Roberta Flack - First Time Ever I Saw Your Face [REACTION!]

[@cottagewitch]

Roberta Flack - Killing Me Softly is also an absolute wonder. I think you'd love it.

[@michaelbloodgood6957]

Great song. But do you know what his song was?????? She wrote that song about the song american pie

[@no834]

Indeed

[@garrickmusic]

Roberta didn't write Killing Me Softly. Music by Charles Fox & Lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The lyrics were written in collaboration with Lori Lieberman who was inspired to write a poem after a Don McLean performance in late 1971. Lieberman released her version of the song in 1972, but it was not a big hit. She says the song of Don McLean's that really touched her the most during that show was "Empty Chairs" which is also an amazing tune. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHi7eXeZgMSJopI&ab_channel=Annephelides

[@garrickmusic]

I read more on the song that I had not ever found before. Apparently Charles Fox and Norman Gimbel were also Lori Lieberman's managers and had her in a terrible contract, and gave her no writing credit at all for the song. And even in the 1990's tried to say she had little to do with the song and it wasn't about Don McLean at all, but they had given interviews in the 70's saying the exact opposite. They really screwed Lori over and instead of just releasing her from her contract they sued her for $25,000 up front and $250,000 of any of her future earnings. These two guys were real A-holes especially Gimbel who was 24 years older than the 19 year old Lori and started an affair with her while he was married. Lori probably should have gotten at least 3/4's of the lyric credit and 1/3 of the publishing for the song, but she was young and impressionable and didn't know how to protect herself from music vultures.

[@razorback9926]

Don McLean got the last laugh over Fox and Gimbal. They threatened to sue him if he didn’t stop saying the song was about him. He responded with a 1973 interview of Fox and Gimbal saying the song was indeed about him. They shut up after that.

[@melissadambro8873]

I'm 52 and she still gives me goosebumps when I hear her sing!! Incredible voice!!!

[@sammyrichardson7305]

You and me both

[@lutdesimpelaere2947]

This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written and Roberta sings it beautifully . Classic song.

[@staceykersting705]

This song played in my head every time I held one of my babies. They were born such precious little night owls.We slow danced all night.

[@Mark70609]

Ewan MacColl wrote it for Peggy Seeger. He nails it right out of the gate.

[@irhonda31]

It’s painfully beautiful. Her voice and that song were made for each other.

[@justjames1111]

You do know that this was a cover, albeit a Beautiful one. It was originally written by James Henry Miller aka Ewan MacColl for his wife because she complained that he'd never written a love song for her.

[@chrisford1116]

This was nice and all, but it was live. The studio version - the one that held the number 1 spot for so long, was more powerful and beautiful. In this live version, she speeded it up for TV. Give a listen to the slower, more emotional, loving radio version. Absolutely wonderful!

[@janetwashington5090]

I do so much agree with you Chris on that. Wasn't that on her album, 'First Take'? I met up with her music, when I was in college. I spent most of my free time, in the listening library with those earphones on. Wow! What an epic experience that was. How about 'Sad Young Men'? What do you think about that one. It made me cry.

[@paulturnet4572]

...just posted a comment on the slight tempo change, I personally prefer the studio version.

[@Bakaat777]

Dammit dude... came here JUST to say the exact same thing. This song hit right when I was getting into puberty [ 11... early bloomer... ask the school nurse ;-) ] and the school dances were filled with guys running to the bathrooms after a minute of slow dancing. LOL Like Eddie Murphy asked: "Remember when you were in school and your hoohah got got hard for nothing?" And to paraphrase him from "48 Hours"... "I'm going through puberty... my hoohaw gets hard when the wind blows." Yes... Rogue... this song is one of THE most beautiful songs, but listen and/or react to the studio version! Slow and wonderful.

[@divaslive6953]

Celine Dion gives a brilliant, amazing and saddest version of this song which is perfectly fit to her voice. 💗💖

[@bradwatson1048]

Yes yes yes... the studio version is it. The mood is SO intimate you're afraid to breathe for three minutes. An incredible record.

[@gusbuster8068]

Roberta truly made this song her own! All other versions sound flat and no feeling. What an angelic voice!

[@deborahbryan3639]

Made me remember the first time ever I heard this song... Oh my heart!!!

[@joannparker1977]

Her voice. It’s SO beautiful. One of my favorite songs. The studio version is something you really need to watch.

