lyrically) they collaborated on creating this song. "Lieberman’s poetic inspiration was shortly set to music by Fox but supported lyrically by Gimbel. It was Lieberman, however, that paid attention to the lyrical and structural integrity of her first-hand sentimental experience." But it's quite ironic that some people want to discredit her as Gimbel did as well, possibly their relationship went sour. (They were lovers but he was also her manager ans lyricist) Here's an excerpt from don mclean's behind the music. It stated that after roberta flack and the fugees made it all the more popular, and went off to win grammies and awards; "Still, Lieberman received little to no recognition for the track itself, finding her contributions discredited by Gimbel and Fox. Gimbel even went as far as to demand that Don McLean remove a reference to Lieberman’s participation in the song’s composition from his website."
I just learned the full story behind this song recently, and that THIS is the original. It makes me so sad that Lori never got proper recognition for this masterpiece. Her voice is so beautiful and the meaning of the lyrics is so much more clear.
Don McLean - Empty Chairs Then Lori Lieberman - Killing Me Softly 😊th-cam.com/video/hPRswF993Xo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1rHCiO9btyL8gR8g @robertphelps1574 @@lisarosebolin
I know what you mean. It's a lovely melody & more clearly sung. This is the original apparently; I heard it for the first time ever this afternoon on Steve Wright's prog on Radio 2! Until then, I always assumed Roberta Flack's was the original, but I m o I've always found her cover boring & the Fugees even worse! :-[ until hearing this original on Radio 2, I had never heard of Lori Lieberman either. I'm going to Google her.
But I will never make the mistake of saying there are no others like it because that is a foolish argument. They aren't supposed to be like her version. They have their own take and twist. I JUST WISH SHE GOT CREDIT 😩
@@KC-sm7gm No, she didn't get songwriting credit or a cut of the publishing that went to Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox when Roberta released her version. Gimbel and Fox both tried to discredit her and erase her part in the process completely.
The intro and the guitar solo are a little different, but the chord structure of the verse and chorus are almost identical to the Flack version. The only difference is the chorus starts 6 - 4 - 5 - 1, as opposed to the Flack version which goes 6 - 2 - 5 - 1.
That's the thing. There are apparently over 160 versions of this song. But in Lori's you feel the emotions close in. Giving us a taste of what she felt when she was inspired. Music is so powerful. I think its because of how honestly she sings this secretive song, i cant really listen to any other version anymore. The others are great but this one evokes emotions
Was watching a video of songs many dont know are covers and instantly got shivers when this played for a brief moment. And good god. Her voice is haunting
Ive heard about 5 versions of this song and i have come to this conclusion: If you have a great voice you can't mess this up. Its about the lyrics. Powerful. But respect to the originator. If it wasn't for Lori's pen and voice there would be no future covers of this.
Killing Me Softly really sounds as if it has the meaning that it's supposed to have, along with the melody - instrumental & vocal - in this original recording by Lori, but it's her voice that's so lovely.
Fun fact, the song she's singing about is actually my favourite song - Empty Chairs by Don McLean (yes the one who wrote Vincent & American Pie) she went to see Don McLean sing and when he sang empty chairs, this was pretty much how she felt..
@@RusticRonnie yes, actually. I'm still correct. Charles Ira Fox was business partners with Norman Gimbel. (And took to the music, not even the writing, FYI) Norman was Lori's lover and her lyricist and manager. After hearing don McLean's empty chairs LIVE, she wrote her feelings down on a tear stained napkin. Norman thought it would do well for a song. After talking about it a lot, they collaborated on creating this song. "Lieberman’s poetic inspiration was shortly set to music by Fox but supported lyrically by Gimbel. It was Lieberman, however, that paid attention to the lyrical and structural integrity of her first-hand sentimental experience." Even after Norman took her words to play with and write lyrics, it was Lori who corrected and perfected the lines so that they felt right to her. But it's quite ironic that you would like to discredit her as well. :)) as Gimbel did as well, possibly their relationship went sour. Or he was just jealous for years. Here's an excerpt from don mclean's behind the music. It stated that after roberta flack and the fugees made it all the more popular, and went off to win grammies and awards... "Still, Lieberman received little to no recognition for the track itself, finding her contributions discredited by Gimbel and Fox. Gimbel even went as far as to demand that Don McLean remove a reference to Lieberman’s participation in the song’s composition from his website." So there's probably a reason Ira fox never confirmed it, as you said. Because he couldn't have.. Thankfully Don McLean and others knew the truth, and shone a light on Lori who was shy. Otherwise I'm sure Norman and Fox would have successfully stolen all the credit. I hope the full story has enlightened you better and perhaps next time, when you'd like to discredit a person, respectfully, you'd follow up on finding the details and truth. Lets put an end to artists of different kinds having their voices silenced, discredited or stolen.
