Empty Chairs / Killing me softly - Lori Lieberman & Matangi Quartet

A wonderful combination of those meaningful songs and the story of how it came to be.
That Lori heard Don McLean sing at The Troubadour and wrote a poem on a napkin.

[Mirzeli]

I'm so honored to have found this gem on YouTube! Incredible how one hit song (Empty Chairs) from Don McLean's concert inspired a young lady in her heartbreak to create a masterpiece hit (Killing Me Softly) from writing a poem on a napkin from what she felt after listening to that touching song! Songs are best made from inspiration and from the raw feelings felt from either heartbreak or joy. Just...wow!! Both songs are hits and both touching!!!

[carolbrumergliksman]

She could have had a stellar career like her peers. Our loss. Love what she did record.

[davidfleuchaus]

What is it about music? When the underscore unselfconsciously opens the heart to hear the width of the words then, well, you have Don McLean! That magic was captured by Lori on that day in 1971 and carried forward. Lori, if you are reading this, well, your legacy is who you became. Your story didn't stop, interrupted by bitterness. That story is one we all know and one that is better than the perfectly lived life on the first go. ...And, dang!! Killing Me Softly is one beautiful song. Timeless. A song for humans - people from all ages, eras, places, backgrounds. Thank you for giving a place and space for us all to feel and appreciate.

[hvymettle]

Must be the ultimate catharsis for Lori to be telling her life in her own words after all this time and getting credit for the beautiful poetry she wrote about a profound experience she had as a young woman.

[nessapainter]

How wonderful to see this video and her credit to Don and Roberta. Lori has always been so underrated. She is magical! Thank you to whomever posted this.

[richardkev]

I’ve been a fan of Don McLean since his first album came out. I knew nothing of Lori Lieberman at the time. When Roberta Flack did “Killing Me Softly”, I thought it was pretty, but never thought more.

Now I know the story behind it and have finally heard it sung as it was intended.

Wonderful!

[nizk]

Wow what an incredible story and an amazing voice. I only discovered today she sang the original 😮

[cliverees]

I just stumbled on this today
I am just blown away loved both songs, brings back so many memories

[colin]

'and I wonder if you know that I never understood, that although you said you'd go, I never thought you would'

[jacquismith]

Two fantastic gentle songs, with such depth. Great performance.

[BiggerAlan]

Her beautiful music touches the heart and moves the soul. Thanks for stirring up old memories of true lost love.

[gidgetsmart]

It's amazing how these two songs flow so naturally, one to the other. She still has a wonderful voice this many years later. Many singers lose vocal quality with age (I did). Lori's is still perfect.

[pls]

The voice of an angel...thank God you found your way back to music and for the gift you have given all of us fortunate enough to listen to you...

[malvinatrifilio]

I was a university student at NYU and on my 20s when I first heard this song for the first time sang by Roberta Flack, I immediately fell in love with it and understood the words as they are, girl listen to a boy singing and playing his guitar and expreses her feelings of how it makes her feel. Now on my 70s I found Lory and her story on how she was inspired by Don McLain’s song and it is as if someone opened all the doors and windows on an empty house it all makes sense now. Thank you Lori I love your song even more now and thanks to Don for inspiring you.💝
I always thought that when a writer of a song sings her/his own creation it is the best version since only she/he understands the true feelings they felt when it was written. My humble opinion 😊

[Donnie-uhnd]

The moment she started singing killing me softly it touched my soul, my soul was shaking with all the tears and memories I had with this girl whom I love more than anything. All our laughs together all of our tears. It was like the whole world tear apart and come back new and beautiful with flowers showering over my head.

[sensationsmag]

Just beautiful. I hope she will be back live in concert in 2022!

[Elwrt]

What I would give to meet Lori Lieberman! She is a brilliant singer/songwriter and musician

[rmandrums]

I have to admit I had never knew who Lori Lieberman was until I heard this. Wow, what a beautiful woman and voice. I think everyone who has heart break can sympathize with how she felt. I believe that both songs are absolutely great together. Thank you for sharing it was (is) very touching. I think Don McLean should be very proud for inspiring such beautiful music also. In fact, his entire American Pie album is just rich with beautiful songs (Vincent, Empty Chairs every one).

[KSsoundguy]

What an incredible voice and talent. Thank you Lori!❤️❤️❤️

[francisalanwormald]

AT 83 a highly unusual discovery...Lotsa talent for us to enjoy...