Brilliant singer and a classically trained pianist. The kind of talent Roberta had isn't appreciated by the pop music industry anymore. She didn't write this or was even the first to perform it, but she owned it.
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was written by Ewan MacColl in 1957 for his lover Peggy Seeger. She would later become his wife. The song was covered by a number of folk artists in the 1960’s. Roberta Flacks 1972 cover was by far the best and most successful cover of this beautiful song. Her gorgeous voice and emotional sensitivity are perfect! You look absolutely stunning today!!!
Nice history of the song, thanks, didn't know all that. As for the stunning today part, with the Empress, every day is a stunning day, it's just a matter of what level of stunning we get to see from video to video. Will agree though, this level of stunning is a real treat for the eyes (she seems like a real sweetie too, love the expressions)
His daughter Kirsty, R.I.P., was awesome in her own right, I would like to see Empress react to his song Sweet Thames Flow Softly, sung by Christy Moore, Sinead O'Connor and I believe it is Ewans son sitting in as well on that, not sure. But while we're on Christy Moore check out Viva la Quince Brigada or Black is the Colour. Sinead, She Moved Through the Fair. Kirsty of course, Fairytale of New York City or I am partial to the chip shop song
Hey, first! Cool. Believe it or not, Joy, this live version is faster than the studio track. Roberta comes from the time long before autotune. A true vocalist...
This song, by this beautiful woman, is IMHO, one of the best songs ever performed and recorded. No lip sync. No autotune. Just a stunning performance!! Great choice. Lovely reaction. ✌️
I’m 61. And have heard a plethora of music over the decades. This song - I still consider the most beautiful song that I’ve ever heard in my life. Hands down.
Thank you Empress! This song was released in 69 and always reminds me of my wife of 50 years. We married in 1970, and it means a lot to us. We renewed our vows last year on Zoom and used this beautiful song for celebration. Thanks again!❤
As expected there are some comments that refer to the urban legend that after giving birth Roberta Flack looked at her newborn child and then wrote this song. When her child was born the song was already more than 15 years old. Ewan McColl wrote the song for his girlfriend (later his wife) Peggy Seeger who sang the original version in 1957. The song has been covered during the 60s by several artists, for example The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul & Mary. Another popular urban legend is that Roberta Flack attended a performance by Don McLean whose song inspired her to write Killing me softly. Also not true. Lori Lieberman attended Don's performance and she (co-)wrote Killing me softly and sang the original version one year before Roberta's cover.
I can't believe I forgot how great this song is until I saw your reaction. Roberta Flack recorded a masterpiece with this one and her talent is extraordinary. I love your reactions they are so genuine and worth every second.
I love Love LOVE Roberta Flack. Such an amazing voice. Hers is THE definitive version of this song (this is not originally her song and a LOT of other people have performed it.) No one else comes even close. The songs she recorded with Donny Hathaway are simply amazing. You should react to her singing Where Is The Love with Donny Hathaway!
I, like other old men here, remember the song and the first time we saw our loved ones faces, so many years ago. And now, almost half a century later, I still miss her when she goes to the grocery store, and feel that same magic when I see her walking through the door again. That's a love story that I'm lucky to have, and that I hope never ends . . .
You're looking fabulous Empress! 💕 Roberta Flack definitely was an amazing performer, and I'm even more impressed that she sang like that while playing the piano! 😳
Any that plays a song or cries in their wedding is ignorant or just retarded. That same person will likely turn on you in the future. Fools gold. That's a song that is appropriate for the love you have for your children when they are born and little kids. All romantic love is extinguished eventually.
My beautiful Empress thing song makes me think of you immediately and Im happy to see you react to it. You look so lovely ofcourse as always 💗 ❤❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🥰
So impressed you really listened to the lyrics and how she pronounced every word - not everyone does that. Such a beautiful, simple English song with such strong words: eye, hand, mouth, sun, moon, etc., sung by such a great artist!
Beautiful song,beautiful lady if I'm not mistaken she won the Grammy award for best song of the year two years in a row with this song and killing me softly. Almost won third in row for duet with Donnie Hathaway.
Pure magic!! Wonderful live performance by the marvelously talented Roberta Flack, and great reaction from the always underrated and under appreciated Empress JJ!!! It is always a great pleasure to hang out on your channel, so thank you for the opportunity!! For some future reactions please consider "Old Man" from Neil Young, live in 1971 and "Why" by Annie Lennox! Continued best wishes to you for much great success on your channel!
