Killing Me Softly With His Song (1973) 10/1/20

I've put off highlighting today's “Great Song of the '70s” since almost day one. Why? Because the story BEHIND the song is long and ugly, and I really didn't know where to start...or how to keep it short. The song is so legendary, however, I've decided to finally give it a try. So here goes:

In 1971, 19-year-old songwriter Lori Lieberman signed a contract with Norman Gimbel and Charles Fox (composers of many hit songs, including the themes from “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley”). They were to help her write songs and manage her career, taking 20% of all profits. If that seems steep, it's because it was.

Before long, Gimbel—although 24 years older and married—began an abusive sexual relationship with Lieberman. Somehow they kept it secret for a number of years.

When Lori turned 20, she went to see Don “American Pie” McLean in concert and was so affected by his music, she started writing a song about him before the concert was over. She took her notes back to Gimbel, who fleshed them out and sent them to Fox to add music.

The resulting song, “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” was recorded and released, and Lori went on tour to promote it—all the while telling audiences that it was inspired by Don McLean.

Don eventually heard the song, and was surprised, but flattered.

In 1972, Roberta Flack heard Lori's version on an airplane, fell in love with it, and got permission from Lieberman and Gimbel to record it. She tinkered with the arrangement, and the result was a HUGE hit in 1973, reaching to Top 10 in 8 countries! In the US, it went to #2 on the R&B and Easy Listening Charts, and #1 (for 5 weeks) on the Hot 100. In Canada, it was #1 on the Top 40 and Adult Contemporary Charts.

Roberta won two Grammy Awards for the song: Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, with Gimbel and Fox winning for Song of the Year. Lieberman was NOT listed on the award!!

Roberta's version is, without a doubt, a “Great Song of the '70s.” But unfortunately, there's more to the story.

In 1976, Lori got tired of Gimbel's abuse, and asked to be released from her contract. And that's when it REALLY got ugly.

Lawsuit after lawsuit followed. First, it was breach of contract. Then, Gimbel had the audacity to claim that the song was NOT written by Lori, nor was it inspired by Don McLean and demanded that Lori take the story off of her promotional materials. He also tried to get a cease and desist order against McLean to keep HIM from telling the story. Those lawsuits failed, since Gimbel himself had told the story over the years to literally hundreds of people, including interviewers and music business colleagues.

Lori, beyond hurt and full of fury, then wrote a song about an abusive man who went through her diary to find lyrics for songs he was writing. Gimbel threatened to sue for slander, but died before he could follow through.

In the words of the late Paul Harvey: “Now you know the REST of the story.”

Whew.

But when you take away all the CRAP, there's no doubt that “Killing Me Softly with His Song” was a “Great Song of the '70s!

Note: In 1996-97, The hip-hop group The Fugees—along with Lauryn Hill—covered the song and it became a worldwide smash, going to #1 in 23 countries! That's right, 23—including the US. Amazing!

Roberta Flack:

The Fugees (with Lauryn Hill):

Lori Lieberman: