Introduction
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a timeless ballad that has touched the hearts of millions worldwide. While often associated with Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1970 rendition, the song’s origins trace back to the 1950s and the folk music scene.
The song was originally written by Scottish poet and singer Ewan MacColl in 1957, and it first appeared on his album “The Singer’s Singer” in 1960. The lyrics express a profound sense of love and longing, capturing the transformative power of a first encounter. MacColl’s version, with its raw emotion and simple arrangement, resonated with audiences and established the song as a folk classic.
In the 1960s, the song gained further popularity through covers by artists like Roberta Flack and Tom Jones. However, it was Engelbert Humperdinck’s version that catapulted the song to international fame. Released in 1970, Humperdinck’s rendition, with its lush orchestral arrangement and his distinctive voice, became a massive hit, topping charts around the world and earning him a Grammy Award for Best Pop Male Vocal Performance.
The song’s enduring appeal lies in its universal message of love and its ability to evoke strong emotions. Its simple yet powerful lyrics, combined with its memorable melody, have made it a beloved standard in the world of popular music. Whether performed as a folk ballad or a grand orchestral piece, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” continues to resonate with listeners, reminding us of the transformative power of love and the enduring nature of human connection.