Introduction
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” is a song with a rich and layered history, far predating Engelbert Humperdinck’s popular rendition. While Humperdinck’s version brought the song to a wider audience in the early 1970s, its origins lie in the folk music scene of the late 1950s.
The song was written by Ewan MacColl in 1957 for Peggy Seeger, who would later become his wife. MacColl, a prominent figure in the British folk revival, originally composed it as part of a play, and it was initially a simple, intimate love song. It was intended as a song of pure, unadorned emotional expression, reflecting the deep affection MacColl held for Seeger.
Peggy Seeger herself first recorded the song in 1957, in a much more understated arrangement than later popular versions. Her rendition captured the song’s original, raw emotional core. Over the years, the song circulated within folk circles, gaining recognition for its poignant lyrics and simple melody.
However, it was Roberta Flack’s 1972 recording that propelled “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” to mainstream success. Flack’s soulful, slow-burning rendition, featured in Clint Eastwood’s film “Play Misty for Me,” resonated deeply with audiences, earning her a Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Her version transformed the song into a timeless classic, imbuing it with a sense of romantic intensity and spiritual depth that transcended its folk origins.
Engelbert Humperdinck’s 1972 recording came in the wake of Roberta Flack’s massive success. Humperdinck, known for his romantic ballads, delivered a lush, orchestral interpretation, emphasizing the song’s emotional grandeur. While his version may not have achieved the critical acclaim of Flack’s, it further solidified the song’s place in popular culture, showcasing its versatility and enduring appeal.
Thus, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” has journeyed from its humble beginnings as a personal love song within the British folk scene to become a beloved standard, interpreted by numerous artists across genres. Each rendition, from Peggy Seeger’s intimate original to Roberta Flack’s soulful masterpiece and Engelbert Humperdinck’s sweeping ballad, has contributed to the song’s enduring legacy, highlighting its power to evoke profound emotions of love and connection.