That's my opinion. Or rather, was my opinion. I love both versions. Maybe in the moment I was loving this one because it was so fresh and new to me. But I can definitely appreciate both now! @@BleedingLiar17
The song means so much more when you hear it done by this lady. You can literally hear in her voice how moved and inspired she was by the subject of the song, Don McLean. It’s beautiful. Also I agree, Don Mclean could reduce me to tears. Again this is now my favourite version, so moving, you can hear the emotion in her voice, not manufactured, it’s so real ❤️❤️
For anyone who doesn't know, this song was based on Don McLean's - Empty Chairs, she wrote it after hearing empty chairs, live. It's another beautiful song which is a favourite of mine. I remember hearing the roberta flack and fugees and thinking "this isnt the original" when i finally found lori Lieberman (with the internet getting better back in the day) i was shocked but so happy learning one favourite song was actually based on another! Anyways. Definitely give a listen to Don McLean's!
She "sort of" wrote it. She scribbled some notes on a napkin while out at the Troubadour listening to a McLean performance. She then gave that napkin to Norman Gimbel who wrote a full set of lyrics from them and then gave them to Charles Fox, who set them to music.
@@nickdfoxy From what I've heard of the story you're not giving Lori her full due. Wrote poem, not notes, collaborated with both Norm and Charles for final composition. By the way, this and other over produced "versions" of this classic have all been outdone by Lori, herself in solo acoustic guitar accompaniment, around ten months after this posting. Check it out here: th-cam.com/video/V43roLjtvd8/w-d-xo.html
Gimbe: “Lori is only 20 and she really is a very private person ... She told us about this strong experience she had listening to McLean ... I had a notion this might make a good song so the three of us discussed it. Lieberman then adds: “Norman had a phrase he liked, 'killing me softly with his blues' ... But I didn't feel the word "blues" was quite what the effect was. It wasn't contemporary enough, somehow. We talked about it a while and finally decided on the word "song" instead.”
I found out today that this was the original🤥i always thought Roberta Flack's was the original. Hats off to Lori for giving a song that resonates with countless women across the globe. I am from Asia and heard Roberta Flack when I was 15. This has been my go to song during my tough times. Now at 50 Lori's voice is bringing calm to my soul♥️
Read the back story about how Lori Lieberman contributed to the lyrics on this song and actually released it before Roberta Flack. I've always admired Flack's version and even praised the Fugees update for bringing it to a new audience. But I also like this version. Younger listeners may not realize that it's actually very much in the style of music of that era, kinda folky, kinda pop, like Merrilee Rush's Angel of the Morning. Sounds a little tinny, and not as finely produced as current music, but it takes me back to another time, and I'm glad I listened.
What do you mean contributed? She wrote it herself from personal experience and Flack heard it on the radio and decided to fucking re sing it and bought the rights
@@LowDarts Gimbel and Fox completed it based on Lori Lieberman's first sketches, at her invitation. Many believe that she was never adequately credited or rewarded.
Gimbel :”Lori is only 20 and she really is a very private person ... She told us about this strong experience she had listening to McLean ... I had a notion this might make a good song so the three of us discussed it. Lieberman then adds: “Norman had a phrase he liked, 'killing me softly with his blues' ... But I didn't feel the word "blues" was quite what the effect was. It wasn't contemporary enough, somehow. We talked about it a while and finally decided on the word "song" instead.”
|Lyrics| I heard he sang a good song I heard he had a style And so I came to see him To listen for a while And there he was, this young boy A stranger to my eyes Strumming my pain with his fingers Singing my life with his words Killing me softly with his song Killing me softly with his song Telling my whole life with his words Killing me softly with his song I felt all flushed with fever Embarrassed by the crowd I felt he found my letters And read each one out loud I prayed that he would finish But he just kept right on Strumming my pain with his fingers Singing my life with his words Killing me softly with his song Killing me softly with his song Telling my whole life with his words Killing me softly with his song He sang as if it he knew me In all my dark despair And then he looked right through me As if I wasn’t there But he was there, this stranger Singing clear and strong Strumming my pain with his fingers Singing my life with his words Killing me softly with his song Killing me softly with his song Telling my whole life with his words Killing me softly with his song
At last i found this song,the first time i heard this song on the radio when I'm 4 or 5 years old and now I'm 17😭😭😭😭😭 i really want to cry right now 😭😭😭😭😭😭🎶
i enjoy the many renditions of this song, but lori captures the devastation in the lyrics veritably (as you would expect of the original). the emotion in her voice is vehement and thats really what gets me so wrapped in how tragic this song sounds compared to the covers
J'ai connu cette chanson avec les fugees à l'époque, j'ai vite appris que c'était une reprise mais c'est la première fois que j'entends l'originale. Elle est tellement plus mélodieuse et tellement d'émotions dans l'interprétation et la voix de Lori Lieberman. Une merveille.
Lieberman was invited by a friend to see Don McClean at the Troubadour in Hollywood. Lieberman was blown away by McClean's song "Empty Chairs." Immediately, after the show she took a napkin and jotted down words. Heading to a phone booth contacted her producers. Roberta Flack heard this version on an inflight audio during a flight from New York to Los Angeles.
This is my first time hearing the original song! This one is beautiful! It has a charm to it. It's sad that she never got recognized for it. I do like the other versions. I'm glad I can add this one to my collection.
