A most relaxing song. ROBERTA FLACK - THE FIRST TIME EVER I SAW YOUR FACE (reaction/analysis)

[@SirHairless]

If you like this song you might enjoy this one next 🎵 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6Xcg6yIgsiHfZY

[@lindakennamer2850]

@@SirHairless thanks again - I did enjoy it. :)

[@ejtappan1802]

When I hear her voice I am instantly transported back to the '70s. The amazing variety of music we had the privilege of hearing is really astonishing when you think about it.

[@janbow5124]

I don't care how many beautiful voices sing this song for me it will always belong to Roberta Flack. ❤

[@dawnmarieallenkent2495]

As does 'Killing me softly'...

[@smallmoments957]

100% agree!

[@lindalawrence1124]

Ditto!

[@judithboulden3456]

I grew up on this. Even as young as we were, we all knew that every note she ever sang was astonishingly beautiful. She sang like an angel. Thank you for reacting to this.

[@axepagode4321]

She won Grammys for Record of the Year for this song in 1973 and for Killing Me Softly in 1974.

[@sharminir]

As soon she started, felt goosebumps. Roberta Flack is an amazing singer, pure talent. Glad you included her in your reaction analysis.

[@TheZippermom]

So nice to hear a lovely voice singing lovely notes without having to add all kinds of tralala jazzy notes all over. You're young. No shame in not knowing this 1970s singer. So much talent back then!

[@magsmags9801]

This is why you are the only creator I support on patrion. Roberta Flack is just breathtakingly beautiful in how she creates a song and I am just so impressed this is a song that you would React to thank you so much.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks Mags!

[@christinep1679]

I knew every word after many decades of not hearing them. And it made me cry because it is so beautiful and brings back memories. Thank you. 😊

[@theresadeuschle8500]

I believe she won a Grammy for this, maybe two. I remember the exact date, March 7, 1972. Ten days before my birthday and I was going to be 10 years old. I don't remember why I loved this song, other than I told my sister, 5 years my junior, that it was my birthday present. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Oh my gosh, this is giving me chills. I'm not sure I understood the meaning of the song at that age, but I thought she sounded like an angel. Thank you for this childhood memory I had long forgotten.

[@ibeetellingya5683]

Isn't it amazing how it touched us when we were so young? Maybe because it was/is life a warm, comforting hug.

[@lied1484]

Such a beautiful love song. A golden oldie, thank you ❤️

[@rebapuck5061]

I hope you will watch a video of her singing this at the piano. All the backing instruments you are commenting on are new to me in this version. Just Roberta and the piano is STUNNING!!

[@jenniferworley7115]

This song always brings such a strong emotional reaction from me. I don't know why but from the first time I heard it and each subsequent listen I immediately tear up. 😥😥Music is such a magical mystery. Thank you for this reaction. Peace ✌

[@dagmar.6954]

Roberta Flack has such a beautiful voice. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" was used in the 1971 Clint Eastwood film "Play Misty For Me". Roberta had a lot of great hits in the 70's such as "Killing Me Softly With His Song", "Feel Like Makin' Love" & some great duets with Donny Hathaway such as "Where Is The Love" & "The Closer I Get To You".

[@peggyuser-oq6xz7fg9o]

Every single one of these songs were on the list that I and my friend would sing as I drove us around in my 1962 VW on weekend evenings- looking for boys driving around!😅 Yes, it was a 1962 Volkswagen-the best I could afford on my Dairy Queen income!!! Bought my car, material to make my sifts and pantsuits for school and buy my shoes...$.50 to start up to $1.25 /hr. by the time I graduated in 1971.

[@SeanFication]

Cool and unusual fact .. it was Clint Eastwood featuring this song in his movie "Play Misty For Me" which made it a smash hit. She wanted to speed it up for the movie version but Clint said no.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for this bit of info! Very cool

[@thisismetoday7423]

I’ve always thought this was such a beautiful song. ❤

[@darrenrayjefferson5298]

Songs today don't have lyrics like that. It's a shame.

[@peterhowells7309]

Greetings from Scotland! I remember this song being released and I thought it was one of the most beautiful songs I had ever heard! Her voice was like nothing I had ever heard before, smooth and powerful - Beautiful song! The lyrics were so deep. Difficult to think she is now 87yo, 88 next month! This was released the year before I got married and I was just 18yo. I cannot listen to the song for more than the first verse because it has huge emotional significance for me personally.

