Roberta Flack, Iconic Singer of 'Killing Me Softly', Passes Away at 88
Roberta Flack, the Grammy Award-winning singer best known for her iconic rendition of “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” passed away at the age of 88. Flack, who rose to fame in the 1970s, transformed the song into a timeless classic after discovering it on an in-flight music system. Originally written by Lori Lieberman and later adapted by lyricist Norman Gimbel and composer Charles Fox, the song became a global sensation under Flack’s interpretation, earning her a second consecutive Record of the Year Grammy in 1974.
Lieberman, who first recorded the song in 1972, expressed deep gratitude for Flack’s transformative take, calling it “one of the greatest things to ever happen to me.” Flack’s version, which introduced a stronger backbeat and a memorable “La, la, la” refrain, resonated with audiences worldwide and inspired later covers, including the Fugees’ 1996 hit. Despite their shared connection to the song, Lieberman and Flack did not meet until 2019, when they shared a poignant moment at Carnegie Hall. Flack’s legacy as a groundbreaking artist and her ability to breathe new life into songs like “Killing Me Softly” continue to inspire generations of musicians and fans.
Video: Roberta Flack, ‘Killing Me Softly’ Singer, Dies at 88
As a Grammy Award-winning singer and pianist, Roberta Flack topped the charts as one of the most popular artists of the 1970s.
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Exclusive | How Roberta Flack made ‘Killing Me Softly’ her own — and changed original singer Lori Lieberman’s life: ‘I have endless gratitude’
“What she gave to that song was … something I never, ever could have imagined,” said Lori Lieberman, who originally released “Killing Me Softly with H
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How Roberta Flack helped Lori Lieberman finally stake her claim to ‘Killing Me Softly’
One singer made “Killing Me Softly” iconic, while the other was left out of its history. Later in life, they came together.
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Roberta Flack, Soulful “Killing Me Softly With His Song” Performer, Dies at 88
The singer, pianist and four-time Grammy winner had two other No. 1 hits with The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Feel Like Makin' Love.
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Roberta Flack, ’70s R&B Vocalist Known for ‘Killing Me Softly,’ Dies at 88
Roberta Flack, best known for her '70s hits 'Killing Me Softly' (later covered by the Fugees) and 'The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,' has died.
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Roberta Flack, Grammy-winning singer of 'Killing Me Softly With His Song,' dies at 88
Flack’s music was introduced to a new generation thanks to the Fugees and Lauryn Hill, whose cover of Killing Me Softly With His Song topped the chart
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Roberta Flack, 'Killing Me Softly with His Song' singer, dead at 88
Roberta Flack passed away, according to The Associated Press. The Grammy award-winning musician was known for her song, The First Time Ever I Saw Your
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‘Killing Me Softly With His Song’ singer Roberta Flack dead at 88
The Grammy-winning star first found fame on Clint Eastwood's Play Misty for Me soundtrack.
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