Best version of them all, so haunting, so sad and early 70,s... I bet if Mary Hopkin had released that in the UK around the same time, it would have skyrocketed!
I’m just blown away finding out that THIS is the original. All these years, I always thought Roberta’s was the original. Roberta did justice to this song is all I can say! 👍👍 The Fugees version, on the other hand…no comment!
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a 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, Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. The song has been covered by many other artists. - Wikipedia.
I don't know the exact story, but Roberta Flack's version would never have existed if it weren't for Lori...I feel intense pain for her being denied credit! Prayers and lots of love to Lori❤
Songwriters Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel were credited for writing this song for Lori Lieberman - but - it turns out that she wrote some of the lyrics and lyricist Charles Fox would NOT give her proper credit. When she recorded it and released it in 1972 it did not do anything on the music charts. We don't know why that is the case. Roberta Flack's version in 1973 became a big hit and the most recognizable version of the song until Lauryn Hill recorded it in 1996 for a totally new generation - most of whom, sadly, never heard of Roberta Flack much less Lori Lieberman.
Its growing popularity and various artistic perspectives have allowed it to reach many different genres and, in turn, different audiences. (Behind the Song: “Killing Me Softly (With His Song),” Lori Lieberman Feb 20, 2020 American songwriter, the craft of music)
Thank you Mr. Murray. Still, Fugees version seems like music INDUSTRY grinds the work of art to INDUSTRY PRODUCT. George Michael's version of FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR HEART - is PERFECT. JUST AS ROBERTA FLACK VERSION IS PERFECT. ROBERTA's VERSION OF "KILLING ME SOFTLY" IS ALMOST PERFECT... IT WOULD BE PERFECT... IF SHE WROTE IT FROM HER OWN EXPERIENCE... BUT ALAS... LORI'S 1972 VERSION IS THE PERFECT ONE.
Wow... So this is the original version of "Killing me Softly". I have never heard this before. I am familiar with the Fugees version and some others resembling it, and this one sounds completely different to those... but I like it. I really like how soft Lieberman's voice is, and the acoustic guitar with the strings in the background really compliment the song's melodic pattern. This is a beautiful performance.
Muy hermosa interpretacion Y una voz bellísima. Apenas ayer la escuché y realmente transmite lo que dice. Esta interpretacion me hace cerrar los ojos y soñar. Gracias por regalarnos eata melodia tan tierna.
It's so sad that she got zero credits or money from the covers. It all went to her two producers who worked with her during that time. They were very manipulative and abusive. They didn't even want to let her go when she wanted to leave them. Since she left them they've been constantly downplaying her role in writing of this song even though it was her who immediately started writing the lyrics on a napkin when she was watching McLean performing his song Empty Chairs. And not only she didn't get the credits, she also get barely any recognition. If you ask people who is the author of this song, how many will tell you it's Lori Lieberman?
Charles Fox composed the music; Norman Gimbel claimed to have written the lyrics based on a poem Lori wrote. She does not claim to be the "author" of the song, but she does say she'd like some credit for co-writing the lyrics.
True. Norman Gimbel and Charles Ira Fox seemed like horrible people. Normal was her lover, lyricist and manager. A shitty one too as he never got her recognition and then when she DID, he tried discrediting her with fox to the ends of the earth. Man must have lost alll his hair while being jealous and trying to discredit her.
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This is the best version, it is the version that I like the most
The remakes are good in their own wright but this one is its own style, its own lane, and you search for it for a reason. It is intimate in its own way, mostly her, her singing, her fingerpicking, it is a beautiful arrangement. It speaks more like a bard, like poetry, whereas the fugees remake is more moody, more of a lounge groove, different grooves for different moods.
@@lauryndavis6985 disagree, roberta's version is a commercially tweaked boring cookie cutter track ..the original and even the fugee's version has more mood, the interpretation and instrumentals fit the meaning of the song better.
The original artist who was inspired after seeing Don McLean in 1971 for the first time singing Empty Chairs at the Troubador and collaborated with other composer to write this beautiful song.. while Roberta Flack got the credit
It's like sweet love with a melancholy scent, all on the sweet guitar and a captivating voice. All elaborated with few elements, without large orchestrations. A crush on the soul. Es como el dulce amor con un aroma melancólico, todo en la dulce guitarra y una voz cautivadora. Todo elaborado con pocos elementos, sin grandes orquestaciones. Un flechazo al alma.
Just when I thought you could never beat this rendition of this song for sheer beauty, I stumbled upon a video of Lori Lieberman singing it in beautiful French! Amazing. Treat yourself and check it out: I’ll chantait ma vie en musique.
Always my favorite rendition of this song. The first time I ever heard it, so many years ago, perfect. I owned this album. It's exquisite. So lovely to find again.
Roberta Flack killed this song softly. This one played for about two weeks before Flack's version took over on the air waves. Glad to have found the superior original.
I just heard about this "original" today. Had to check it out. It's a beautiful version but I cannot imagine that it would have ever been the hit that Roberta's version was.
She never got the credit she deserved for this masterpiece!!
True!!