[@SirHairless]

Thanks for sharing, Peter 🙏

[@peterhowells7309]

@@SirHairless I always enjoy your reactions. 😊

[@gigihenderson8567]

Whenever I think of this song, I can only think of Roberta singing it

[@melbanton]

Alison Moyet did a good version of the song. A bit faster than Roberta's.

[@Maria...-mo5qm]

First time listening to Roberta Flack (and to this song) and I enjoyed everything about this video - it evokes some subtle sensuality and a hypnotic landscape of sounds and images. It’s really lovely, thank you!

[@SirHairless]

Happy to hear you enjoy it!

[@andyt1313]

Really enjoy your analysis of music you’ve never heard before. Look forward to more of the 70s and would love some 80s as well. So much amazing music from those two decades

[@ibeetellingya5683]

I can't describe how much this song touched, effects and helped define my life. Part of it is that it captures the innocence, sweetness and tranquil reflection possible at the time compared to now.

[@bethphillips9693]

This is a boudoir song for sure - candles, champagne, and Roberta - and your partner of course - hahaha The progression of volume to me is like the rhythm of love making, with the building, climax, and afterglow.

[@oberladyElise]

A trip down memory lane, beautiful song, amazing singer and thank you as always for your reaction/analysis.

[@lindakennamer2850]

This is beautiful song! Can’t wait for your reaction and comments.

[@CindyduPlessis]

It reminds me of being very relaxed and aware of your own heartbeat and thinking about deep things. Almost a meditative state. It's gorgeous.

[@InkWellideas]

that cello heartbeat...

[@lovesmusic0845]

She had such a soothing voice. This was played to a love scene in the movie Play Misty for Me. Okay movie but the song completely eclipsed it. It went viral (not a term used in those days) and stayed on the charts forever. She had a very diverse career but pop songs were her most successful. Great choice for a reaction. A artist probably forgotten by many people. Not everything was head banging, loud and jarring in the 1970s. I still think it was one of the most diverse musical decades I’ve lived through in my almost 70 years. It’s definitely my favorite 🤩

[@valenciathequeen8994]

Roberta is an elegant singer of beautiful love songs. She is one of my favorite female artists.❤

[@yoclark2723]

I was in high school when this came out. It was a massive hit. They don't make music like this any more. I loved singing it with her when it came on the radio. Thank you for featuring Roberta Flack and giving me such great memories. Oh, and this song gives me "red eyes"

[@MC1002MT]

As an "oldie", I remember when this was released. I listened to it continuously. I was a child, but I knew then it was something special.

[@ribica0903]

This song is song from my youth.Many time I danced to this song in the dark of disco club. Ah, those were 70th. Thank you so much for your reaction.

[@murrannlehovitch6204]

I haven’t heard that song in forever, it’s gorgeous. Thanks for bringing us back.

[@alenkasalej627]

This song is just one of the best from "the golden age of good music" - evergreen for all times and moods.

[@tmax1298]

One of my favorites. When this song hit the airwaves, in 1972 I believe, it was such a contrast to virtually everything else and , as a result, it grabbed my attention each time I heard it. Loved her music even though it was so different from my usual fare. I enjoy your analysis, highlighting and explaining nuances I hear but don’t really appreciate. You make music I already enjoy even better. Keep up the good work.

[@judithL3100]

Man, this takes me back. Seems like it was always on the radio. Got to see her in concert at a local college once

[@SirHairless]

Amazing! A memory to cherish, I'm sure

[@ukladyfan6231]

She sings this so very beautifully and it’s hard to sing this slowly and seductively. Classic and stunning. Just enough instrumentation and carefully chosen instruments. Thank you for highlighting why it’s so delicious 😊

[@BettyWilliams-o4l]

From the 1st time I heard Dimash sing, I've dreamed of hearing him sing this song. Roberta Flack is fabulous.

[@randyrocha6069]

Out of all artists that attempted to cover this eternal classic, only Celine Dion & Leona Lewis have truly done it justice & respected the original melodic flow. One of the greatest songs ever written & recorded. Such nostalgia I can't even put into words.

[@annier6]

At 75 music continues a huge part of my life and I forget that singers as amazing as Roberta Flack are before your knowing. The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face won the Grammy for Song of the Year in 1973. This was the only the beginning of her great career and she won Song of the Year Grammy in 1974 as well for Killing Me Softly with His Song. Edit: I always enjoy your enjoyment of new discoveries and the analysis. Now we're all relaxed!

[@nancyholter5646]

73, here, and I am always surprised when the reactors don't know someone I grew up with - and then I realize how many years there were between those singers/songs and the reactors birth! But it is always fun to watch them discover someone like this.

