Roberta Flack delivers a unique LIVE performance of her classic break through hit!

[@Mozart2Muse]

“It was a good thing that I found a seat before she took her place at the piano and sang her first note, because my knees would never have made it standing ... her voice touched, tapped, trapped, and kicked every emotion." ~ Les McCann

[@kurtiswichmann4699]

Miss Roberta tears me up every time...

[@HaleysTusk]

It's "Killing Me Softly With His Song" that I will forever attribute as Flack's most Iconic song.

[@dannybarcenas9701]

This also won the AcadeGrammy Award early 70

[@ChuckHackney]

One of the greatest singers of all time. Without a doubt. Her intonation, phrasing, vocal purity and emotion combine to produce a song of celestial quality.

[@SweetJennyFan]

Probably the most beautiful singing voice I’ve ever heard.

[@johneasler9967]

Roberta Flack is my favorite female singer. She sings like an angel

[@gjmay78]

Insanely beautiful. It all just flows effortlessly. An artist with immense talent, grace and humility.

[@janetf23]

I'll never forget the first time hearing this song. It was in the car during a routine shopping trip, and about half way through, my newlywed husband reached over and held my hand. I can't make you feel the emotion of that moment but Roberta Flack sure could!💖

[@corilia9529]

Omg i looooove this song. Nobody can do this song the way she did

[@knockshinnoch1950]

So good to see Roberta Flack being featured- she was/is an incredible talent that crosses so many genres. Roberta is often overlooked when the lists of "Greatest Female Vocalists" are compiled by those who should know better. Take a listen to her definitive version of 'Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" it's truly spine chilling. No screaming or unnecessary runs and vocal gymnastics . Controlled and devastatingly effective.

[@friedaadjutant2288]

Lovely.

[@ChuckHackney]

Not by me. There is Karen Carpenter at 1A, and Roberta, Gladys Knight, Linda Ronstadt and Marilyn McCoo at IB. And that's not counting the big Brassy Broadway style vocals of Celine and Barbra. No doubt, Roberta is one if the finest voices my ears I have heard.

[@drewpall2598]

What a voice Roberta Flack has there no mistaking her voice when one of her songs come on the radio then or now. another Fil's signature analysis. 👍

[@LoriannSmithsanpell]

Exactly, this song gives me the beautiful feeling of falling in love. It makes me cry every time I hear it, because the romantic lyrics are delivered by a beautiful voice full of passion. The way she begins to sing the words, so softly, then leaves her voice carry the last word, it also carries me away on a wave of emotion.

[@SamtheMan0508]

What a song, what a singer!

[@BritInvLvr]

I didn’t know how old this song is. It was written back in 1957 by Ewan McColl. It was covered by lots of folk singers, but Roberta’s is the one that was the breakout version. Thanks Fil for this analysis.

[@dmbdmb3828]

🎼

[@edithcarter3554]

One of these most beautiful songs ever. Roberta Flack is one of my favorites.

[@iallso1]

This is a wonderful rendition by Roberta Flack, but I am always blown away by your vocal when you demonstrate the various things you are pointing out in the videos.

[@ochjim]

Yep . . Was thinking the very same. Excellent pitch and control . . .

[@wingsofpegasus]

Thanks!

[@elizabethbuckingham1194]

He is a fan of fine music. I like his videos because it is an education every time.

[@ameswho9548]

I couldn't agree more. I always look forward to his singing. He has an exceptional voice & talent all around. I'm not sure he's even human.. AND.. he has GREAT HAIR. hhaha

[@crowhaven200]

@@wingsofpegasus Good stuff as always Fil. She is fantastic. On another note, have you ever analyzed the wonderful Jack Person, and his incredible guitar playing? On his Squire guitars even? Check him out if you haven't. Many have never heard of the man. Keep up the good work man.

[@suehollar2578]

Congratulations on your interview with Linda. So happy you reviewed Roberta Flack, her voice is incredible. I could listen to her and Gladys Knight all day.