[@thomasfarber3467]

The song was written in 1957 by the English folk-singer, Ewan MacColl, for Peggy Seeger, also a well-known folk-singer and the half-sister of Pete Seeger. Ewan MacColl was father of the pop singer, Kirsty MacColl.

[@davidpeters3857]

❤

[@simianwarthog]

Thank you.

[@RadioReactiveOne]

Simply one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

[@HAWK11828]

RogueRxyce, Every time I hear this song my emotions get the better of me, In a good way. 😁😁​

[@jeannejorgensen1230]

She had a magnificent voice. Killing me softly is also a fabulous song she sings

[@kevinwaters5872]

Roberta Flack : the very definition of perfect pitch. And perfect diction. A miracle of nature.

[@sharonannrees2824]

This was breathtakingly beautiful sung by Roberta!

[@danjoda755]

Anyone else notice the subtlety of her piano accompaniment? She wasn't playing the melody in lockstep with her vocals, but instead played a beautiful, subtle, free-flowing counterpoint to the base melody. That speaks to me of genius! ☮️👼🌹

[@georgelynch6139]

Her right hand fills are breathtaking

[@1964robw]

Your smile expresses how I feel towards this song. Her voice is pure beauty of the soul. That is what your smile expresses.

[@johnwaga3702]

A beautiful song from a great singer.

[@Darjeelingla]

I was a waitress at Mr Henry’s on Capitol Hill. Washington DC, when Roberta Flack performed there. She was simply an appreciated performer, not yet a star. Those were the days 🥰. Thanks for playing, allowing me to indulge in sweet reminiscences.

[@caarwatkins]

Roberta Flack is the best female singer of all time in my opinion.....simply beautiful.........

[@jfodell1]

Roberta Flack has a Legendary song that will last through the years. Gorgeous voice.❤

[@lisazaccardimeunier8378]

Aaaaaah, one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite vocalists. Just quality.

[@abevillanueva1974]

Great vocalists used their voices as an instrument with the incredible acoustic/string instruments back in the day. Roberta, along with Linda Ronstadt, Karen Carpenter, Barbra, emote music like no other!!

[@larrycrooks1228]

I was stationed overseas when this song came out, I had such a crush on Roberta! Beautiful song, gorgeous lady. Great reaction young lady!

[@moanman1776]

Roberta Flack has always been my go-to music whenever my young heart was broken. Her soothing voice can, will & did heal me. I believe it could heal the world. She holds a special place in music & in a whole lot of spirits. I loved the purity of your reaction. So organic & appreciative of Miss Flack's unique artistry. Consider me a new subscriber. Snatch JOY!

[@saraheart2804]

This always makes me tear up because it is sooo beautiful.

[@adolfovecinopons5070]

impressive, charming, I love her tone of voice ... and Roberta's too

[@RogueRxyce]

😂🙏🏽

[@EJ-tm1fe]

Her voice is so soft and smooth it makes warm butter jealous.

[@54nomore]

Peter Paul and Mary first sang this song back in 1965. It was a 1957 folk song written by Scottish songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger. It took off once Robert Flack cover the song for the 1971Clint Eastwood movie 'Play Misty For Me." It won the Grammy awards for best song, and album of the year.

[@bjennings1067]

Roberta flacs velvet voice is absolutely fabulous that's how you sing a romantic ballad the lyrics are perfection wonderful wonderful song how can you not be in love when you write a song like that loved every second and every note from the first time I heard this many years ago great reaction

[@susankeller4170]

This songs makes me cry every time I hear it! NO ONE has done it as well as the great Roberta Flack.❣️

[@freckled100]

This song was written in 1957 by Ewan Mccoll to Peggy Seeger. It was the era of the folk singer. Roberta Flack's wonderful voice made it even better.

[@isoldejaneholland8370]

Related to Pete Seeger? He's from my hometown!

[@hippiejane2683]

Haven’t heard this in a loooong time. Loved it back in the day. Thanks!

[@nancywatkins5836]

The one and only Roberta flack. I simply adore this song!

[@tomtrahan8485]

This song is so very special! And No One sings it better!

[@skydogfan4671]

Roberta Flack simply put - top tier singer.