[@annier6]

@@nancyholter5646 YES - I feel surprise and then - of course this is new to them. haha

[@sunshinespiritmindfulnessa1355]

Your face as you listened to this told as much as your words. There were things that surprised you, and things that touched you, and that genuine reaction is what music is all about!

[@pjb3583]

She has such a beautiful voice and draws such a vivid picture when she sings. This was always a welcome change of pace when it came on the radio. Love this song! Peace …

[@marablemorgan8292]

Soch a soft and beautiful song...

[@cynthiamiller483]

I haven’t heard this song in years. I have always enjoyed listening to her. Each note is so intentional and beautiful, and she tells a good, tastefully sensual story. Thank you for this memorable song today, and always your insight of the song. Have a relaxing day! 🎶 Cyd

[@orrmeli]

Love this song!!!

[@juliewade1393]

Wow haven't heard her in a long time. Beautiful voice. Reminds me of when I was a teen.

[@SirHairless]

[@orrmeli]

I grew up with my mom listening to this Brings back memories. Love this song.

[@carmengibson]

It’s such a beautiful love song! ❤

[@vix387]

Stunning.

[@sallysmith5090]

My college roommate sang this song for us at our wedding in 1973...I still just love this song and all it evokes. So glad you got a chance to hear this haunting song. Thank you for everything.

[@SirHairless]

Sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing

[@dorothyrosenberg1301]

Roberta Flack was an incredible artist. Her performance here has always been my favorite cover. Her voice is perfection. Personally, I didn’t understand the first verse’s lyrics until I first held my son. Granted I’ve never experienced the remaining verses; but they’re the distillation of poetic perfect love.

[@bindak]

I *adored* listening to Roberta Flack back in the day!! Thank you for reviewing this - I knew I loved it, but never really knew why (non-music person here) ❤❤❤❤

[@rdyer8764]

Our latest journey in the Sir Hairless Way-Back machine. What a gentle ride!

[@shilohauraable]

One of my all time most favorite songs! Along with Pieces of April 😊! 💞 But the movie this song was from was one of the scariest emotional thrillers I'd seen back then! I still shiver when I see Jessica Walters! 😱

[@leslieholland7843]

This is such a gently loving song. You always hear so much more than I do. Thanks for making it even more lovely!❤❤

[@MaryShieldsPhD]

Wow. I loved this song growing up -- and hadn't heard of it for a long time. It's every bit as beautiful as I remembered, and still really tugs at my emotions. Thank you for reacting to it!

[@rebeccarose7405]

Such a soft, lovely love song. They don’t make ‘em like this anymore. ❤️🎶

[@auntiemame-2]

Yay Roberta! One of my favourite artists from the seventies and eighties. With this song, you've brought me right back to Ontario Place in Toronto in the summer. I could sit on a hilly area at the forum and listen to fabulous free outdoor concerts by well-known artists. You never knew who you would get - and I remember being excited to hear Roberta Flack in particular!

[@smallmoments957]

As usual, a wonderful r/a for such a beautiful song. Thank you! 🙏

[@nancyholter5646]

I'm not sure "relaxing" was the word I would have used 50+ years ago - too many high school/college hormones entwined with this song. But it is a lovely, soft one. She has a powerful voice that she never let get in the way of this song.

[@r3adrpro811]

So true!

[@judithL3100]

Exactly my first thought, too!

[@johnwatson2887]

Fabulous reaction -- as always. I'm not sure if you're aware that Roberta Flack played piano in pretty much all her live performances, so I would imagine it's her piano you hear in this piece as well. I love the fact that she had no need to show off either her voice or her playing. The sections where she sang louder, or added an extra piano phrase were done entirely to emphasize the lyrics, and not to emphasize her own talents, which are legion. Nat King Cole was another singer almost totally without a performer's ego. His rendition of "Stardust" is THE most beautiful I've ever heard and even though I've heard it countless times, it still makes me misty-eyed. It's a stunningly lovely song -- both melody and lyrics -- and NKC had the good taste to resist the urge to "make it his own." He just sings it as written, with minimal embellishment. Perhaps you'll play it sometime and react to it. Since you appreciate soothing voices, you'll LOVE his!

[@esmoak1194]

My first concert was Roberta Flack in Charleston, SC. She had been sick with a sore throat and she apologized before she ever started singing just in case she made any mistakes. She was absolutely incredible and never missed a beat. One of my favorite singers. Thank you for your reaction.

