I just heard the sad news of the death at the age of 88 of the wonderful singer Roberta Flack. Many years ago I posted my favourite song of hers (performed live on Top of the Pops way back in 1972) but it seems the link I used is now broken so I’ll post the original version. Roberta Flack’s The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face first appeared on her album First Take back in 1969 but it didn’t become a hit until it featured in Clint Eastwood’s (1971) film Play Misty For Me. Incidentally, the bass player on this track is the great Ron Carter.
It’s probably the most beautiful love song I’ve ever heard and to my mind it hasn’t dated at all in 50 years. I suppose if you’ve ever felt about someone the way it describes you never forget…
Rest in peace, Roberta Flack (1937-2025). To the dark, and the endless skies.
In the Dark 