What I love about you folks is that you make a person fall in love with the song all over again. It's very easy for someone of my Generation to take this Music for Granted because I grew up on it, yet having you guys hear it for the first time and be so moved makes me proud to know that I grew up on this. No Autotune, No TH-cam, Music Videos (Not that there's anything wrong with that). No Idol, Popstars, "Talent" Franchise, or The Voice.
You're a sweetheart Joy. You should really listen to her studio recording of the song. For this, she won all kind of awards. This performance here was rushed through the song due to time constraints on T.V. It is much slower and more meaningful on the studio version. Heartfelt. Keep up the great journey you're on. Take care. 💓
She's a National Treasure. She also became a DJ in future years. She's also done her interpretations of other people's music like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles, written by Carole King & her former Husband Gerry Coffin. It made history by being the first Song by a Girlband to go to Number One.
This was beyond wonderful, Empress! It's been years since I've heard this song. It was a joy to hear it again. And your reaction to it was unparalleled. Really took me back. Thank you for this. Here's to your next reaction. 🙏🙂💜
Great reaction. One of the truly great vocal performances, in terms of emotional impact, of all time. I was lucky to have seen her live back in the 1970's. Song has been covered/performed by others many times, but no one else comes close.
@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN - Music is like math a universal language yet unlike math it has nothing to do with logic, just pure emotion! Also you are most welcome! On reflection there might be a little bit of math in there but without the good stuff it means nothing!
The first 1,000 people to use this link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/empressjoyjean07211
Brilliant singer and a classically trained pianist. The kind of talent Roberta had isn't appreciated by the pop music industry anymore. She didn't write this or was even the first to perform it, but she owned it.
Yes, she did amazing, she owned it! @David Levin
💯
“The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” was written by Ewan MacColl in 1957 for his lover Peggy Seeger. She would later become his wife. The song was covered by a number of folk artists in the 1960’s. Roberta Flacks 1972 cover was by far the best and most successful cover of this beautiful song. Her gorgeous voice and emotional sensitivity are perfect! You look absolutely stunning today!!!
Thank you @Scott Craft
Nice history of the song, thanks, didn't know all that. As for the stunning today part, with the Empress, every day is a stunning day, it's just a matter of what level of stunning we get to see from video to video. Will agree though, this level of stunning is a real treat for the eyes (she seems like a real sweetie too, love the expressions)
His daughter Kirsty, R.I.P., was awesome in her own right, I would like to see Empress react to his song Sweet Thames Flow Softly, sung by Christy Moore, Sinead O'Connor and I believe it is Ewans son sitting in as well on that, not sure. But while we're on Christy Moore check out Viva la Quince Brigada or Black is the Colour.
Sinead, She Moved Through the Fair. Kirsty of course, Fairytale of New York City or I am partial to the chip shop song
Her song killing me softly is amazing
Hey, first! Cool. Believe it or not, Joy, this live version is faster than the studio track. Roberta comes from the time long before autotune. A true vocalist...
The studio version is incredible.
This song is by far the most moving love song ever written, 2 words to describe it, Impossibly beautiful!!
This song, by this beautiful woman, is IMHO, one of the best songs ever performed and recorded. No lip sync. No autotune. Just a stunning performance!! Great choice. Lovely reaction. ✌️
This gets me emotional every time I hear it. Brings me back to my bride and I starting our life together over 48 years ago. Thanks my friend. 😊🌹🌹🌹
I’m 61. And have heard a plethora of music over the decades. This song - I still consider the most beautiful song that I’ve ever heard in my life. Hands down.
Thank you Empress! This song was released in 69 and always reminds me of my wife of 50 years. We married in 1970, and it means a lot to us. We renewed our vows last year on Zoom and used this beautiful song for celebration. Thanks again!❤
Wow! That's so beautiful. My greetings to your wife @Milton Slocum
@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN Thanks Empress!🤗
As expected there are some comments that refer to the urban legend that after giving birth Roberta Flack looked at her newborn child and then wrote this song. When her child was born the song was already more than 15 years old.
Ewan McColl wrote the song for his girlfriend (later his wife) Peggy Seeger who sang the original version in 1957. The song has been covered during the 60s by several artists, for example The Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul & Mary.