[@lauraa4294]

I was a young child in the US when this was popular and I had this feeling come over me when you played the song. You hit the nail right on the head when you said it "nostalgic".

[@patya1951]

Another masterpiece of analysis! Thank you, hairless!

[@kmwwrench]

Such a beautiful song. This and Killing Me Softly are both parts of the soundtrack of my early adulthood. If only songs were so gorgeous these days.

[@ТатьянаКурина-с4э]

Sir Hairless, thank you , very much .

[@LarryClement]

Best/most careful analysis on KZbin ----- as always.

[@SirHairless]

[@elainedavis9053]

Aww - I just love this song -- Great Reaction BTW!!

[@Eleni-om5jq]

Great reaction/analysis as always❤ Thank you!

[@newinLV]

❤❤❤ Great reaction. I so enjoy your videos, your appreciation for each note and each instrument individually and collectively. I walked down the aisle to this exact version of this song. It reminds me of the first time I saw my dear husband. Feeling quite nostalgic.

[@carleencounts2529]

You reminded me that I have to watch the final season of Yellowstone. lol thanks I haven't heard Roberta Flack in many many years, she had such a beautiful voice. They say after her diagnoses of ALS, that she is no longer able to sing.

[@alisonwebre1]

One of my favorite songs from my teens. I would play this song when I need to calm down and just chill.

[@occamsrazor5376]

I kept floating away - to the past and each love I have experienced. I kept having to back up and start again. Nice relaxing song and great review. Thank you!

[@rebapuck5061]

I first saw Ms Flack on the Johnny Carson show.. She sang this while playing the most beautiful piano accompaniment ever. I don't remember the band backing her. She did not need it.

[@Sabine_Austria2024]

So nice to see from the previous comments that you made a lot of people happy today and brought back fond memories ✨💜 Great reaction to one of my fav love songs (these lyrics! 🥹) - once again many aspects I hadn't noticed before, herzlichen Dank 🙌!

[@r0kus]

(long) 1) I've always loved this song but never really explored its history until after watching your reaction. The original by Ewan Macoll and Peggy Seeger barely sounds the same, with some sort of country / folk vibe. 2) I then asked Gemini: Who did the adaptation for Roberta Flack's version of "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face"? While Roberta Flack is credited with popularizing "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," she didn't create the adaptation entirely on her own. The arrangement that became her signature version was developed over time, with contributions from several people: * Roberta Flack herself: Flack's interpretation was heavily influenced by her own musical style, which blended folk, soul, and jazz. Her vocal phrasing and emotional delivery are key to the song's impact. * Joel Dorn: He was the producer of Flack's debut album "First Take" (1969), where the song first appeared. He played a crucial role in shaping the song's arrangement and overall sound. * The musicians: The studio musicians who played on the track also contributed to the arrangement, adding their own musical ideas and interpretations. It's important to understand that musical adaptation is often a collaborative process. While Flack's vision was central to the song's success, the contributions of her producer and musicians were also essential in creating the iconic version we know today. It's also worth noting that the song had already been interpreted by several folk singers before Flack recorded it. These earlier versions likely influenced her approach to some extent, although her rendition is distinctly her own.

[@ejentabi]

When I was just a little boy, I asked my father, why you loved this song? all I could remember was that I could never finish this song but falling asleep. 😂. But now I am aged and find this song very likeable.

[@Ralphetta]

😇😇 beautiful singer enjoying watching you I love your accent would like to know your background more you sure have a lot of musical information❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ralphetta]

Have you heard the singer Austin Brown from Canada he has a voice out of this world🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@LoFiHalien]

Calmness yes but slow and calm was not the way to go if you wanted to succeed on the popular radio stations. (Probably even more true today.) This song portrays a comfortable intimacy that wraps you in warmth and security. So even those normally looking for hard driving rack were pulled into its influence.

[@chuckie1444]

Oh, memories! It's mine and my husband song ❤❤❤❤

[@concepcionalarcon7884]

I loved the new colorful intro to your channel! I also enjoyed your analysis to this song.

[@Shahar3798]

Ahhh, one of my all-time favorite songs! But, for the first time, Sir H, I don't completely agree with you. The words I come up with are not calm or relaxing. I think more of "quiet intensity." This has probably more to do with the lyrics and the emotion in her voice, than the smooth instrumentation and pace. The song gives me chills in a good way! There is another version that I love from Celine Dion, if you care to check it out. Thanks for being awesome! Hot chocolate is on me 😁

[@SirHairless]

I like your description of "quiet intensity" 🙌🏽 One thing I love about music is how difficult it is to describe how it makes us feel with adjectives; how limiting our dictionary is compared to the infinite scale of emotional possibilities... 🎶 Thank you! ☕🍫

[@venetta-sh7su]

Beautiful song and great analysis Sir H! ❤👌💫

[@chetstevensq]

Along with Minni Ripperton's Loving You, possibly the most ethereal singer of the seventies.