Yep. All the money from the coverd went to the two producers who were very manipulative and didn't even want to let her go when she wanted to leave them.
@@cae2525 while one of them was carrying on a whole affair and having her as the other woman
@@elawson1991: Fox or Gimbel?
She didn’t even got the credits for the lyrics. Though she did write them.
I literally found out today that this is the real original version
Same here bro! And we was thinking all along it was Roberta! 😱😱😱
I heard Roberta's version first but i didn't know she sang it at the time. I ended up with The Fugees version
@@briannawallace4085 I heard Al B. Sure & Luther Vandross' versions before Fugees came out with theirs.
Just found out today bro.
The older the version, the sadder. 😢
Lori Lieberman is the author of that song. She was at that club that night, hearing Don MacLean and writing the words to that song on a napkin because she had been overwhelmed with emotions by MacLean's performance (hence, "killing me softly"...). Obviously, she did not have the fame Roberta Flack enjoyed at the time. Her record was ignored because people are told what they should like and as she did not publicly exist, people just assumed she was just another one of those misunderstood writer trying to make it. Roberta Flack heard that song on a plane. She immediately knew this was a great song. She called Quincy Jones, because she had a career going on and knew people, made a few chord changes here and there and made millions of dollars. People bought that version of the song because they had been told that was Roberta Flack's latest record. As for Lieberman, the author? She found out she wasn't even credited as lyricist. To the record company, she was just an embarrassment jeopardizing the sales of Roberta Flack's record. And that's how people today are listening to that song with a weepy eye, remembering how Roberta Flack made a difference in their life, and how Lori Lieberman fell into oblivion.
Yeah. Someone in the comments tried to tell me she didnt write it and that Charles Ira Fox did but never confirmed it. I went on to find out more about this song.
It's sad how she was discredited for so long.
Lori wrote it as a poem, on her tear stained napkin.. Norman Gimbel (her lover and lyricist) formed the lyrics and Ira Fox the music, in collaboration with Lori. Only after talking about it a lot, basing it entirely on Lori felt and wanted (lyrically) they collaborated on creating this song.
"Lieberman’s poetic inspiration was shortly set to music by Fox but supported lyrically by Gimbel. It was Lieberman, however, that paid attention to the lyrical and structural integrity of her first-hand sentimental experience."
But it's quite ironic that some people want to discredit her as Gimbel did as well, possibly their relationship went sour. (They were lovers but he was also her manager ans lyricist)
Here's an excerpt from don mclean's behind the music. It stated that after roberta flack and the fugees made it all the more popular, and went off to win grammies and awards;
"Still, Lieberman received little to no recognition for the track itself, finding her contributions discredited by Gimbel and Fox. Gimbel even went as far as to demand that Don McLean remove a reference to Lieberman’s participation in the song’s composition from his website."
Thank you both for sharing your thoughts and this appreciated knowledge. The truth always prevails in someway. Grateful it has here.
I just learned the full story behind this song recently, and that THIS is the original. It makes me so sad that Lori never got proper recognition for this masterpiece. Her voice is so beautiful and the meaning of the lyrics is so much more clear.
Where can i learn the whole story
@@andrewmolina8053 There's a lot on wikipedia.
@@andrewmolina8053 She went to a show where Don McClean was playing Empty Chairs. That's the song she's talking about. It's an amazing song.
Don McLean - Empty Chairs Then Lori Lieberman - Killing Me Softly
😊th-cam.com/video/hPRswF993Xo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=1rHCiO9btyL8gR8g @robertphelps1574 @@lisarosebolin
The ORIGINAL singer of this song
Facts!
But the best version is Roberta Flack. Then I'll say Lori's then The Fugees.
@@aizenzae4510 check out Perry Como's version. Heavenly. Also a shout out to Blossom Dearie's version. Uptempo swing.
@@Alexthegreat27 not keen on Como's version, definitely prefer it sung from the point of view of a woman.
@@aizenzae4510 you forgot to add "in my opinion".. because in my opinion, this is the best version.
In my opinion very good too. Lori and Roberta.
She has a very subtle cry in her voice. Almost country. So beautiful and pristine. Really a wonderful version.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
She has the Joan Baez/Judy Collins fast vibrato with her held notes. Beautiful and haunting.
Personal opinion..this is my favorite version, you can clearly hear the sadness. She was not just singing the song she was living it.
This isn't a "version." The covers are versions. This is THE ONE
I know what you mean. It's a lovely melody & more clearly sung. This is the original apparently; I heard it for the first time ever this afternoon on Steve Wright's prog on Radio 2! Until then, I always assumed Roberta Flack's was the original, but I m o I've always found her cover boring & the Fugees even worse! :-[ until hearing this original on Radio 2, I had never heard of Lori Lieberman either. I'm going to Google her.
My favorite version is Perry Como's but I like this version too.
I also recommend looking up Lori's new recording from the 2000's. It's even better than this one. Much better in my opinion.
Your a fuccking idiot
Her voice is so beautiful. Wish I heard her version years ago.
Same here my friend
Exactly! I wonder why we didnt?
This is hands down, my now favorite version of this song
The covers are “versions.” This is IT!
I Wish she got the recognition 😭 the words and the chord progressions are very good. I really feel her sadness.
But I will never make the mistake of saying there are no others like it because that is a foolish argument. They aren't supposed to be like her version. They have their own take and twist.
I JUST WISH SHE GOT CREDIT 😩
Sad she hardly got credit. What a beautiful voice 💖
She most definitely cashed large checks. This is for sure the best version.
@@KC-sm7gm No, she didn't get songwriting credit or a cut of the publishing that went to Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox when Roberta released her version. Gimbel and Fox both tried to discredit her and erase her part in the process completely.
@@keironlaer - And when Lori left they demanded money from her which more or less ruined her career for 25 years... Shameful how she was treated
I never heard this original, it's a different chord structure from the remakes but I've got to say, it's beautifully done.
What remake? There's several.
@@hockeyteeth they said remakes! (Not remake)
@@simonramsay6080 Hey! Where'd that S come from!?
The intro and the guitar solo are a little different, but the chord structure of the verse and chorus are almost identical to the Flack version. The only difference is the chorus starts 6 - 4 - 5 - 1, as opposed to the Flack version which goes 6 - 2 - 5 - 1.
You might enjoy hearing Lori perform it here:
th-cam.com/video/V43roLjtvd8/w-d-xo.html
So this is the woman behind this genius song. Kudos to her, very inspired song.
I love all versions of this song, but the original does hit a little differently. Lori's voice is HAUNTING
dude holy shit. this is best version I've heard!! she has such a sweet, angelic voice! 😍
It's the original all of the others are covers
Id lost my lp before thanks it was played thru yuo tube
An experienced singer.
Bro this ain't good
Yes it is justice.
Lori is the best. Better than the other versions.
This is the first time, I felt like crying after hearing a song
Imagine how she felt that night listening to Don McLean singing and his words making such an impact on her, that she helped write this song.
This and perry comos version
That's the thing. There are apparently over 160 versions of this song.
But in Lori's you feel the emotions close in. Giving us a taste of what she felt when she was inspired.
Music is so powerful. I think its because of how honestly she sings this secretive song, i cant really listen to any other version anymore. The others are great but this one evokes emotions
Very Beautiful Song 🎵 💯💯👍🏾 Lori You wrote such a beautiful song. Thank you so much
Her voice sounds like a flowing river, its so peaceful
Perfect way to describe it!
i honestly think this is the best version, which is the original ♡
I love, love, love this version by Lori Lieberman!!! Clean and clear voice. Soulful rendition. She owned every word in it.
Was watching a video of songs many dont know are covers and instantly got shivers when this played for a brief moment. And good god. Her voice is haunting
Ive heard about 5 versions of this song and i have come to this conclusion: If you have a great voice you can't mess this up. Its about the lyrics. Powerful. But respect to the originator. If it wasn't for Lori's pen and voice there would be no future covers of this.
I’ve always said that.
Killing Me Softly really sounds as if it has the meaning that it's supposed to have, along with the melody - instrumental & vocal - in this original recording by Lori, but it's her voice that's so lovely.
Fun fact, the song she's singing about is actually my favourite song - Empty Chairs by Don McLean (yes the one who wrote Vincent & American Pie) she went to see Don McLean sing and when he sang empty chairs, this was pretty much how she felt..
@@nahbirdie4773fun fact, no its not. Charles Ira Fox wrote it.
He never confirmed the song but said it was a small local blues artist
@@RusticRonnie yes, actually. I'm still correct. Charles Ira Fox was business partners with Norman Gimbel. (And took to the music, not even the writing, FYI) Norman was Lori's lover and her lyricist and manager. After hearing don McLean's empty chairs LIVE, she wrote her feelings down on a tear stained napkin. Norman thought it would do well for a song. After talking about it a lot, they collaborated on creating this song.
"Lieberman’s poetic inspiration was shortly set to music by Fox but supported lyrically by Gimbel. It was Lieberman, however, that paid attention to the lyrical and structural integrity of her first-hand sentimental experience."
Even after Norman took her words to play with and write lyrics, it was Lori who corrected and perfected the lines so that they felt right to her.
But it's quite ironic that you would like to discredit her as well. :)) as Gimbel did as well, possibly their relationship went sour. Or he was just jealous for years.
Here's an excerpt from don mclean's behind the music. It stated that after roberta flack and the fugees made it all the more popular, and went off to win grammies and awards...
"Still, Lieberman received little to no recognition for the track itself, finding her contributions discredited by Gimbel and Fox. Gimbel even went as far as to demand that Don McLean remove a reference to Lieberman’s participation in the song’s composition from his website."
So there's probably a reason Ira fox never confirmed it, as you said. Because he couldn't have.. Thankfully Don McLean and others knew the truth, and shone a light on Lori who was shy. Otherwise I'm sure Norman and Fox would have successfully stolen all the credit.
I hope the full story has enlightened you better and perhaps next time, when you'd like to discredit a person, respectfully, you'd follow up on finding the details and truth.
Lets put an end to artists of different kinds having their voices silenced, discredited or stolen.
