Roberta Flack - Killing me Softly with his Son - 1973
Roberta Flack - Killing me Softly with his Son - 1973
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Roberta Flack's "Killing Me Softly with His Song" (1973)
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" is a ballad composed by Charles Fox with lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The song was first recorded by Lori Lieberman in 1971, but it became a bigger hit when covered by Roberta Flack in 1973. This version won a Grammy Award for Record of the Year and another for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Here's what you need to know about this timeless classic:
Background and History
Roberta Flack first heard "Killing Me Softly with His Song" on a flight, where she listened to Lori Lieberman's original version. Moved by the song, she decided to record her own version. Flack's rendition was released in January 1973 and became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
Musical Style and Lyrics
The song's style blends soul, R&B, and jazz, showcasing Flack's expressive and soulful voice. The lyrics describe a young woman's feelings as she listens to a singer perform a song that seems to tell her own story.
Cultural Impact
"Killing Me Softly with His Song" has had a significant cultural impact. It has been covered by many artists, including a famous version by The Fugees in 1996. The song's enduring appeal lies in its universal theme of connection through music.
Legacy
Roberta Flack's version of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" remains a classic in the world of music. It's recognized for its emotional depth and Flack's powerful vocal performance. The song also contributed to Flack's reputation as a top artist of the 1970s.
For further exploration, you can learn more about the elements of soul music, the 1970s music scene, and other works by Roberta Flack and Charles Fox.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
Which year did Roberta Flack release "Killing Me Softly with His Song"? (1973) (!1971) (!1975) (!1969)
What inspired Roberta Flack to record this song? (Listening to Lori Lieberman's original version) (!Reading the lyrics in a magazine) (!A suggestion from a record producer) (!Watching a live performance)
What genre does "Killing Me Softly with His Song" primarily belong to? (Soul/R&B) (!Country) (!Rock) (!Disco)
How did Roberta Flack's version of the song perform on the Billboard Hot 100? (Number one hit) (!Did not chart) (!Top 10, but not number one) (!Top 50)
Which awards did Roberta Flack's version win? (Grammy for Record of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) (!American Music Award) (!MTV Video Music Award) (!Brit Award)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What is Roberta Flack known for in addition to "Killing Me Softly with His Song"? (Her expressive and soulful voice) (!Her dance routines) (!Her acting career) (!Her painting skills)
In which decade did Roberta Flack achieve fame? (1970s) (!1960s) (!1980s) (!1990s)
Roberta Flack's musical style blends which genres? (Soul, R&B, and jazz) (!Rock, pop, and country) (!Classical and opera) (!Hip hop and EDM)
Which instrument is Roberta Flack particularly proficient in? (Piano) (!Guitar) (!Drums) (!Violin)
Apart from "Killing Me Softly with His Song," which other hit is Roberta Flack known for? ("The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face") (!"Bohemian Rhapsody") (!"Like a Rolling Stone") (!"Stairway to Heaven")
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What is the main theme of "Killing Me Softly with His Song"? (Connecting with a song that tells your own story) (!A romantic breakup) (!A celebration of life) (!Overcoming challenges)
How does the narrator in the song feel towards the singer? (Moved and connected) (!Indifferent) (!Angry) (!Jealous)
Which emotion primarily resonates through "Killing Me Softly with His Song"? (Emotional depth and vulnerability) (!Joy and excitement) (!Fear and anxiety) (!Anger and frustration)
The lyrics of the song describe the narrator as feeling what while listening to the song? (Her life being sung about) (!Wanting to dance) (!Being transported to another place) (!Remembering an old friend)
What aspect of the song has contributed to its enduring appeal? (Its universal theme of connection through music) (!Its danceable rhythm) (!Its elaborate musical instrumentation) (!Its comedic lyrics)
Memory
| Roberta Flack | "Killing Me Softly with His Song" |
| 1973 | Year of release |
| Soul/R&B | Primary genre |
| Grammy Awards | Won for this song |
| Charles Fox | Composer |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Explore different covers: Research and listen to different cover versions of "Killing Me Softly," noting the variations in style and interpretation.
- Roberta Flack's other songs: Listen to other songs by Roberta Flack and compare them to "Killing Me Softly with His Song."
Standard
- Song Analysis: Analyze the lyrics of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and discuss its theme of connection through music.
- Musical Era Research: Research the music scene of the early 1970s and how this song fit into it.
Difficult
- Cover Performance: Record your own cover version of "Killing Me Softly with His Song," focusing on vocal expression and emotion.
- Essay on Influence: Write an essay on the cultural impact of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and its influence on later artists.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the Emotional Impact: Describe the emotional impact of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" and how it achieves this effect.
- Compare and Contrast: Compare Roberta Flack's version of the song with The Fugees' version, discussing differences in style and interpretation.
- Music and Culture: Discuss how "Killing Me Softly with His Song" reflects the cultural and musical trends of the 1970s.
- Artistic Interpretation: Explain how Roberta Flack's personal interpretation of the song contributes to its meaning and impact.
- Legacy Discussion: Discuss the legacy of "Killing Me Softly with His Song" in the context of modern music.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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