Another popular urban legend is that Roberta Flack attended a performance by Don McLean whose song inspired her to write Killing me softly. Also not true. Lori Lieberman attended Don's performance and she (co-)wrote Killing me softly and sang the original version one year before Roberta's cover.
I can't believe I forgot how great this song is until I saw your reaction. Roberta Flack recorded a masterpiece with this one and her talent is extraordinary. I love your reactions they are so genuine and worth every second.
Thank you @Jeffrey Ulibarri
Killing Me Softly is her other biggest hit. try the studio version
A stunning piece of music. Roberta's voice is so emotive and soulful. Perfection.
I love this song so much. It really touches my heart
Empress, this song sounds like the way you look - classy, elegant, expressive, and beautiful.
I love Love LOVE Roberta Flack. Such an amazing voice. Hers is THE definitive version of this song (this is not originally her song and a LOT of other people have performed it.) No one else comes even close. The songs she recorded with Donny Hathaway are simply amazing. You should react to her singing Where Is The Love with Donny Hathaway!
Now you know why people have been requesting you hear this. We wanted to see your face hearing this - 🔥
A gorgeous song,a gorgeous reaction,and a gorgeous lady 🙂😇
Hard to believe that her fantastic recording of this song is nearly 50 years old. She is still with us at 84.
Empress the first time ever I saw your face 💕🌷
Universal love song.
You're right @Timothy Peterson
I, like other old men here, remember the song and the first time we saw our loved ones faces, so many years ago. And now, almost half a century later, I still miss her when she goes to the grocery store, and feel that same magic when I see her walking through the door again. That's a love story that I'm lucky to have, and that I hope never ends . . .
You're looking fabulous Empress! 💕
Roberta Flack definitely was an amazing performer, and I'm even more impressed that she sang like that while playing the piano! 😳
Absolutely love this record, a beautiful song by a beautiful woman singing from her heart ♥
this was our wedding song, it's so beautiful...
Sure, you must have had a beautiful wedding @Jenny Purcell
@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN thank you, we did, it was amazing.
And now you are divorced.
Any that plays a song or cries in their wedding is ignorant or just retarded. That same person will likely turn on you in the future. Fools gold. That's a song that is appropriate for the love you have for your children when they are born and little kids. All romantic love is extinguished eventually.
One of my favorite love songs of all time. Superb lyrics, melody and execution!
Absolutely love Roberta Flack!!!
WOW.....A great song too.
Talking about her child.❤
Roberta Flack - Killing ME Softly
Classic thanks
You cannot NOT be in love to sing a song like this with that much emotion in your voice.
An amazing song sung by a Lady with a stellar voice! Grandeur!
Gotta love it
It's such a beautiful, heartfelt song. One of those that reach deep inside.
If the angels in heaven don't sound like her I'm going to be disappointed
Beautiful...she always was a quality vocalist.
Roberta Flack, Truly A Legend.
Its a pity some of the modern singers couldnt sing like this. Just pure talent.
The song is iconic. Will last through the ages.
My beautiful Empress thing song makes me think of you immediately and Im happy to see you react to it. You look so lovely ofcourse as always 💗 ❤❤❤❤🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🥰
I love getting to gather and sharing this with you.
What an incredible voice ,great song
So impressed you really listened to the lyrics and how she pronounced every word - not everyone does that. Such a beautiful, simple English song with such strong words: eye, hand, mouth, sun, moon, etc., sung by such a great artist!
Oh my God.. the song that I sing to the love of my life! Thank you for highlighting it! 😎
Beautiful song,beautiful lady if I'm not mistaken she won the Grammy award for best song of the year two years in a row with this song and killing me softly. Almost won third in row for duet with Donnie Hathaway.
Thank you @Fred Marinovich
It's good she won awards with this song. Well deserved!
One of the most beautiful voice and song, From a very beautiful lady just amazing 🥰
One of the most beautiful voices ever to grace this earth. Like Karen Carpenter, when you hear her voice, you stop and listen---and drink it in.
Best love song ever, especially when by Roberta.. live…
Pure magic!! Wonderful live performance by the marvelously talented Roberta Flack, and great reaction from the always underrated and under appreciated Empress JJ!!! It is always a great pleasure to hang out on your channel, so thank you for the opportunity!! For some future reactions please consider "Old Man" from Neil Young, live in 1971 and "Why" by Annie Lennox! Continued best wishes to you for much great success on your channel!