This sounds a million times better than the one we all know. The meaning shines so much more. It all flows very very nicely
That's subjective and not true. People can enjoy whichever version they like and makes them feel things more
Это субъективно и это правда
Thank you 🤣 @@user-vt4fv6bu1o
That's my opinion. Or rather, was my opinion. I love both versions. Maybe in the moment I was loving this one because it was so fresh and new to me. But I can definitely appreciate both now! @@BleedingLiar17
so glad to stumble on this. now i know. respect to the original writer and singer.
The song means so much more when you hear it done by this lady. You can literally hear in her voice how moved and inspired she was by the subject of the song, Don McLean. It’s beautiful. Also I agree, Don Mclean could reduce me to tears. Again this is now my favourite version, so moving, you can hear the emotion in her voice, not manufactured, it’s so real ❤️❤️
From all the versions this is the last one i heard, and i find it very pleasant to hear compare to other vers.
Damn no lie i teared up listenin to this. I felt this ladys pain in my soul
For anyone who doesn't know, this song was based on Don McLean's - Empty Chairs, she wrote it after hearing empty chairs, live. It's another beautiful song which is a favourite of mine. I remember hearing the roberta flack and fugees and thinking "this isnt the original" when i finally found lori Lieberman (with the internet getting better back in the day) i was shocked but so happy learning one favourite song was actually based on another!
Anyways. Definitely give a listen to Don McLean's!
She "sort of" wrote it. She scribbled some notes on a napkin while out at the Troubadour listening to a McLean performance. She then gave that napkin to Norman Gimbel who wrote a full set of lyrics from them and then gave them to Charles Fox, who set them to music.
@@nickdfoxy From what I've heard of the story you're not giving Lori her full due. Wrote poem, not notes, collaborated with both Norm and Charles for final composition. By the way, this and other over produced "versions" of this classic have all been outdone by Lori, herself in solo acoustic guitar accompaniment, around ten months after this posting. Check it out here:
th-cam.com/video/V43roLjtvd8/w-d-xo.html
Gimbe: “Lori is only 20 and she really is a very private person ... She told us about this strong experience she had listening to McLean ... I had a notion this might make a good song so the three of us discussed it.
Lieberman then adds: “Norman had a phrase he liked, 'killing me softly with his blues' ... But I didn't feel the word "blues" was quite what the effect was. It wasn't contemporary enough, somehow. We talked about it a while and finally decided on the word "song" instead.”
Empty Chairs should make any human cry.
@@johnamaral1786 Roberta Flack definitely has the penultimate version of this song
This song is truly a masterpiece. Original, roberta, fugees i love all versions
I found out today that this was the original🤥i always thought Roberta Flack's was the original.
Hats off to Lori for giving a song that resonates with countless women across the globe. I am from Asia and heard Roberta Flack when I was 15. This has been my go to song during my tough times. Now at 50 Lori's voice is bringing calm to my soul♥️
ずっと、ずっと、探していて、今日､､巡り合いました。涙
So many good versions of this song, including the original. Love it
This one is the original, but it didn't chart.
AM i the only one who finds this sound really amazing? 3:36
Nope
Which one
Yes!!!!
@@sebastiannawrot1817 he wrote it
Yes, the only one. No-one else in the entire world noticed. Collect your prize.
This was Lieberman’s only brush with fame with was a shame. She was 21 when she recorded this song. Simply beautiful!
Not even fame, because this song flopped. It never made the top 100 chart
Sorry to hear that. It is beautiful as well as Roberta Flack's version.
@@electrictroy2010 we love trends as a society. The singer song writer phase was over and there was no internet for people to discover
19
There's always "Great American Melting Pot"
I finally found the original version❤
Read the back story about how Lori Lieberman contributed to the lyrics on this song and actually released it before Roberta Flack. I've always admired Flack's version and even praised the Fugees update for bringing it to a new audience. But I also like this version. Younger listeners may not realize that it's actually very much in the style of music of that era, kinda folky, kinda pop, like Merrilee Rush's Angel of the Morning. Sounds a little tinny, and not as finely produced as current music, but it takes me back to another time, and I'm glad I listened.
After hearing all versions, I can't decide on my favorite yet, but this one comes a bit close to it
What do you mean contributed? She wrote it herself from personal experience and Flack heard it on the radio and decided to fucking re sing it and bought the rights
@@skromnyasha Not entirely true. She contributed some lyrics but the majority were written by norman gimbel. The music was written by Charles Fox.
@@LowDarts Gimbel and Fox completed it based on Lori Lieberman's first sketches, at her invitation. Many believe that she was never adequately credited or rewarded.
Gimbel :”Lori is only 20 and she really is a very private person ... She told us about this strong experience she had listening to McLean ... I had a notion this might make a good song so the three of us discussed it.
Lieberman then adds: “Norman had a phrase he liked, 'killing me softly with his blues' ... But I didn't feel the word "blues" was quite what the effect was. It wasn't contemporary enough, somehow. We talked about it a while and finally decided on the word "song" instead.”