[@whynot2734]

this is a fantastic song I have not heard in years reminds me of young love strong love

[@MaryEllen10862]

Roberta Flack’s vocals are so mesmerizing and the song is so beautiful. I have loved her music since I was young and listen to it quite frequently. In answer to you question yes I have been that deeply in love since 1983 and we just celebrated our 40th anniversary on March 15th and are we are still going as strong as we were 40 years ago. I wish that everyone could feel this kind of love because it is a love that is priceless. Love all your reactions I have seen. Thank you for enjoying the amazing music of the 60 and 70 eras when it was raw talent with no auto tune with just instruments and their amazing vocals.

[@beckykeeler1789]

Every time I hear her sing it brings tears to my eyes!

[@williamplise8655]

I play this version of Roberta Flacks First Time at least three times a week, I love her incredible voice and no one does it better.

[@joecampos5624]

No one can sing this better her voice is so beautiful

[@alfrednaify1683]

Roberta Flack has such beautiful voice. She worked with many people and even helped Luther Vandross to be a solo artist. You would love Roberta Flack ft. Donny Hathaway "The Closer I Get to You".

[@skroehr]

I agree. Killing Me Softly is peak Roberta. Love this one too. What a voice and beauty in her delivery.

[@danielmurphy4429]

I was a teenager when this song came out, and I became spellbound whenever it played. ‘The First Time’ was commonly played at school dances and while you held a lovely girl in your arms - you never wanted it to end. A truly splendid piece of music artistry and I enjoyed your reaction to it.

[@bojanalukic8515]

So beautiful, so powerful ❤

[@edvinlaine]

Roberta Flack is a wonderful musician. Her first album First Take is brilliant really.

[@bennietoups1719]

Love Roberta Flack. Beautiful Voice !! Her and Gladys Night.

[@angelazuzu]

There isn't a single song on any Roberta Flack albums from the 1970s that will not absolutely bowl you over. I have them all, they were staples of the soundtrack of my childhood, and I couldn't be more grateful to my mother for having them in heavy rotation, alongside Joni Mitchell, and other 70s greats. I don't understand why she isn't more revered. She will break you, and you will ask for it again and again.

[@maggiejohnson489]

I totally agree with you. Her voice is pure and golden and she leaves me wanting to hear more.

[@MsTexas73]

Tell the people! I will add on ANY Roberta Flack album, truthfully. She has gems on every album. 💜💫✨🤌🏾🔥

[@loulou8456]

This song is soooooo beautiful. Makes me cry every time!

[@moodaymoom2271]

Loved loved loved this song. love your reactions

[@dragonflysurgeon]

Her voice is so enchanting and beautiful. A gorgeous song. A legend from the 70s along with Carole King and Joni Mitchell my favorite female artist from that time

[@sandyleewhite]

One of the most beautiful songs ever written & one of the beautiful voices to ever sing it ~~~ still chills me to the very bone, after all these years!!! Killing me softly is another amazing Roberta Flack song you would also love 🥰

[@jonathanbartron3658]

Simply the greatest love song ever. I like the studio version best.

[@sebastienichtertz8879]

exactly what i tought when i saw you too! what a smile, what a soft and reassuring voice you've got! ..can't wait to see you on another videos.

[@shanenolan8252]

Yes love like that it's a powerful feeling, I can still remember every moment of meeting that person it just hit me like a thunderbolt.

[@shanemccormick2336]

An Angel right there her voice is smoother than silk. When I was a baby they played this kind of music and just leave it on it was the only thing that would put me to sleep I especially remember the song

[@cujola]

Roberta is one of those artists that you just wish we got more from. An immense talent.

[@robertwatson496]

Every loving couple has "their" song and this is that song for my lovely wife and I. We were married for 43 years until I lost her in 2018.

[@mayrad8771]

So sorry for your loss.

[@robertwatson496]

@@mayrad8771 Thank you very much!!

[@fussballnot]

What a beautiful wedding song. So sorry for your loss.

[@nitewatchman1576]

I am sorry with all my heart. You will see her again, forever.

[@firequeen2194]

Blessings to you sir. I’m so sorry for the loss of your love.

[@gttim]

Roberta Flack was one of the artists whose albums my mother would play when I was a kid. She would play a stack, and then flip them over. I remember Robert Flack's records. Just gorgeous songs.

[@grandfathergeek]

60 year old Kentucky country boy here and I keep two Roberta Flack songs on my playlist. She is that good.

[@1tommymulligan]

"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" is a 1957 folk song written by Scottish political singer/songwriter Ewan MacColl for Peggy Seeger, who later became his wife. At the time, the couple were lovers, although MacColl was still married to his second wife, Jean Newlove. Seeger sang the song when the duo performed in folk clubs around Britain. Other popular Folk songs written by Mac Coll included Dirty old Town and the Shoals of Herring.

[@danielh115]

Beautiful song. I have Roberta Flack in a playlist of her own 🥰🥰 I love her voice and all the duets she has done.

[@xrysoryba]

I first heard this song performed by Peter, Paul and Mary a decade prior to this and that's still my favorite version, but Roberta does it beautifully as well.

[@Marco-ns7ih]

I agree. I love Peter, Paul & Mary's version as well as Mary's solo version.

[@777edmatt]

Love, love, LOVE Roberta Flack !

[@mikemaggio4979]

I remember my mother playing this song many times when I was a child, even at 10 years old or so I knew it was something extremely special! Roberta Flack just makes one of the most beautiful songs ever written so much better with her beautiful rich voice! In two words, Impossibly beautiful!

[@pamagnolia]

First, you hooked me. I just subscribed! 😊 This is one of my all time favorites since my new bride and I started our life together in 1973. Thanks for this love! 😊🌸

[@RogueRxyce]

🙌🏽 thank you!

[@marvinboswell6889]

I was lucky that the radio was filled with great singers in my 20sand 30s , I have really enjoyed your channel and reaction .thumbs up to you 👍..

[@RogueRxyce]

🙏🏽

[@stevenhendrix2236]

You are just as nice to look at as the song is to listen too

[@carycolt73]

The perfect song, the perfect rendition by an exceptional performer. Wish she lived forever. ✌️❤️

[@UteHeggenTranswidowHeals]

A little detail: The song was written as a British folk song, for Peggy Seeger, Pete's Sister. When I taught Kindergarten, I change the words to be for a baby. "I held you close" instead of "lay with you", etc. When my class sang it for the last program of the school year, the parents all had tears running down their cheeks. I did sign language gestures with it too. Roberta was the one who figured out singing it much slower than the original. She is a blessing. There used to be a studio version, where she has no accompaniment, gorgeous. Thanks for this, RR

[@phughes4224]

Written by Ewan MacColl in 1957. Beautiful ...

[@chrissydidit811]

kirsty maccolls father

[@erict956]

Written with and for his lover at the time Peggy Seeger (Pete's sister) whom he later married. One of his children from his first marriage was as you said Kirsty Maccoll which to me showed that talent ran deep in that family.

[@waterloosunset7784]

@@erict956 Best version is by Peggy Seeger.

[@robertengland8285]

@@erict956 Kirsty was from Ewan's second marriage.

[@kirkdarling4120]

As others have said, the studio version really showcases the absolute technical perfection of Dr. Roberta Flack's performance as she holds those lovely notes longer and more purely.

[@creative2716]

She is one of my all time favs. Fell in love with this song when I heard it in the movie Play Misty For Me. oh my heart...

[@lowellirish]

PLEASE!! EVA CASSIDY "AUTUMN LEAVES?"... OR "SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW?" ACTUALLY...ANYTHING SHE SINGS IS GOLD, PURE GOLD!! LISTEN!! PLEASE???

[@paulsharkey6576]

I've seen this performance a hundred times. It takes my breath away each and every time. What a beautiful song. And her voice is a 10.

[@IamAmericasDaughter]

Love love love this song!!! Beautiful song….lullaby I sang to my kiddos and my grandchildren. You can listen to it for adult love, then when you learn unconditional love of your children a different meaning! Listen to it again about your child now.

[@JH-rp3lj]

This was sung in a Clint Eastwood film. Play Misty For Me. Beautiful

[@Sandybeaches07]

Every time I hear this song I’m with Clint Eastwood walking along that beautiful beach ❤️

[@fredbreyer]

@@Sandybeaches07 Eastwood told the producers that if this song wasn't in the movie, he wouldn't be in the movie. The movie was "Play Misty for Me"

[@KalaBearer]

I have always loved Roberta singing this song, since i first heard it. Most people do not take the time to "hear" it to hear her great fabulous powerful voice and the emotions she sings into it and along with it. many thank you, thank you's for listening and reacting.