[@baskervillebee6097]

Minni gave me hives. 😬

[@lindakennamer2850]

Was this originally released in 1957? Wow! Still beautiful. Had no idea it was so long ago.

[@nancyholter5646]

the original was 1957, Roberta Flack's was 1969.

[@GingerJohnson-uu9lw]

67 years. I don't even need to figure that out. It's my age!😅

[@lindakennamer2850]

Thank you Nancy!

[@ellenbakker-w8x]

There is a beautiful live performance sitting behind the piano: : Roberta Flack - First time ever I saw your face 1972 (8,8 mln views/6 years ago) Video by: OLD TAPES.

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Greetings on this new year, young sir! This is a song so suffused with emotion. Yonks ago, I tried singing it as a youngish counter tenor and failed miserably. Perhaps it takes a southern gospel upbringing to get it right! My Welsh heritage didn't cut it. IN 2025, A REQUEST: you so loved Lara Fabian's Adagio, that I'd love your review of Barber's Adagio for strings, but sung by a choir. Several have recorded this as Agnus Dei, but my favourite is the one by Winchester Cathedral Choir. The treble line is incredible. Today I subscribe as a new year treat for myself at 75. 🎉

[@Jennifer_J_C]

Thanks 😊

[@lauriereinertsen]

This was a mega superstar song at the time. Everyone knew it, played it. She had a lovely voice. Brought me back.😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmnCl3-rZ96lhpY

[@concepcionenjutogomez764]

Añoranza, maravillosa. Gracias Sir 🎻🇪🇸

[@rebapuck5061]

If I remember correctly, I read she attended Juilliard for piano, but switched to voice. She's outstanding at both

[@GabbyHamm-js6yt]

Howard University.

[@rebapuck5061]

@GabbyHamm-js6yt. Thanks. Howard has a great arts dept I'm guessing? I'm glad someone encouraged her vocal talent.

[@ronaldwilliams4426]

More Roberta Flack. Also react to James Blunt singing Monsters. Thanks. I enjoyed your commentary on this song. I learned a lot.❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Shrekisdaboss]

Thanks Sir H! this is a timeless classic for me; Leona Lewis's version is really beautiful too🙏🙏Here's to a great year of music reactions!

[@pliny8308]

This was the song we chose for our first dance as a married couple at our wedding. It was sensual, and yet innocent. Out of place now, more's the pity.

[@agustinalamour6925]

Hermosa❤

[@dieweisealte-llumia7148]

I always loved her voice and this was her first number 1 song, thanks to Clint Eastwood, who chose this Ballade for his movie Sadistico. I think everyone who grew up in the 1970s knows her voice and her songs. I love these calm songs and the „pure“ music.

[@SirHairless]

Sounds like I need to watch this movie! 🎥

[@Ginger_Cat2604]

I didn't know Roberta Flack's version. I heard the song as a cover by Matt Cardle, who won X Factor. His version is also amazing, feels like worship of his beloved.

[@patriciaferrini-xt1ry]

Her song are so emotional you....

[@lattelover5471]

Sir H, while (as usual) you commented insightfully on the chord progression and instrumentation, I wish you had paid more attention to how the arrangement and execution propel the meaning of the song. She is singing -- softly and gently -- to her lover. Notice the build when she sings "The first time ever I lay with you/ I felt your heart so close to mine ..." May you be so fortunate as to have someone love you so deeply, so tenderly, that they sing like this to you.

[@KitaBelle23]

I was shocked you haven't heard of Roberta Flack. I'm from a Commonwealth country, which means colonised by Britain, and we heard the artists that were well known in the UK and on Brtish radio allmost immediately they were being played there. Same with movies. I guess you're .not from the same era so I have to take that into consideration..

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

O my!! Never knew who sang this. Love this song. Just got a flash back to 007. Was it ever used in a Bond movie?? Greetings from South Africa

[@daleenengelbrecht4861]

Sean answered me. Featured in a Clint Eastwood movie. Your subscribers, Sir Hairless, are top notch. Greetings

[@r3adrpro811]

Play Misty for Me. Clint Eastwood played a late-night radio DJ stalked by a fan - very before its time! The soundtrack is great, including this song.