[@christopherlundgren3499]

She was one of the greatest singers and performers, yet so underrated! Great live version, but the original studio track is a work of Magick and beauty. Also check out her Trade Winds :-)

[@MrArdytube]

I had not picked up on the understated aspect of her performance…. So many singers depend on over embellishment … sort of like how instrumentalists can push for volume and frenetic tempo

[@johnrusso9246]

The Queen Of Soft Soul has never sounded better

[@tammydoolittle6054]

What a beautiful performances! Roberta's voice and piano playing was so beautifully done and filled with so much emotion that it brought tears to my eyes. Her voice is so soft and smooth, she sounds like an angel singing. In this case, I felt this performance was better than the original track. I'm amazed at how you can see and hear things and bring them to our attention which gives us an overall appreciation of what's going on in any song/performance. That's amazing!!

[@slw59]

Even though I really like this version, I prefer the original track because it's slower and more sensual.

[@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 "Where Is The Love" & "The Closer I Get To You".

[@karnerbutterfly]

Did you know that "Killing Me Softly" is about Don McLean?

[@ameswho9548]

Yes! My mom took me to see it in the theater. We were hooked when the song played- stopped to buy the 45 on our way home. Played through that "new fangled thing" called Dolby. LOL ( Dobly as David St.Hubbins's girlfriend called it in Spinal Tap. jaHA) Great memories.I love that Fil creates these vid & explains stuff. It's great he listens to "our" music for being so young.

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

Those are all awesome songs that the artists brought to us! Donnie Hathaway version of "What's Goin On" is also quite intense yet 'too hip for the highway' for the majority of American 'Pop' listener's - or so 'the deciders' felt. Ah lean to 'it's too often been an unnecessarily sad world', yet the souls on this channel have often been kindered ones!

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

@@ameswho9548 is Spinal Tap' the movie where the band members shouts, "HELLO CLEAVLAND"! and they're no where near Cleaveland?

[@ameswho9548]

@@jeffreyfeinstein5525 YES!!! The very same. When David St. Hubbins's (Michael McKean) girlfriend, Jeanine, embedded herself into the band's business, she called it DOBLY coz she thought she was cool. The band detested her. haahaaa. You must watch it again. It's life giving. LOL. We all need to laugh these days.

[@idankoos4156]

She is so talented...love her reduced singing....her piano talent is also to die for...she accompagnied opera singers

[@robertacolarette1594]

When this first came out it was part of the soundtrack of the Clint Eastwood film “Play Misty for Me”. I was so struck by her voice being so emotional without screaming. She has such a perfect tone and control and just enough vibrato. I always considered it a perfect performance.

[@gammydebbie]

Ah, the memories. This is one of the first songs I played when I began teaching myself guitar... about 1973. So beautiful in the expression.

[@kathyirvine6719]

What a deep and beautiful song ever! She is so gifted.

[@ronkrupovich7152]

Such beauty in a voice whose emotional expression touches the very core of my soul. Thanks for playing this. Roberta is one of my favourite singers.

[@sjderemerwi]

A hauntingly beautiful voice.

[@Guardducks]

Love Roberta Flack. 🎙

[@cqg4777]

I've listened to this performance a hundred times. OMG! Such a beautiful person and impeccable expressive voice. I'm enthralled.

[@karenlindsay9884]

I was mesmerized by this song in the movie theater in 1971. Whenever I hear it, all these years later, her voice and this song take me to a deeply emotional place of beauty and joy. Thank you for doing to this incredible song!

[@slw59]

The greatest love song I have ever heard. And that's saying something!

[@ChuckHackney]

Maybe the single most beautiful song from the decade of sooooo many gorgeous ballads..from the love of a mother seeing her child for the first time to two lovers beholding each other for the first time. Beyond gorgeous. Lush. Elegant. BTW., she won grammys two years in a row!!!!!