[@kevinrombouts3027]

This us one of the most beautiful songs ever written and Roberta - well this in itself gives her legendary status. Perhaps the finest delivery ever. Simply stunning.

[@ellipseanostalrius1710]

This is such a lovely song. So beautiful.

[@dexmandrake1668]

Roberta Flack is one of my all time faves!!! Ind I LOVE your reactionn!

[@dustywestwood8326]

I can tell you when and where I first heard this.This is so much more than just listening to music. This is a spiritual experience. Still is.

[@djdelugach2402]

Thank you Roberta for that masterpiece...I remember this song so well from 1972....What an angelic voice!

[@davidscroggins7728]

Love you Rogue. I believe Roberta Flack is one of the greatest female singers to ever live! And I love that song. Don't forget David Phelps LOL can't wait for your reactions and to see you again

[@Freddels1]

Ron Carter on bass. My mother used to play this over and over in the early 70's. It's burned into my memory and it takes me back.

[@boosuedon]

II remember the first time hearing this song. It was "perfect"!

[@JSBIRD69]

I'm pretty sure Roberta earned her place in heaven... just by this performance alone.

[@philreichenbach2413]

The original album version of this song is quite a bit slower, and has no orchestra behind it. It's just the piano, a bass, a drum set, and Roberta's voice. It's very sparse and much longer, and the radio stations hated it. But it was amazingly beautiful, even more than this version. Roberta's voice was strong and full of emotion. It was like listening to a goddess with longing in her heart. If you get some spare time, you should listen to it. Make sure you have lots of tissue, and be sure to leave a LOT of time afterwards to be simply stunned by what you have heard.

[@deanroddey2881]

Oh, I just posted the same thing before I saw this. The studio version is a slow burner, with an amazing cello part that almost sounds like a synth sometimes. The dynamics and her having plenty of time to really use her voice, it's superior in every way.

[@Missangie827]

agreed-her voice doesn't need anything -

[@davidcullen6797]

Amen to that.

[@mohammedomar4652]

absolutely bang on right. you have voice like that .. why do you need the orchestra?

[@kirksmith2051]

The original studio recording of this song is a masterpiece.

[@josephsjarvis585]

Adore that song & wow Roberta Flack voice gorgeous as the song

[@jesusgarcia-xf9ge]

My favorite version! Never tire of it. Great choice.

[@lazaruslong8092]

Another great reaction. Lucky enough to have seen her in concert. Most romantic song of all, at least as performed by Roberta, with her amazing voice and emotional expression of the lyrics.

[@RicardoBlue1000]

I love watching you appreciate the music. Much love sister

[@joewiley62]

One of the great voices of all time...nice..!!!

[@scotterboy3000]

Roberta had a golden voice. By the way..a wonderful and kind person as well

[@dugdoll3295]

A favorite of mine in the slowed down version #1 💝 Ewan MacColl lyrics 🎼with Roberta 🗣️🎹 vocals and Piano 🙌

[@alexzander1839]

RogueRxyce, that face!!! is just one of amazement for good music.

[@craigmccausland1183]

Hey, love is grand, the absolute best thing in life, and that song so richly captures that glorious feeling.

[@SweetColo]

Flashback ... my bestie and I in 1977, seniors, driving to a party, this song came on, we were mesmerized, then the melancholy set in...we went home. 😫😫😫😂😂😂

[@liamwilliams6088]

This beautiful song was written by James Henry Miller, better known by his stage name Ewan MacColl, who was a folk singer-songwriter, folk song collector, labour activist, and actor. Born: 25 January 1915, Broughton, Salford, United Kingdom Died: 22 October 1989, Brompton, London

[@Lemonteadrinker]

Wasn't he Kirsty McColls dad?

[@liamwilliams6088]

@@Lemonteadrinker Yes! Kirsty Anna MacColl was an English singer and songwriter, the daughter of folk singer Ewan MacColl. She recorded several pop hits in the 1980s and 1990s, including "There's a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" and cover versions of Billy Bragg's "A New England" and the Kinks' "Days". Kirsty Anna MacColl died on December 18, 2000

[@user-vm5ud4xw6n]

Always loved this! Beautiful voice!

[@Talon6551]

Roberta was amazing and so under rated. One of my all time favorites. Such a clear powerful voice.