Killing Me Softly with His Song was composed by Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel in 1971. The inspiration came from an experience lived by Gimbel, who attended a Don McLean performance and felt that the music deeply touched his soul, describing it as if McLean was singing his life. The songs first notable recording was by Lori Lieberman in 1972, but it gained worldwide fame with Roberta Flacks version in 1973, which led her to win the Grammy for Rec ... See more [+] ord of the Year in 1974. The song has had several cover versions, including a successful version by the Fugees in 1996.