[@vinceyoung5912]

I love her. The pairing with Donnie was magic

[@orlandorojas439]

I have always loved her voice...So beautiful and flawless, soft and powerful, yet soothing to the ears.

[@ChuckHackney]

This is also one of the most beautiful songs ever written in music. By a long shot. It should be noted Roberta won gramnys two years running for best vocal performance, for this song and Killing Me Softy, in the early 70's. Oh, those magical 70s.❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Ozzcaddy]

I got to see Roberta Flack live towards the end of her career or touring, as she was only performing in Clubs in Sydney, Australia, not concert stadiums. Her performance was still memorable. Peter, Paul & Mary also performed this song and they made reference to the writer of the song Scottish folk singer Ewan Macoll. Thanks for your look at Roberta Flack and reigniting my memory of her concert.

[@randytim512]

She was one of the first performer I saw in concert at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. I wasnt much of a fan going in but I sure was coming out. She's has an amazing voice and a great performer.

[@hereigoagain5050]

And all this time I thought Roberta was singing to me about our love. :) Love the laugh of delight at the end.

[@ChuckHackney]

I will say it again, the greatest decade for singers was 1970's, we (my generation) grew up with a sheer embarrassment of riches. Here's another one. A Tar Heel by birth, I have always had a special affinity for this woman and her voice. It should also be pointed out that she won Grammys for best vocal performance two years straight, for this heavenly tune and for Killing Me Softly. Sheer magic from the glorious, magical 1970's.

[@nfpnone8248]

It makes me very happy that you are covering some of these icons of music who are totally overlooked today. When you think of Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn, Nina Simone, Etta James, Billie Holiday, and even Pearl Bailey, Eartha Kitt and many others who were amazing well before auto tune and other electronic manipulations. These were true geniuses and artists of music.

[@ronjones1077]

Roberta is a treasure. Your comments about hearing some of the greatest singers from yesterday that are not known to todays world is on point. There is another very young singer who sings songs by Ella, Billie, Patsy, Sinatra, Whitney etc. check out Angelina Jordan who won Norways Got Talent in 2014 at eight years old. She turned 16 in January. Huge fan base world wide. Over 160 videos.

[@ronjones1077]

PS, she sang this song at 10 with just a guitar for back up.

[@nfpnone8248]

@@ronjones1077 I’m well aware of Angelina Jordan, but he has trouble with copyrights when he tries to review her music. It is understandable because she has been well protected since she won Norway’s Got Talent back in 2014 when she was 8. She is very well known in the music industry however, she was sought by every vulture possible, even Disney, but the answer was no because of her age and her mother’s desire to make sure she had as normal a childhood as possible, but now that she is 16 that is quickly coming to an end, and only the coronavirus pandemic has put the breaks on Republic Records from promoting her to the limit, even though she did the opening credits song “Mercy” for the “Hating Game” soundtrack. She will be putting out an album soon and she has several concert dates for later this summer. I think she is well on her way and it’s well deserved considering how hard she works on her artistry. You must realize Angelina went to school on all those great artist, especially Ella Fitzgerald, which influences how she approaches every song she performs, she may have Billie Holliday, Etta James, and Amy Winehouse components, but she is smoother with her approach because of the Ella Fitzgerald influence. Someday she will be the superstar she professed she wanted to be when she was 6 years old during the conversation she had with the girl she gave the shoes off her own feet to, she is a very special person, not just a prodigy for her music.

[@ronjones1077]

Thank you for your very well informed reply. Yes Angelina is much more than just a great singer and that adds so much more to the appeal. Take care and I look foreword to reading more comments from you in future posts. Fil is GREAT!

[@PatrickBateman191]

This guy has a contagious smile 😀

[@jcc6789]

Emotion, pitch ~ perfection ~ always think of C. Eastwood in ‘Play Misty For Me’ ~ keep smiling Fil ~ lovely

[@rabrab3]

Beautiful woman and Master of tone and phrasing.

[@idankoos4156]

And once again one of my singing inspirations❤

[@MyTimeOutt]

This song always, always moves me to tears.

[@MostlyBuicks]

What a subtle, powerful, emotional voice and performance. Many of those who use vocal histrionics and acrobatic warbling could take a lesson here. It makes be tear up a bit. Magic.

[@CabinFever52]

As always---perfection. Yes, and she usually holds "Move" a hair longer in the recording that played on the radio. She also changes up the last few lines, but both ways are interpretive and oh, so lovely.

[@suzanchamness376]

Thanks Fil👍 What a great analysis of a wonderful pianist and vocalist Roberta Flack rocks ❤️

[@Carolina_inmymind]

Chills. Just beautiful.

[@user-ek9mn4vb9l]

These poetically romantic lyrics combined with Roberta's adagio phrasing, her crystal-clear pronunciation, and her soul-stirring voice stopped every listener in their tracks whenever the tune was played back in the early 1970s. I do not recall any song having received so much public attention across such a wide spectrum of age groups. Thank you for giving it its due and thanks for pointing out some of the technical aspects to Roberta's virtuosity such as the purposely slight ascension of her notes. Fil, you are a national, no, an international treasure!

[@MrArdytube]

What a GREAT voice

[@alanbstard4]

she was great. All those great disco tracks she had

[@gregf9160]

Do Dusty Springfield's rendition of _The Look of Love_ that Burt Bacharach classic..

[@dwaynewladyka577]

Roberta Flack is such a great singer. Such a soulful voice. Thanks for sharing this analysis video. Cheers, Fil! ✌️

[@randytim512]

Haven't heard this in many years and her performance blows me away! So full of emotion. Great analysis Fil.

[@BB-sk9hf]

Gorgeous! This song was written by the folk singer, Ewen McColl, Roberta's version is completely different to the original ❤ Love your analysis of it, Fil, you have made me listen to it in a new way!

[@knothyself347]

I appreciate your range of material, and it's always an educational experience listening to you.

[@richardgornalle4536]

I really appreciated your study of Roberta Flack's singing, her voice and piano playing. I started buying her LP'S after hearing this particular song. She is one of the truly underrated superb singers. I simply loved her style and sound. Many thanks for this interesting and informative program.

[@nh5083]

Loved this song. Heard it on the radio waves every single day.

[@tiffsaver]

I was eating dinner tonight when she started to sing and I had to stop and listen, allowing those otherworldly notes to take me back. Many don't know that she started her musical career as a classical pianist, which accounts for her amazing facility on the keyboard. Just listening to her vocal tonality and feeling, combined with her incredibly tasty piano accompaniment gave me paroxyms of pleasure. Last year my girlfriend actually met her in Central Park, where they spent the entire day singing and playing the guitar. Thanks for keeping this great music alive, Pegasus. We need it.

[@tnmoppylaura5476]

Wonderful memories. Thanks Fil.

[@jasonlindsey9946]

A smooth Warwick sound. Dynamic voice. Strong and steady. First time ever I saw your face. Mega hit! Play Misty for me theme song!

[@ChuckHackney]

Damn, Fil, how lucky was my generation to grow up with these songs and singers!!!!! When I think of the talent I feel so humbled and blessed: just a short list.. Karen, Linda, Marilyn McCoo, Gladys K., David Gates, John Denver, Neil D , Barbra Streisand, Paul Rogers, BJ Thomas, Corey and singers from 3 Dog Night, Burton Cummins of Guess Who and the list goes on and on. The era of the finest singers in modern popular music, bar none. I love your channel and your analysis. You make me feel even more BLESSED TO HAVE GROWN UP WHEN I DID. And God bless you for your channel❤❤❤❤❤❤!!!!!!

[@holysmokes5817]

Really an unbelievable performance...makes me cry.... Wonderful song writing by Ewan MacColl Cheers.