This was probably her best & most beautiful performance of this song.
EMPRESS,
Every time I hear this song my emotions get the better of me, In a good way. 😁😁
I love this song! Roberta Flack has a very beautiful voice. Nobody can sing this song the way she can. This song is just as beautiful as you are!!
I can still hear the vinyl crack to this song, beautiful.
Beautiful Song, beautiful reaction ,and beautiful woman. Thanks
What I love about you folks is that you make a person fall in love with the song all over again. It's very easy for someone of my Generation to take this Music for Granted because I grew up on it, yet having you guys hear it for the first time and be so moved makes me proud to know that I grew up on this. No Autotune, No TH-cam, Music Videos (Not that there's anything wrong with that). No Idol, Popstars, "Talent" Franchise, or The Voice.
One of the most beautiful songs ever written.
This song makes my heart beats faster. Roberta Flack is just a legend.
@Ana Campos I definitely felt same listening to it.
The most beautiful love song. ❤
Utterly amazing. Such peaks and valleys. Delicious.
One of the all time classics
Roberta is just perfection with the voice of angel
I saw her live in DC...She is an amazing artist! You'd like "Jesse" too ! So sensual yet innocent and beautiful.
You're a sweetheart Joy.
You should really listen to her studio recording of the song. For this, she won all kind of awards. This performance here was rushed through the song due to time constraints on T.V.
It is much slower and more meaningful on the studio version. Heartfelt.
Keep up the great journey you're on.
Take care. 💓
I knew you would like it
Sure, I did 😀 thank you @Drenda Parfitt
You bet
She's a National Treasure. She also became a DJ in future years. She's also done her interpretations of other people's music like "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" by The Shirelles, written by Carole King & her former Husband Gerry Coffin. It made history by being the first Song by a Girlband to go to Number One.
Hauntingly emotional.
A magnificent song,...sang magnificently !!
A simply beautiful song ❤
Truly beautiful @Wendy Ward
Empress this song is as beautiful as you are.....thanks so much for this....
Roberta Flack is a legend and a true Diva. She reminds me of Leona Lewis though. Would love to see you react to one of her songs. "Trouble" maybe.
Fantastic lady with a beautiful voice
A moving song, full of raw feelings. Not many of these songs about.
This was beyond wonderful, Empress! It's been years since I've heard this song. It was a joy to hear it again. And your reaction to it was unparalleled. Really took me back. Thank you for this. Here's to your next reaction. 🙏🙂💜
What an amazing musician and singer.
One of my favorite songs ever. She song it with perfection 💜
RIP Roberta
Why?. she's not dead
Great reaction. One of the truly great vocal performances, in terms of emotional impact, of all time. I was lucky to have seen her live back in the 1970's. Song has been covered/performed by others many times, but no one else comes close.
Wow!!! That was amazing!! Thank you, Empress!
One of the great female singers. Her and Karen Carpenter, among a few others, are at the top of the list.
Looking extra beutiful Empress!!!
♥️😊♥️😊♥️
Roberta is a favorite of mine. Also listen to her signature song Killing Me Softly
Hi Empress Joy-Jean, This was a wonderful reaction to such a classic love song and a great artist: Roberta Flack!!!
The most beautiful woman on TH-cam reacting to one of the most beautiful songs ever wrttien.
Impresionante canción con una de las voces más importantes de la historia
An angel
I love the honesty of your emotions!
Thank you @Nemo Says
@@EMPRESSJOYJEAN - Music is like math a universal language yet unlike math it has nothing to do with logic, just pure emotion!
Also you are most welcome!
On reflection there might be a little bit of math in there but without the good stuff it means nothing!
oh so beautiful song a lovely voice
Empress I have never heard this version - loved it Thankyou !
Such a great song and Roberta made you feel every emotion.
One of my favorites
Beautiful written
Not sure I've heard this song before, however it sounds familiar, great voice which I can see you enjoyed very much!!
Hi Ms. Empress, Beautiful Song and Performance by my fellow Tar Heel (we are both from North Carolina).. ♠W.G.
You know sometimes you can't say the right words at the right time/, then someone puts it in a song my dear.
Great song. I once had a chat with the bloke who wrote it.
beautiful song and you look beautiful like always.
Beautiful song ! Almost as beautiful as you
Great song..
You know empress.. You do bring me joy, your reactions always cheer me up. They help me remember what I love about music.