Did you know that Killing Me Softly by the Fugees is a cover song?
“Killing Me Softly with His Song” was composed by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel in 1972. The song was inspired by singer Lori Lieberman’s experience of being moved to tears by a Don McLean performance. The original version of the song was recorded by Lieberman and released on her debut album.
Despite being a relatively unknown artist at the time, Lieberman’s version of “Killing Me Softly” received critical acclaim and caught the attention of Roberta Flack. Flack subsequently recorded her own version of the song which was released in 1973. Flack’s version became a huge commercial success, reaching the top of the US charts and winning a Grammy award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Over the years, “Killing Me Softly” has been covered by many other artists. In 1996, the Fugees released their version featuring lead vocals by Lauryn Hill. The Fugees’ version became a massive hit and is perhaps the most well-known version of the song today.
Other notable covers of “Killing Me Softly” include a reggae version by Jamaican artist Johnny Clarke, a jazz rendition by pianist and vocalist Roberta Piket and a cover by British singer-songwriter Colbie Caillat. The song has also been performed by various television show contestants on reality singing competitions such as American Idol and The Voice.
Here's the original song by Lori Lieberman:
Here's the hit version by the Fugees:
“Killing Me Softly” has been covered and remixed by other artists as well. We’ve included more covers by various artists below. Listen to them all and let us know which one is best.
Also, if there’s a good cover version that we should add, tell us! Leave us a comment in the comment section with the name of the artist and a link to their performance.
Michael Jackson sings it in 1974
ALe Aburto Pacheco
Jazz version by James Sanders & Conjunto
Marghe & Chiara duet (The Voice France)
JAF (Spanish)
Which is your favorite? Is there another cover song that we should add? Let us know in the comments.