[@lynnmcquillan2338]

Love this song & how Roberta sang it - love her voice ❤️ thanks Fil 😊🙏🙇‍♀️👍🇦🇺

[@lynndow3185]

You're right.....it sounded like all the notes were exactly right to me! I loved the way she put her head back and just let that gorgeous voice fly ! The analysis made the song even more involving, great job!

[@drewpall2598]

Hello Lynn, I' m sure most of Fil's wingers can recall the first time they ever saw Fil's face heard his British accent and guitar skills it was love at first sight. 🥰 🎸Have a wonderful weekend ahead.

[@lynndow3185]

@@drewpall2598 Well, yeah...I was not mentioning THAT because I am so refined and ladylike, but I clicked for that face and stayed for the smarts! No question about it!

[@DSRQ1]

A beautifully haunting performance by a great vocal artist. Thanks, Fil, for keeping this music alive.

[@mollyhannah2003]

Such great memories! My mom owned this album (now passed down to me), and always played it. She also introduced me to the voices Dionne Warwick and Simon & Garfunkel... Among others... Thanks so much for highlighting this song and voice!

[@madlove1581]

So glad you are covering this American treasure ~ this is pure vocal, utterly flawless...

[@janedmunds4218]

I'm so glad to see her here! I heard Killing Me Softly just the other day ...

[@richardpatrick2852]

Also Roberta did a great version of "Jesse" written by Janis Ian. Fil, an excellent performance I would love to see you look at is the live version of " Crying" by Don McLean from 1981, I believe. Thanks!

[@jeffreyzeiss1326]

Another terrific analysis Phil. Be it her studio version or a live performance nobody will ever be able to top Roberta flack's absolutely beautiful versions of this song...sheer perfection.

[@Justdessertsforme]

Thank you so much for this analysis...I remember 1972 like it was yesterday because of Roberta's vocals on this song. ❤❤

[@elizabethspedding1975]

This is so beautiful💞

[@susanorr8348]

The first time i heard this was during a screening of Play Misty for Me with Clint Eastwood and i have loved Roberta Flack ever since. Her duet with donny hathaway was also fabulous

[@robertorourke6614]

Absolutely Heavenly ,,

[@GregoryStephenSchumacher]

Strong emotion in a vocal will go sharp. Almost always. It's the intensification of the emotion, even when very subtle.

[@teresakoslosky3053]

Beautiful!

[@kathleensmith950]

That was a big hit in 1972 wow what memories!

[@PaulWallis]

Oh My Goodness!! Be-au-ti-ful!! Such ease, relaxation, emotional presence and subtelty in this performance! What masterly control of a voice and total confidence in her timing of the lines. Hard to believe this is not Roberta Flack's own composition. What an amazing talent! Just mesmerising. You explain this so beautifully and clearly and, to echo Ian Allso's comment, what a great voice you have, Fil, as you demonstrate the vocal traits of others. Thank you!

[@ltkell2028]

There were so many great singers in a variety of genre's that we just don't have in today's music. Ballots, harmony's & using a variety of instruments even featured in what used to be called "pop", rock n' roll, soul etc. Bands/groups like Earth Wind & Fire, Chicago, ELO & many others. The diversity of music in the 70's is unmistakable & it's why it's still being played & appreciated today. Fil have you done a video on Gladis Knight & the Pips yet? I saw her preform on the Ed Sullivan Show when I was 3 & was completely captivated!! I've been in love with music of all kinds my entire life & made sure that my kid's listened to a wide range growing up so they also would have an appreciation for it. My middle son's favorite song when he was 5 years old was Fly me to the moon & a couple years after that I took all 3 of them to see Phantom of the Opera & they had me play the CD over & over on our family vaca (3 wk road trip) as we traveled America. Watching 3 boys belt out those songs warmed my heart & brings back great memories. Your channel does exactly that & I appreciate everything you do, your obvious talent shines through & warms my heart!! Thank you & God's blessings for you & in all you do

[@wingsofpegasus]

No not yet!

