On February 24, it was announced that the Grammy Award-winning soul singer Roberta Flack died from a cardiac arrest, age 88. Over the course of her six decade career, Flack’s rapturous music transcended continents and generations, with her 1973 song, “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” from her fifth studio album Killing Me Softly, taking on a particular life of its own in the Philippines. It has been covered, reinterpreted, and even used as a staple in local singing competitions, where aspiring artists test their vocal prowess against its emotional depth. From intimate acoustic renditions in an open jam session to powerhouse performances on live television, “Killing Me Softly” has become a Filipino cultural touchstone.
When Flack released “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in January 1973, it was an instant classic that transcended generations. Originally written as a poem by folk artist Lori Lieberman and transformed into a song by composer Charles Fox and songwriter Norman Gimbel, the track was brought to life with the help of producer Joel Dorn. Legend has it that Flack first heard the song on a plane, where it played as part of the in-flight entertainment. The song’s influence reached far beyond the United States, inspiring artists and songwriters across the globe, including the Philippines. The rest, as they say, is history.
In the 2000s, powerhouse band Aegis brought their signature rock-ballad flair to the song, covering it multiple times in electrifying live performances. In 2013, KZ Tandingan, fresh off her The X-Factor Philippines win, included a soulful rendition of Flack’s classic in her self-titled debut album, showcasing her vocal mastery and ambitious portrayal of the song.
Throughout the 2010s and 2020s, Killing Me Softly remains a favorite among contestants on televised singing competitions like Tawag ng Tanghalan, The Voice Kids, and The Clash. Time and time again, aspiring artists choose the song to test their singing talent, each performance adding a new layer to its rich legacy.
“Killing Me Softly” is a universal experience, a melody that continues to slay with its beauty — especially in the Philippines. The song will continue to resonate across the country for years to come, and we have Flak to thank for that.
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