Very raw, honest, and beautifully sung.
|Lyrics|
I heard he sang a good song
I heard he had a style
And so I came to see him
To listen for a while
And there he was, this young boy
A stranger to my eyes
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
I felt all flushed with fever
Embarrassed by the crowd
I felt he found my letters
And read each one out loud
I prayed that he would finish
But he just kept right on
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
He sang as if it he knew me
In all my dark despair
And then he looked right through me
As if I wasn’t there
But he was there, this stranger
Singing clear and strong
Strumming my pain with his fingers
Singing my life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
Killing me softly with his song
Telling my whole life with his words
Killing me softly with his song
First time i have heard this. Never knew this existed or was even the original. It is lovely and sounds more folkish.
At last i found this song,the first time i heard this song on the radio when I'm 4 or 5 years old and now I'm 17😭😭😭😭😭 i really want to cry right now 😭😭😭😭😭😭🎶
She sounds like an angel. Good god, that is amazing.
hers was heartfelt,pure and direct. It still sounded the way it did years ago. One of my all time fvorite song in its original form.
i enjoy the many renditions of this song, but lori captures the devastation in the lyrics veritably (as you would expect of the original). the emotion in her voice is vehement and thats really what gets me so wrapped in how tragic this song sounds compared to the covers
I love the original a whole lot more, it just fits the feeling of the lyrics so much better
This song inspired so many. Im glad there are many versions of it.
This is the ORIGINAL version. All others were remakes.
*covers
Same thing.
A cover and a remake are the same thing.
Lori and Roberta perfects
J'ai connu cette chanson avec les fugees à l'époque, j'ai vite appris que c'était une reprise mais c'est la première fois que j'entends l'originale. Elle est tellement plus mélodieuse et tellement d'émotions dans l'interprétation et la voix de Lori Lieberman. Une merveille.
Lieberman was invited by a friend to see Don McClean at the Troubadour in Hollywood. Lieberman was blown away by McClean's song "Empty Chairs." Immediately, after the show she took a napkin and jotted down words. Heading to a phone booth contacted her producers. Roberta Flack heard this version on an inflight audio during a flight from New York to Los Angeles.
i always thought Roberta Flack was the original singer, but honestly both versions are amazing
This is my first time hearing the original song! This one is beautiful! It has a charm to it. It's sad that she never got recognized for it. I do like the other versions. I'm glad I can add this one to my collection.
The singing here is more clear and delicate.
i used to listen to this version all the time at school it's so good
calling the original a version is probably weird but i don't know how else to phrase it
Magnificent song. The lyrics, melody and performance are remarkable.
Wow, beautifully done.
Goosebumps
Best version easily!! Amazing!
Best version of them all, so haunting, so sad and early 70,s... I bet if Mary Hopkin had released that in the UK around the same time, it would have skyrocketed!
Beautiful and the original. 🥰
Também descobri hoje a verdadeira autora da música e as injustiças que sofreu...o mérito da bela música é dela, que voz suave a dela, muito boa❤🎉
finally i found the original
I’m just blown away finding out that THIS is the original. All these years, I always thought Roberta’s was the original. Roberta did justice to this song is all I can say! 👍👍
The Fugees version, on the other hand…no comment!
Roberta beg to sing the song after hearing the original.
I wish the Fugees had not cut the last verse.
What a compliment. Roberta Flack, Frank Sinatra, and the Fugees have all covered this song, and it continues to be recognized even today.
frank sinatra never sang this song
@@ruth4831 Oh yes he did
compliments dont pay the rent
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a 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, Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it did not chart. The song has been covered by many other artists. - Wikipedia.
How come this is not a hit? It’s the best of all versions and it’s the original…
It's not actually the best, that's just facts. If it was it'll be a hit
Hauntingly beautiful.
I don't know the exact story, but Roberta Flack's version would never have existed if it weren't for Lori...I feel intense pain for her being denied credit! Prayers and lots of love to Lori❤
Songwriters Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel were credited for writing this song for Lori Lieberman - but - it turns out that she wrote some of the lyrics and lyricist Charles Fox would NOT give her proper credit. When she recorded it and released it in 1972 it did not do anything on the music charts. We don't know why that is the case. Roberta Flack's version in 1973 became a big hit and the most recognizable version of the song until Lauryn Hill recorded it in 1996 for a totally new generation - most of whom, sadly, never heard of Roberta Flack much less Lori Lieberman.
LATER VERSIONS are JUST LAYERS OF CAPITALISM COVERING LORI's PURE HEART❤
Its growing popularity and various artistic perspectives have allowed it to reach many different genres and, in turn, different audiences. (Behind the Song: “Killing Me Softly (With His Song),” Lori Lieberman
Feb 20, 2020 American songwriter, the craft of music)
Thank you Mr. Murray.
Still, Fugees version seems like music INDUSTRY grinds the work of art to INDUSTRY PRODUCT.
George Michael's version of FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR HEART - is PERFECT.
JUST AS ROBERTA FLACK VERSION IS PERFECT.
ROBERTA's VERSION OF "KILLING ME SOFTLY" IS ALMOST PERFECT...