[@billdevany3303]

Im at 3m 45 sec. I need not go on, though I will. I see your smile, I see your appreciation. she was an icon!!

[@geniej9093]

I close my eyes and imagine my mother singing this to me. First heard this on a Retreat. It was most therapeutic. Give it a try(;-)

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

This was such a tenderly rendered version of new love. Roberta’s voice is a treasure. Thanks for putting our eyes on the intricacies of her vocal technique.

[@katemcbride8715]

I was going to ask about the musical bits that distracted. Roberta's singing is gorgeous

[@Jworonow]

It is one of the only reviews in which I did not see you smile. It hits me that way, also. To beautiful, a song to embrace and feel

[@richardlee4730]

Sublime performance. One of my faorites. The arrangement for the studio version is wonderful. Great choice!

[@Vinnie-cv5qv]

I would suggest doing an analysis of Anita Baker. She was so big in the 1990s and a voice that is one of a kind. She had eight grammy awards and five platinum albums.

[@jameshall9402]

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack is one of the greatest recordings of the 20th century. I truly believe that.

[@tooter5250]

Superb Fil (it always blows me away when you sing, how good your voice is, capturing so well what your are highlighting). This video and others of yours are just great masterclassess at all the subtle but distinctive features tht make for great musical performances. I have not heard much from Roberta Flack in recent years; listening ad watching this video makes me realize what a great talent she was. Her songs were always favoirtes for me when they came on the radio back in the 70s And finally, thanks for presneting these analyses; when I work out at my local gym and hear all the autotune crap in the background music, aarrgh!!

[@tammywilks8782]

Just so beautiful 😍

[@AnnaAnna-uc2ff]

Amazing voice.

[@hopewilliams5810]

Love this! Have you ever done a Donny Hathaway analysis? Also Phil Ochs is a great analysis too ! Keep up the great work, Fil !

[@yvonneprice6717]

One of my absolute favorite songs. A true love song.

[@Sonia-xyz]

Such talent, & thanks to your analysis I got to appreciate it even more. Thank you for that Fil. 🤘💜

[@jeffrybrooks2602]

I'm old now... But I was so young once... And I'd close my eyes and dream of the day that a love such as this would appear to save me... So I lived my life and watched and waited... Now my life is done... But I still dream of someday... 😞

[@jeffreyfeinstein5525]

' Not that this phrase is always correct. But here, "there are no coincidences". When the musical elements are the stone that ripples the lake of the soul!

[@lawrencetaylor4101]

I remember several months ago I said that I wasn't really into this sort of analysis. But I was cooking as I was listening to this, and came in to the salon and hit pause just so I could see the software for this song. 51 years ago I remember the first time I heard this song. It moved me. Now? Wow. Fantastic demonstration on all levels, Fil.

[@ohger1]

Nice, glad you picked that song or Killing Me Softly. Quintessential Roberta Flack. Interestingly, it was used in a Clint Eastwood movie (which made it a hit). Roberta wanted to re-record it because she thought it was too slow for the film. Clint said it was perfect as it.

[@Buzzcook]

Now I have to go listen to more Roberta Flack. There were so many great female singers in that time period. Too frequently they get lost in the shuffle.

[@robrobertson4619]

Being a young teenage boy when this song came out, my rough-tough outside appearance just melted when this song came on AM radio( 7-8 times a day!). Throw in a 14 year old boys hormones and boy did Roberta’s song throw me for a loop! ( in a good way😉)

[@moonpearl4736]

The first time I ever saw your face - it was on a You Tube Channel, whoa whoa :)

[@alicejohnson2580]

Enjoy your channel. I learn so much with each artist you do on Wings of Pegasus. I always wonder what you're thinking as a quick smile crosses your face.