IT WOULD BE PERFECT... IF SHE WROTE IT FROM HER OWN EXPERIENCE... BUT ALAS...
LORI'S 1972 VERSION IS THE PERFECT ONE.
21 dislikes are from people who have no heart
one the best song
Oh wow amazing voice
Wow... So this is the original version of "Killing me Softly". I have never heard this before. I am familiar with the Fugees version and some others resembling it, and this one sounds completely different to those... but I like it. I really like how soft Lieberman's voice is, and the acoustic guitar with the strings in the background really compliment the song's melodic pattern. This is a beautiful performance.
This original is still the best so clean
Muy hermosa interpretacion
Y una voz bellísima.
Apenas ayer la escuché y realmente transmite lo que dice. Esta interpretacion me hace cerrar los ojos y soñar.
Gracias por regalarnos eata melodia tan tierna.
It's the original
It's so sad that she got zero credits or money from the covers. It all went to her two producers who worked with her during that time. They were very manipulative and abusive. They didn't even want to let her go when she wanted to leave them. Since she left them they've been constantly downplaying her role in writing of this song even though it was her who immediately started writing the lyrics on a napkin when she was watching McLean performing his song Empty Chairs.
And not only she didn't get the credits, she also get barely any recognition. If you ask people who is the author of this song, how many will tell you it's Lori Lieberman?
Sadly a typical story for so many brilliant, talented women everywhere..... Hopefully things are changing!
Charles Fox composed the music; Norman Gimbel claimed to have written the lyrics based on a poem Lori wrote. She does not claim to be the "author" of the song, but she does say she'd like some credit for co-writing the lyrics.
True. Norman Gimbel and Charles Ira Fox seemed like horrible people. Normal was her lover, lyricist and manager. A shitty one too as he never got her recognition and then when she DID, he tried discrediting her with fox to the ends of the earth.
Man must have lost alll his hair while being jealous and trying to discredit her.
This is the best version, it is the version that I like the most
Its the original
I just found out this is the original and in my opinion, it's by far the best version I have ever heard.
Simply beautiful and
killing me softly 🩵♥️💙
Clean voice and very captivating. It has more soul than remakes..
clearly you haven't heard Roberta Flack sing it
The remakes are good in their own wright but this one is its own style, its own lane, and you search for it for a reason. It is intimate in its own way, mostly her, her singing, her fingerpicking, it is a beautiful arrangement. It speaks more like a bard, like poetry, whereas the fugees remake is more moody, more of a lounge groove, different grooves for different moods.
@@candideggplant1575 Yes, it sounds like a Bardcore tune, and her voice is like Hildegard Von Blingin's. :O :D
@@lauryndavis6985 disagree, roberta's version is a commercially tweaked boring cookie cutter track ..the original and even the fugee's version has more mood, the interpretation and instrumentals fit the meaning of the song better.
The original artist who was inspired after seeing Don McLean in 1971 for the first time singing Empty Chairs at the Troubador and collaborated with other composer to write this beautiful song.. while Roberta Flack got the credit
Best version
It's like sweet love with a melancholy scent, all on the sweet guitar and a captivating voice. All elaborated with few elements, without large orchestrations. A crush on the soul.
Es como el dulce amor con un aroma melancólico, todo en la dulce guitarra y una voz cautivadora. Todo elaborado con pocos elementos, sin grandes orquestaciones. Un flechazo al alma.
Many great singers have covered this and still this is the best
Just amazing!!! When songwriter sings the song. ❤️
this version is so much better, the lyrics are so much more impactful and emotional
162 likes and 9 comments? This world is not far from its end.
Corona.
:-(
Just when I thought you could never beat this rendition of this song for sheer beauty, I stumbled upon a video of Lori Lieberman singing it in beautiful French! Amazing. Treat yourself and check it out: I’ll chantait ma vie en musique.
Amo esta canción y esa voz angelical que nunca olvidé
why this one has less views and recognition than covers ... i felt this more than other versions
Because Lori Lieberman was far less known than Roberta Flack so, unfortunately, didn't get much airplay. I much prefer this version, too.
Original Singer !!, Original Songs !!
No.１ 🥰
Needs a re-release to get its deserved exposure.
Já perdir as contas de quantas vezes escutei essa música. Simplesmente fantástica!!
I really love this song.
Always my favorite rendition of this song. The first time I ever heard it, so many years ago, perfect.
I owned this album. It's exquisite. So lovely to find again.
Other renditions have been very good, but none have ever come close to this one.
dream music thank you
Damn she was a head of her time🔥
Roberta Flack killed this song softly. This one played for about two weeks before Flack's version took over on the air waves. Glad to have found the superior original.
do you like black people
@@Andrew-iv3ff that has absolutely nothing to do with the comment
@@shitterfarter6960 so you don't like black people?
@@Andrew-iv3ff do you have goldfish iq
@@shitterfarter6960 ratio
I just heard about this "original" today. Had to check it out. It's a beautiful version but I cannot imagine that it would have ever been the hit that Roberta's version was.
This is just so lovely. Absolutely beautiful. Thanks for uploading this.